Renewable energy, sustainable agriculture fair set in Little Falls

LITTLE FALLS -- The fifth annual Windy River Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Fair will run in conjunction with the Morrison County Fair, July 27-30 at the fairgrounds in Little Falls.

The event will showcase local and regional innovations in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and green living. The fair will feature a fully operational 20kW wind turbine on-site. The tower tip-up ceremony is scheduled for July 20.

In addition to workshops on home energy conservation, solar options for home and cabin, wind power and geothermal, concurrent workshops will focus on small dairy operations, pastured poultry, organic certification and marketing, and rotational grazing.

July 30, there will be presentations and discussions on energy issues and policy, as well as a legislative forum with area commissioners and legislators.

The fair will feature regional music talents on the tent stage, including blues/R&B/bluegrass musician Jim Miller on July 27, the traditional band Corridor and Living Song on July 28, regional talent in an open music jam on July 29 and throughout the fair. Local food and fair trade refreshments will be served under the tent every morning, and a solar oven supper is scheduled featuring organic produce grown locally.

For more information about the fair, a flyer, brochure and updates, registration information and a detailed description of workshops, go to www.windyriver.us.

People or organizations that would like to volunteer or participate as an exhibitor should fill out the registration form at the Web site and mail it to the address on the form.

The Windy River Fair is a project of the Sustainable Farming Association of Central Minnesota and partners. Major sponsors in 2005 include The Water Foundation, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Program, the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Information Center, the Initiative Foundation, Minnesota Power and Crow Wing Power Community Trust, as well as the Hunt Utilities Group (LLC), Nash Foundation and Lowry Hill Foundation.