Evansville Energy Fair builds community awareness

In April, the member community of Evansville, Wis. sponsored a free Earth Day celebration that focused on energy savings, renewable energy and environmental protection. The Evansville Community Earth Day Energy Fair was sponsored by Evansville Water & Light, WPPI Energy, the Evansville Community School District and Evansville Community Partnership.

This community-wide event used family fun and entertainment to bring serious energy messages to residents. The event featured energy exhibits on a variety of topics, including energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy, electric-powered vehicles, sustainable agriculture and more. Exhibitors from locations throughout the Midwest demonstrated technologies such as wind power, obtaining energy from soybean-based fuels and solar energy.

To further emphasize environmental protection, 4,700 pounds of computers and electronics were collected for safe, responsible recycling. Visitors also received a coupon for a free compact fluorescent light bulb, to be used in place of a less efficient incandescent bulb.

The annual event attracts 1,500 - 2,000 attendants and requires the efforts of more than 125 volunteers.

Mayor Sandy Decker said of the event, "Evansville's annual energy fair is a grassroots event, now in its eighth year, that promotes environmental stewardship through conservation, energy efficiency, and use of renewables. The progressive science curriculum in our schools, dedicated efforts of our teachers and strong business and citizen involvement ensure quality programming and exhibits. The successful family-friendly evenings demonstrate our commitment to energy awareness and exemplify our agricultural heritage, which values sustainability."

For more information about Evansville, visit www.ci.evansville.wi.gov.