Despite 70 mile-per-hour winds and driving rain, more than 1,000 people attended the first every Cape Ann Clean Energy Fair on October 28th, 2006. The Fair, which featured 38 vendors, six speakers, youth activities, and even an energy cinema filled homeowners, business owners, teens, politicians, and other attendees with new knowledge and solutions, and excitement. Fair organizers attributed the turnout to concern of the “perfect storm” of three energy issues: climate change, energy independence, and rising energy costs.

“You could just feel the buzz and energy as you walked the floor. People appreciated the diversity of vendors and educational speakers we put together,” said Fair Volunteer Coordinator Tesa Silvestre.

With a wide range of energy professionals – including solar power installers, energy conservation services, appliance and lighting vendors, architects and builders – there was something for anyone looking for the latest technology and cost saving energy ideas. The Green Cinema center, live music, youth painting, the chance to make a solar oven, and much much more made the event more than just a well organized trade show. Indeed, the youth booths and activities added a touch of inspiration, excitement and creativity for everyone to enjoy.

At the Fair, fair organizers unveiled a new campaign called 20/20 by 2012. Motivated by concerns over climate change, energy independence and energy costs, the campaign calls for citizens, government, and business to reduce their energy use by 20% and source 20% of their remaining energy use from renewable sources by 2012.

Seventy-eight businesses and citizens signed the pledge at the Fair and a dozen more in the week following it! In the coming months, Cape Ann Climate Change Network and Sustainable Cape Ann will provide tools and resources to people and organizations that take the pledge. According to Tim Greiner, coordinator of Network, “There really is no other program like this on the North Shore. We will be tapping into the free resources available to people and organizations that take the pledge – from utility energy audits to renewable energy grants. So many of us on Cape Ann want to make a difference in how we use energy. This campaign is a terrific place for people to get started, learn more, and to share their successes.”