Lexington, KY - The 7th annual Bluegrass Green Expo, Oct. 30-31 will power its music stage with solar and wind generated electricity, offer a variety of workshops, a Kid's Expo, a trade show and exhibits. But this year's expo reaches for a new level by featuring what promises to be a spirited discussion on Kentucky's energy future between Kentucky writer Wendell Berry and Kentucky Coal Association President Bill Bissett. Berry and Bissett will be joined by Jason Delambre of Interdependent Energies and Jeff Hohman of East Kentucky Power Coop.
This year's expo will feature about 60 trade show participants - companies and non-profits working with home improvement and environmental concerns. The major sponsors of the event are the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence, the LFUCG Department for Environmental Quality, Kentucky Utilities, Fayette County Schools, Hensley-Elam, and WUKY.
Business Lexington
On Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m., Tom Martin of will moderate the discussion about energy production in Kentucky.
In attendance will be Austin Casebolt, a Pikeville high school student who was quoted in the May 29 Lexington Herald-Leader as saying, "My purpose is not necessarily to show that coal is the best way, but that coal is the way right now."
Phillip Henry-Sadlo, a coordinator for the Expo, said that Casebolt's statement inspired the idea for the panel discussion. "The focal question is how does Kentucky best move forward responsibly with coal in its energy portfolio," said Henry-Sadlo.
Photo voltaic solar panels and a wind turbine set up outside will feed electricity to the Expo's operations. Aur Beck's Traveling solar trailer, the Appalachian Science in the Public Interest solar array, and Bluegrass Wind Power will provide the renewable energy.
Workshops presenters include: John F. Robbins on understanding home energy use; Craig Lee on industrial hemp; Matt Partymiller on solar electric systems, Andy McDonald on solar water heating; Greg Capillo of Kentucky Environmental Foundation on preparing non-toxic home cleansers; Toni Kirkner on wind power; Van Meter Petit of Kentucky Housing on home energy efficiency; Richard Levine on affordable net-zero energy homes; Aur Beck on basic solar principles; Realtor Community Housing Foundation, Lowe's, and Lexington Home Builders Assoc. on winterization for low-income homeowners; Gary Watrouf on passive solar design; Dave Leonard on what not to do to your trees; Teresa Hendricks on fair trade; and Bobby Clark of Green Entrepreneurial Program on starting green businesses.
There will also be a number of educational exhibits, including a visit from the University of Kentucky solar car. Friends of Wolf Run and Neighbors United of South Elkhorn Creek will address local watershed issues. Feed Leaf, an organization for community gardening in Lexington will have a booth.
The Kid's Expo will have a songwriting workshop taught by Mitch Barrett for ages 12 to 18. A pumpkin patch along the Green Trail will be part of a scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting and other fun activities including a costumed energy parade with props made from recycled materials. Kentucky River Keeper and Bluegrass Pride will have educational activities. Applications are being accepted for kids to be part of a media team that will document the Expo with film, photography and recorded interviews (to apply call Kim Nicholson-Messmer: 859-339-0978).
The Expo is scheduled for Saturday, October 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 31, noon to 6 p.m. at Lexington Center's Heritage Hall.
For a review of the 2009 Green Expo, go to: http://tinyurl.com/2009GreenExpo