Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Green Frontier Fest and New Energy Station

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On August 24, the Sculpture Park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex will be transformed into Green Frontier Fest and New Energy Station, full of outdoor festivities. In addition to more than 100 green living exhibits, eco-carnival games and full-sized solar energy home, special guests will include Daryl Hannah, Governor Bill Ritter, Mayor John Hickenlooper and Van Jones. The special presentations, which will take place on a solar powered stage, are scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. - cont'd

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Daryl Hannah, an environmentalist and actress who has appeared in more than 60 films and television series, has received several awards recognizing her contributions to protecting the environment, including an Artivist Award for Environmental Preservation, a Water Quality Award for Environmental Activism and the Environmental Media's Ongoing Commitment Award, among others. A part-time Telluride, CO resident, Hannah also has a sustainability blog (www.dhlovelife.com), drives a biodiesel car and owns a solar-powered home built from green materials.

Also on hand at the event will be Van Jones, the founder and president of Green For All, whose mission is to build an inclusive, green economy strong enough to lift millions of people out of poverty. Jones is an advocate for "green-collar jobs and opportunities" for disadvantaged people and is committed to the fight against climate change. In 2007, Van Jones worked successfully with U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well as several others, to pass the Green Jobs Act of 2007. This legislation authorized funding to train 35,000 people a year in "green-collar jobs."

"This is a great opportunity for Denver and Colorado to showcase our green accomplishments and innovations, and we are delighted to add such dynamic speakers to the Green Frontier Fest lineup," said Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. "An enduring legacy project for our community and visitors, this event will create public awareness that lasts well beyond the Convention week."

Booth spaces for exhibitors sold out in less than six weeks, reaffirming the excitement and spirit of moving towards a green and sustainable future. The fun, educational event will provide knowledge that will not only facilitate a cleaner environment, but also provide guests with tips to ultimately save money and resources. The full-sized solar energy home, which will be open for tours, will demonstrate how new energy-saving technology can be incorporated in everyday life.

The Green Frontier Fest, which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free to the public, will also include a concert with U.S. Pipe and other live bands and musicians. Guests can also try delicious local and sustainable foods, wine and beer.

NEW ENERGY STATION
Taking place in tandem with the Green Frontier Fest on Sunday, then continuing throughout the Democratic National Convention, the New Energy Station will showcase Denver and Colorado's new energy innovations through a number of displays and applications in Sculpture Park that highlight environmentally-responsible energy technologies and practices. Also located at Sculpture Park with free admission, New Energy Station will be open to the public Aug. 24 - 28, 10a.m. to 6p.m. (Green Frontier Fest is a single day event on Aug. 24.)

Showcasing a wide array of clean energy solutions, the New Energy Station reaffirms Colorado's place as one of the leaders in the New Energy future for the nation and world.

"The New Energy Station and Green Frontier Fest are just two examples of our commitment to make this convention the greenest possible," Mayor Hickenlooper stated. "We're fortunate to have so many great new energy organizations willing to come together to enlighten the public about the technology, products, and services available for greener living. The technologies being displayed at New Energy Station are integral parts in the future economic development of Denver, Colorado and the nation."

Highlights of the New Energy Station include the Solar Decathlon House that demonstrates the latest in residential efficiency and solar technology, a 140-foot long wind turbine blade, a bike station that will be powered by a mobile solar unit and the new Xcel Smart Grid application display - an innovation found in Boulder, CO - the first city in the U.S. to deploy this Smart Grid system.

For more information, please visit www.greenfrontierfest.com or www.denverconvention2008.com.