Solar Festival Debuts Tomorrow | Blogh

Friday, June 20, 2014

Solar Festival Debuts Tomorrow

Posted By on Fri, Jun 20, 2014 at 9:21 AM

A new solar festival — complete with live music and food trucks, along with info on solar energy — takes place tomorrow in Millvale Riverfront Park.

The Allegheny SolarFest is presented by the Solar Unified Network of Western Pennsylvania, the Sierra Club and the Borough of Millvale.

The festival runs 12-7 p.m. The park (hint, hint) is easily accessible via the riverfront bike trail, which runs direct from the North Side.

Vendors will be on hand, and workshops held, with info about solar energy and energy efficiency for homes and businesses. The workshops cover topics including: solar-powered aquaponics; efficient solar home design; community solar projects; and advocating for renewable energy laws in Pennsylvania.

The eclectic live music includes Ben Shannon, Timbeleza, Nox Boys and Turpentiners, with the Pandemic DJs working between sets. The stage, naturally, will be solar-powered — as will the whole fest, in fact, according to a press release.

The food trucks include Pittsburgh Taco, Randita’s, Pittsburgh Pierogi, South Side BBQ Company and Kona Ice.

There’ll also be a Venture Outdoors climbing wall, bicycle-powered water cannons and a display of electric vehicles, including a Tesla. You can even try an electric-assist bicycle.

Oh, and, in case you’re wondering, why Millvale?

“Our community library is powered with solar and we have plans to expand the use of solar throughout the borough with our new Allegheny Solar Cooperative project,” said Brian Wolovich, Millvale Borough Councilman and Millvale Community Library President, in a press release. “Our community-focused development plans are transforming a legacy community built around old energy into a desirable, livable community of the future. Clean energy is paramount to that vision.”

The Solar Unified Network of Western Pennsylvania is a coalition of the region’s leading solar installation and development companies, support businesses, solar owners, and advocates devoted to proliferating solar in the region through awareness, education and legislative support.

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