By Emily McMason
On May 4, the City of Lacey hosts the 16th annual Alternative Energy Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Huntamer Park in Woodland Square.
What happens when an event outgrows its name?
Years ago, the event focused on alternative energy, specifically alternative fuels. Originally, the day was focused on high school students racing alternative fuel vehicles. “When we began, these energies really were alternative, but all of that has changed. We still call it the Lacey Alternative Energy Fair, but now many of those energies are readily available and even mainstream,” explained Graeme Sackrison, who has been with the fair from the very beginning.
As the years passed, the fair has expanded to showcase many early-adopter ideas, and their work was noticed and recognized. In 2009 the fair won statewide recognition from the Washington Recreation and Park Association as the best in the category of Events, Fairs and Festivals. Sackrison was Mayor of the City of Lacey when the Fair received the award. He said at the time, “We’re proud to have received this outstanding statewide recognition from the WRPA. Promoting practical and meaningful use of renewable energy is a key priority in Lacey, and it’s gratifying to have the Alternative Energy Fair acknowledged for that effort.”
Today the fair is filled with family-friendly events from start to finish. Literally. While the starting interest for adults may be the residential solar and wind technology displays and the information on construction techniques that increase energy-savings, the cross-over point will most likely still be the cars. There will be electric and natural gas powered vehicles for kids and adults to see. And then, for the kids in all of us, are the races to the finish, including endurance races for electric vehicles and an MPG rally.
For Joe Lambrix, who is part of the fair’s all-volunteer organizing committee, it’s all about bringing awareness to the public. “Alternative energy is more than just a hybrid car. There are many alternatives – solar hot water heaters, all electric cars, solar panels made here in Washington State.”
Lambrix is President of Plug In Olympia, a local-non profit that exists as an information clearing house for alternative energies. Plug In Olympia will have many options on-hand during the fair forpeople to see and touch first hand, including silicon energy panels, roof mounting systems, home charging stations for electric vehicles, and the first all-electric Nissan Leaf purchased in Washington State.
“I’ve been a driver for InterCity Transit for many years, and this year they will be at the fair as well,” continued Lambrix.
“We’ll have energy efficient vendors and displays so people can see real world things, things that they can really do,” Sackrison added. This will include Generations Credit Union, who is offering low interest loans for solar installations. Puget Sound Energy will also be on-site.
Now back to the races. The rally, in which the public is encouraged to participate, includes driving a pre-selected course that starts and ends at Huntamer Park. Drivers and the family pit-crews can compare results with other contestants. Additional information for drivers to learn how to save gas and get better mileage in their own vehicles will also be available.
The Grand Prix will be a highlight. There are two brackets, one for high school racers as well as an open division.
River Ridge High School’s Electric Vehicle Club (RREV) will be participating in the high school race. Carl Schlegel, the club’s advisor, highlights the importance of dedication and follow-through the students experience in creating their electric vehicles. “RREV Club is done as both a leadership and a learning opportunity for students. Being a student-led club, success depends on how well they come together as a team. It is quite a process taking the vehicles from raw materials, parts and components, and actually getting them entered into a race, let alone holding together well enough to finish the race. Students have to figure out design problems and engineer the vehicles better after each race. It is a lot of trial and error, but generally if they can see what has worked and what failed them, they have a lot of information and new ideas after a race to head back to the shop and make those needed improvements,” explained Schlegel.
The high school race begins at 11:30 am, and the open race follows at 1:00 pm. The awards ceremony takes place at 3:00 p.m. Registration for the Grand Prix as well as the PPG rally race can be found on the fair’s website.
Whether you want to learn more about passive solar energy collection, or you are eager to actively cheer on River Ridge High School’s Electric Vehicle Club in the Grand Prix, the Lacey Alternative Energy Fair has something for everyone.
“We live in a world of constant change. The fair offers people a chance to see what new, what is the next big thing. What to look forward to in the next stretch of our future,” Sackrison summarized.
For more information about Lacey Alternative Energy Fair, click here.
