Black bear eating from my apple tree, August night, 2012

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Sustainable Living Fair

If you're like me, there are so many things happening in the Fort Collins area each summer that you have to plan ahead to be sure you don't miss the ones you really want to attend. That's why I am taking this opportunity to remind my readers of the upcoming 12th Annual Sustainable Living Fair, Saturday and Sunday, September 17 and 18, at Legacy Park. This is an event that has something for everyone, whether interested in sustainable living or not--great food and beer, workshops, activities for the kiddos, live music, and lots of exhibits and information. From their website:

"The Sustainable Living Fair offers a weekend of solution-based, interactive, family-oriented events designed to educate people of all ages and backgrounds: renewable energy, alternative transportation, sustainable agriculture, green building, natural health, environmental & social responsibility, local economies and more.


The Fair features 10,000+ attendees, acclaimed Keynote Speakers, 250 exhibitors, 75 workshops, hands-on experiences, Family Planet with a Natural Parenting Nook, Natural Health and Healing Zone, live music and entertainment, our Real Food Market and Local Libations – featuring world class beer, wine, and mead.


The scenic Cache La Poudre River, Rocky Mountain Front, and the vibrant Arts and Culture, and local agriculture and economies of Fort Collins, Colorado offer a superb setting for the Fair.


The Sustainable Living Fair is an energetic, solutions based approach to building and enhancing community and our connections to a vibrant, healthy future."

With regard to the workshops, some are considered "extended" and require advance registration. (One example--learning to build a wind turbine.) Others will be open to anyone during the fair (our good friend Greg from the Laporte Old Feed Store will be talking backyard chickens, for example, on Saturday afternoon). Check out the workshop list here and sign up if interested in any of the extended ones:
http://www.sustainablelivingassociation.org/sustainable-living-fair/workshops/

The food at the fair is always delicious, and is provided by vendors who buy locally from organic farmers. Old-school favorites will be there this year, like Walrus Ice Cream and Pickle Barrel Deli, as well as other restaurants serving coffee, dessert, and ethnic food. Bring your own plate, cup and utensils to the fair to cut down on waste. It's encouraged and expected.
In another effort to cut down on trash, the beer tent will be serving its beverages in reusable pint glasses. I'm happy to report local favorites New Belgium and Odell breweries will be represented, as well as Redstone Meadery (honeywine--be careful--this stuff is STRONG!) from Boulder. Quaffs will cost four bucks each and you get to keep the glass. Here's the page that lists the food and drink vendors:
There's much more to see on the Fair website, so check it out soon to plan ahead for the events you're most interested in. Daily admission is only 8 dollars, and kids under 12 are free. Here are the directions to Legacy Park, from the website. See you there!

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