SolFest '99 June 26-27, 1999 - hosted by the Real Goods Institute for Solar Living.

The fourth annual solar extravaganza, SolFest '99, will take place on June 26 & 27 at the Real Goods Solar Living Center in Hopland, CA. This year's Keynote Speakers on Saturday will include world-renowned anti-nuclear activist Dr. Helen Caldicott, travelling all the way from Australia in an exclusive U.S. appearance to share her insights about sustainability, independent living, Y2K, and her new book entitled A Desperate Passion. Also speaking on Saturday is Denis Hayes, the co-founder of the first Earth Day in 1970 and currently the top planner for an even bigger eco-event- Earth Day 2000. Denis also runs the Bullitt Foundation, an endowment in Seattle that funds green projects in the Pacific Northwest.

Several speakers will be featured on Sunday, including Scott Sklar, Executive Director of the Solar Energy Industries Association, the national trade organization of photovoltaic and solar thermal manufacturers and suppliers. Scott is a long-time solar lobbyist who has been fighting on Capitol Hill for solar for over 30 years. He currently serves on the U.S. Dept. of Energy Advisory Committee on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Joint Ventures.

Also speaking Sunday is Native American poet, musician, actor, and activist John Trudell. Former chairperson of the American Indian Movement, John lost his family during the undeclared reservation wars of the late seventies. His message digs intensely into his experience and he will touch you in a most powerful way.

Specialty tours and educational workshops have been doubled to over 40 this year. Solar Living Center landscapers Chris and Stephanie Tebbutt will be there to lead visitors around the permacultured grounds, and the guys from Siemens Solar will tour them through the SLC renewable energy systems. PowerLight Corporation will provide a tour of the just-completed Real Goods solarization of Fetzer Vineyard's world headquarters. This huge grid-intertied photovoltaic system is located just 5 minutes away at nearby Fetzer Valley Oaks. And last, but not least, SLC architect Sim Van der Ryn will lead an ecological design tour featuring the 5,000 sq. ft. strawbale building here on site.

This year organizers have doubled the number of educational workshops being offered. Plan to hear the experts cover such subjects as renewable energy, Y2K, strawbale construction, solar cooking, passive solar design, greywater systems, sustainable communities, permaculture and much much more. Workshops will be held at the Hops Tipi, the Kitchen Garden, the North Forest, and by the Ponds. Check the Workshop Schedule for times and begin to plan out your weekend.

Entertainment will be ongoing throughout the weekend with bluegrass music provided by Grassfire, R & B dance tunes belted out by Mary Hooper and the Bassics, and some lively environmental street theatre provided by Jini Reynolds and her troupe of inspired teenagers. Sunday afternoon, look for the solar-powered Clan Dyken band. Late on Saturday afternoon is an evening concert with the legendary acoustic guitar virtuoso Leo Kottke. Opening up the show will be John Trudell, and his rockin' Bad Dog band.

Saturday morning the Electric and Alternative Vehicle Parade will commence the 22 mile winding back road ride from downtown Ukiah to the Solar Living Center where they will be on display for the remainder of the day. Any alternatively powered vehicle, whether it be electric, foot-powered, or vegie-fueled is welcome to participate.

Add to all of the above, a wide array of food and drink, children's activities, free parking and shuttles.

Admission fees include all events and are $5 per day or $8 for 2/days for adults or $8 per family per day. Children 12 & under and Institute Partners are free.

There is no camping on site but visitors may call (707) 462-4705 for lodging and tourism information or check the list of accommodations. For more information on SolFest '99, please call the Institute at (707) 744-2017

-- Jean Wasp (jean@sonic.net), May 25, 1999