(images courtesy of the Solar Living Institute)

Looking for some eco-friendly family fun? Then get yourselves to California's Mendocino County for the weekend of August 16th and 17th and visit SolFest 2008, the world’s premier two-day celebration of renewable energy and sustainable living. Since SolFest was created by the Solar Living Institute in 1996, over 100,000 people have learned how to change the world while having fun.

SolFest is a family affair with more programs and workshops for children added each year. The Family Stage features music, clowns, puppets and ‘edu-tainment’ for all ages. Musical acts New Monsoon, Maria Muldaur, Blane Lyon, Albino and more will be taking the stage this year.

The nearby Central Oasis features a fun zone where kids can cool off in the bubbling stream while learning about solar energy and the characteristics of life-giving water. The "flow-form," designed by Rudolph Steiner soothes the children's spirits while activating their imaginations. And the Solar Living Institute is also home to the world’s only solar-powered carousel featuring indigenous Mendocino County critters, and the kids love to take a spin on the ‘solar skunk!’

Saving the world can be hungry work, so be sure to enjoy the offerings of the many organic food vendors. Naturally, organic and sustainable beer is also on tap for those hot summer days, and the finest fair trade coffee will keep you going through the nighttime Moondance. SolFest now also features a wine tasting area where over a dozen local and organic wineries offer the fruits of their vines.

In an effort to make SolFest as waste-free as possible, food vendors are required to provide reusable or compostable utensils. If you can eat it, or eat from it, it goes into compost bins. Hard-working interns and volunteers turn it all into compost for next year’s garden! You are also encouraged to bring your own utensils and mugs for use throughout the event, and don’t forget a water bottle so you can fill up for free all weekend long!
For more details click on: SolFest 2008

To see a previous post on the work of the Solar Living Institute go to: Inspiring Sustainable Living