The largest renewable energy fair in the South is back in Fredericksburg this fall after taking a year off to reorganize and find a new partner.
The 12th Renewable Energy Roundup and Green Living Fair will be held September 29 and 30th in the Market Square of Fredericksburg. The event includes workshops, entertainment and demonstrations and will feature more than 100 vendors and 70 speakers focused on renewable energy, organic/sustainable growing, green and efficient building and sustainable living and alternative transportation. (Tesla at the 2009 Renewable Energy Roundup - photo Phillip Shinoda)

Presentations will be made on wind, solar, renewables, green cleaning, organic gardening, bio fuels, alternative transportation and natural cooking. A remote control solar car race is included as part of the children’s activities.

The roundup is organized by the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association (TREIA) and its new partner, the Texas Center for Policy Review (TCPS). TREIA is the oldest renewable energy trade association in the state. TCPS is part of the Alliance for Clean Texas, a consortium working on Texas' Sunset review process for several state agencies including Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Texas Railroad Commission, and the Public Utility Commission.

The event, which routinely draws more than 7,500 people, will focus on providing individuals with the latest information on green products and technology, said Russel Smith, executive director of TREIA.  "Record setting drought impacts, food quality and cost concerns, electric generation adequacy problems, and ongoing worrisome environmental issues, are almost impossible to ignore. More folks are realizing every day that taking control of at least some of their own water, food, energy, and health needs makes more sense every day," said Smith. "The fair provides an opportunity for anyone to gain invaluable information and acquire the products, technologies and techniques to accomplish that."

North Texans show up in force at the roundup, and typically make up about 21 percent of attendees, said Debra Dubey, spokeswoman for the roundup. North Texas companies that exhibit at the fair include Exceltech, North Texas Renewable Energy, Renewable Energy Systems Education & Training, Red Caboose Winery and others.  “Many of the attendees are loyal and come back annually from regions all across the state,” she said. “For many it's become a green fall tradition to head to the Hill Country for the Roundup.”

Jim Duncan, president of North Texas Renewable Energy in Fort Worth, said this is the company’s ninth time at the roundup.  “It’s a good time to get you name out there,” he said. “North Texans have been among the largest number of attendees—some years even more than people from Austin.”

The roundup starts on the evening of September 28 with a workshop, student environmental programs and welcome reception (pre-registration required). The next two days are full of lectures, tent talks, exhibitors and demonstrations. Gates open both days at 9 a.m. General admission is $15 per day, or a two-day pass for $25. Children age 12 and under are free.

For more details go to www.TheRoundup.org or call 830-997-2350 or email info@TheRoundup.org.


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