The third annual Floyd Energy Fest on Saturday, July 13th at Chantilly Farm promises a total immersion into the world of solar and geothermal energy, electric transportation, and high-performance homes.
The all-day event (from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), sponsored by SustainFloyd and Apple Ridge Farm, will feature speakers, exhibits, local food from Plenty!, Bootleg BBQ, and Gracious Day Grains, coffee brewed by Red Rooster and even solar-powered popsicles from Cocoa Mia.
Ask more than 20 vendors your questions about alternative energy, scrutinize two Teslas automobiles, tour a solar and wind-powered classroom, or just sit and listen to five fascinating speakers who work in the forefront of renewable power and technology. The SustainFloyd VoltzWagon, a solarized wagon that produces electricity for community events will also be on hand with a scheduled workshop from Rick Brown of Solshine Energy Alternatives.
Apple Ridge Farm will offer tours throughout the day to experience its E-base USA: Blue Ridge. It’s an off-grid solar and wind-powered classroom, housed in a 1917 boxcar donated by the National Railway Historical Society. There will also be a Kid Zone, managed by Apple Ridge with solar and wind-themed arts and crafts, Legos, and much more.
Presentations will begin at 10 a.m. with “Weathering Climate Chaos Where We Live & Climate Change,” followed by “The Latest in Energy Efficient Systems for the Home” at 11 a.m., “Solar Energy: Answers & Updates” at 12 p.m., “Geothermal Heating & Cooling: The Reliable Renewable” at 1 p.m., a panel discussion from Tiny Home Innovators at 2 p.m. and at 3 pm a presentation on “Sustainable Materials and Product Development at Virginia Tech”.
A “House of Pressure” workshop is also scheduled to show how homes can be safely tested from the inside out along with nature walks from an environmental education from Apple Ridge Farm around the grounds of Chantilly Farm. Virginia Tech’s Industrial Design and Architecture School will have on display 10 posters from their innovative students who have come up with some incredible ideas on renewable energy for the future. You don’t want to miss their display.
The Saturday, July 13th Floyd Energy Fest at Chantilly Farm will be held rain or shine. Admission will be $10.00 per family and $5.00 for individuals. Tickets will be sold at the door. Come ready to learn about renewable energy, play in the sun, and hungry for locally made and grown foods.
Chantilly Farm is a scenic outdoor events venue tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Floyd, Virginia (http://chantillyfarm.com/wp/#). The address is 2697 Franklin Pike SE,Floyd, VA 24091.
