It's fair time again!

I think the cold spring threw off my internal clock, because summer solstice snuck up on me this year.  Anyone who’s been into “green” for any amount of time knows what solstice means – it’s time for one of the biggest renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable living educational events in the world – the Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s Energy Fair – and it’s happening right here in Wisconsin!

Where: The Renew the Earth Institute in Custer, Wisconsin
7558 Deer Road, Custer, WI 54423
phone (715) 592-6595

When:  June 19-21, 2009

Hours:  Friday and Saturday from 9am to 7pm, Sunday from 9am to 5pm

The Energy Fair features hundreds of workshops and exhibits all emphasizing clean energy & sustainable living and is fun for the whole family.

 

Energy Fair Features

• Over 270 exhibitors
• Over 200 workshops
• Mass transit offered from Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay/Appleton, Chicago and Minneapolis.
• Free hourly shuttles from Stevens Point
• Clean Energy Car Show
• Green Home Pavilion
• Sustainable Table Workshop Area
• Educator Workshops
• Hands On Workshops
• Food, entertainment for the whole family!

 

Organic Valley will be serving up an all-organic breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning, with proceeds going to support the MREA. Come meet some Organic Valley farmer-owners, pick up the latest Rootstock magazine, and enjoy a delicious breakfast made with Organic Valley and Organic Prairie farm-fresh products.

This is the 20th Anniversary of the Fair, and it is filled to capacity with workshops and exhibitors showcasing a wide array of subjects.  Workshop topics range from Solar Hot Water, Solar Electric and Wind Installation on a residential and utility scale; to graywater systems and Humanure Composting; to Organic Eating on Dime, eco-driving and Yoga; to Seed Saving, Dehydrating and Canning and Year Round Gardening and so much more.  Take the time to stop in and learn something new.

 

Related Links:

The MREA Energy Fair official website    

Organic Valley Family of Farms

 

Summertime Popsicle Recipes
from MormonChic

My boys love popsicles, and it’s rare that I don’t have some in the freezer.  Here are a few fun recipes to get you started on your own homemade popsicle fun.

 

Watermelon Popsicles

Ingredients:

1 cup seedless watermelon chunks
1 cup orange juice
1 cup water
Popsicle sticks and cups

Directions:

Blend these ingredients into a blender, pour into molds, insert sticks, and freeze.

 

Creamsicles

Ingredients:

1 (6 oz) can peaches in light syrup or
2 fresh ripe peaches, sliced and pitted
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp sugar or honey (optional)
Popsicle sticks and cups

Directions:

Whip cream in a blender for 30-45 seconds. Add peaches and honey. Whir until smooth. Pour into molds, insert sticks and freeze.

 

Fruity Pops

Ingredients:

1 cup pineapple tidbits
1 small can mandarin oranges
2 cups white grape juice

Directions:

Combine all ingredients (can blend smooth if preferred). Pour into molds, making sure the fruit is evenly distributed. Freeze.