Fossil-free Energy Fair is July 26 at SRU

Staff report

SLIPPERY ROCK, PA.

The Slippery Rock Sustainable Enterprise Accelerator and Marcellus Outreach Butler will host their second-annual Fossil-free Energy Fair from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 26 at Slippery Rock University’s Advanced Technology and Science Hall.

The event is dedicated to educate the public to the economic and climate benefits of alternate forms of energy.

“The Fossil-free Energy Fair is the premier event in western Pennsylvania focusing on combating climate change by changing how we generate power for our homes and industry,” said fair coordinator Lou Hancherick. “If Germany, which produces 50 percent of its energy from solar, with fewer sun days than we have, can do it, we most certainly can.”

The fair’s theme is “Energizing for a Sustainable Future” and will feature an exclusive video address by Bill McKibben, co-founder of 350.org. The event’s keynote speaker is Dr. Robert Hinds, professor emeritus from SRU. His lecture will address the move to renewable energy and its importance.

Dr. John Golden, from the Sustainable Enterprise Accelerator, will speak on the economic benefits of sustainable-energy enterprises.

Activities for children will be provided by the Jennings Environmental Education Center. Children 8 and older can participate in games such as “Fun with the Sun” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Entertainment will include films, live music and a clown. Free hot dogs, cooked with solar-generated power, will be served.

Exhibitors including solar installers, energy-choice suppliers, electric-car representatives and others will be present to discuss and display their products and services.