Bright ideas at the Kamloops Energy Fair on June 19

Meet B.C.’s suppliers of renewable energy systems, learn about energy-saving tips and products, and bring the kids along to the fourth annual Kamloops Energy Fair on June 19 at the McArthur Island Sports Centre. All are welcome to enjoy exhibits, workshops and activities for the whole family. Admission is free. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Kamloops Energy Fair is a community event and trade show demonstrating how we can all be more sustainable in our energy use in our homes, businesses, and transportation.

“Everybody wants to help with the challenge of climate change, but it’s hard to know how to go about it,” said organizer Cheryl Kabloona. “At the Energy Fair, you’ll find lots of ideas that everyone can try, plus products and services that can help people who are building or renovating their homes. Not only that, you’ll find they help to cut down on your energy bills at the same time.”

The Energy Fair this year features the Kamloops Green Dream Home, offering workshops on the new products and technologies that will make the home net-zero, generating as much energy as it consumes. A film showing the home’s construction steps will be premiered at the Energy Fair.

New features this year also include a wind farm developer and live streaming of interviews with exhibitors, workshop presenters, and visitors at www.yourkamloops.com/energyfair. The Darfield Earthship project will update us on their progress: bring your pop and beer cans to help them build the interior walls of their earth-friendly home.

Exhibitors will showcase renewable energy systems including solar hot water, wind, geothermal, and photovoltaic power. This is the place to find out about rebates and incentives for energy-saving home improvements, water conservation tips, a home energy meter that residents can borrow, and web-based building automation and energy management systems.

The Kamloops Garden Box Project has given beautiful handmade pine garden boxes to people who want to learn about growing food in a small space like a balcony or patio. Several of the garden boxes will be offered as door prizes. Come to the Energy Fair and fill out our visitor survey for a chance to win one of these gorgeous garden boxes!

Two student contests will have prizes awarded at the Energy Fair at 1 p.m. The Climate Change Showdown program offers workshops for Grades 5/6 in Kamloops, in partnership with the City of Kamloops. The Green Energy Contest encourages students of all ages, from kindergarten to Grade 12, to display projects about sustainable energy at the Energy Fair. Both programs are offering a sailing or kayaking day at the Shuswap for the top student or small team, a pizza party for the winning class, and other prizes for students.

The Energy Fair also includes fun activities for children and barbecue by Black Creek Ranch.

The event is sponsored by BC Hydro Power Smart, the City of Kamloops, and the Broadcast Centre (98.3 CIFM, CFJC TV7, B100 CKBZ).

The Kamloops Energy Fair is hosted by the Kamloops Chapter of the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA). For more information on the Energy Fair, see details on our website www.bcsea.org/energyfair with links to exhibitors listing, workshops, and contest.