LOCK HAVEN - A 30-foot inflatable globe of the earth will be among the highlights of this year's Green Energy Fair, from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at the Central Mountain Middle School gymnasium.
"Bring your children - they will love it," said state Sen. John Wozniak, D-Johnstown, of the earth balloon exhibit. Wozniak was instrumental in getting The Learning Lamp, an educational services organization out of Johnstown, to bring the earth balloon to the Energy Fair.
"I've been working with The Learning Lamp for years, and their programs cover children from pre-school on up," Wozniak said. "They do an excellent job, and the earth balloon is something that people of all ages will want to see and experience."
Wozniak and state Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Lock Haven, are co-hosting the Green Energy Fair, which is designed to provide people with practical information and ideas for improving energy efficiency and reducing their energy costs. The fair will showcase alternative and renewable energy resources, as well as sound conservation and environmentally-friendly products and practices. Exhibitors will include companies and organizations such as energy and hearting efficiency experts, home improvement and supply firms, utility companies, recycling specialists and conservation organizations.
The nearly 20-foot-high earth balloon is one of The Learning Lamp's many traveling science programs. The giant sailcloth sphere uses state-of-the-art satellite imagery, and education occurs both outside and inside the globe. Groups of up to 25 people will be able to enter the earth balloon through a zippered doorway at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean - it's a unique perspective of planet Earth.
"The earth balloon is an unforgettable way to engage people, especially youth, in topics such as the environment, earth science, geography, and even math and social studies," said Wozniak. "It's an effective way to educate people about pollution, climate, eco-systems, the weather and much more."
In addition to the earth balloon, Green Energy Fair-goers will be able to see a range of other exhibitors. So far, about 20 other businesses and organizations have signed on to display products and information. Businesses interested in participating can still contact Wozniak's local office at 748-1383 or Hanna's office at 748-5480 for registration information.
Admission to the Green Energy Fair is free, and both Wozniak and Hanna are encouraging people to attend.
