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Area Fair Goes Solar

Another example of how the power of the sun. Means the power to save!!! Newswatch 16’s Bob Reynolds takes us to Schuylkill County. To show us how green te...

Another example of how the power of the sun. Means the power to save!!!

Newswatch 16's Bob Reynolds takes us to Schuylkill County. To show us how green technology is expected to save money at the fairgrounds!

The Schuylkill County fairgrounds near cressona are pretty quiet these days, but this summer the area will become alive with activity as in previous years. The fair's theme this year will be green technology.

“We’ll do eco based activities throughout the day ending with an environmental play or environmental show for Saturday evening,” says Paul Kennedy of the Schuylkill County Fair Association.

Fair president Paul Kennedy says it won't be all fun and games. He points to a series of solar panels that is already taking a small bite out of the fair's $18,000 a year electric bill.

“We had the opportunity when approached by our new friends at Control Alt Energy to make the fairgrounds self-sufficient as far as energy. They would like to turn this project into a multiyear project, so when they're done, the fairgrounds can be energy self-sufficient.”

Officials say someday they hope to have that entire roof covered in solar panels.

County Commissioner George Halcovage says, using solar power is smart and that's one reason the county kicks in $12,000 a year to help support the fair.

“It's our challenge to give what we can, but to be very prudent with what we do because we need to try and share, but those monies are getting less and less with the budget and the economy. ”

The Schuylkill County Fair in Summit Station runs from July 31st through August 4th.

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