KAGAWONG—Every other year Kagawong is host to the Green Living Expo: a two-day public education and social event focusing on local environmentally friendly activities.
“This year,” shared Billings Township Barbara Erskine (council rep on the Go Green Committee), “the event takes place Friday evening April 20 and Saturday afternoon April 21 at the Park Centre.”
Partnering with the Go Green members is the Billings Recreation Committee, which also includes council representative Chair Erskine. They will host a Mac n Brew dinner and reception on Friday evening. Doors open at 5:30 pm, providing a chance for people to meet and mingle while enjoying a glass of beer or wine.
“Dinner starts at 6:15 pm and includes our gorgeously rich and popular mac n cheese paired with salad, dessert and tea or coffee.”
At 7 pm guest speaker Devin Arthur, founder of Greater Sudbury Electric Vehicle Association will update the public on the latest developments in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Tickets are $25 per person, which includes dinner, a glass of beer or wine and the speaker. Join the fun, hang out with friends and learn something new. Tickets can be purchased by calling 705-282-8044 or 705-282-2023.
On Saturday from noon to 1 pm, Green Living Expo will keep electric vehicles in the spotlight for a “show ‘n shine” in the parking lot at the Park Centre. “So far we have six or seven different electric/hybrid models signed up to participate,” shared Ms. Erskine. “Everyone is invited to take a look at these cars, meet the owners and ask questions to get the low down on the experience of owning an electric vehicle.”
“In fact,” continued Ms. Erskine, “a couple of car owners will be coming from Sudbury for our event. I think their presence will bring home the fact that we (residents of Manitoulin Island), who are so dependent on tourism, have to start thinking about how we accommodate visitors who arrive in an electric vehicle.”
On Saturday, following the show ‘n shine, the Park Centre will be filled with information tables and exhibits from local non-profit, environmentally friendly organizations from 1 to 4 pm.
“Billings Recreation and Go Green committees invite everyone to tour the tables, talk to our exhibitors or stop for a light lunch at the café,” said Ms. Erskine. “In addition, we are programming SMASH talks. These are five minute TED (technology, entertainment and design) style talks offered by some of our participants who will be sharing their passion and inform the public about their projects.”
“Some of the topics,” noted Ms. Erskine, “include community gardening, green apps, community energy planning and so much more.”
“The exhibit time for local non-profits is a change up from past years where we featured local businesses,” shared Ms. Erskine. “We have had an explosion of non-profit resources made available to us recently. Now it is their turn to reach out to the public.”
Members of the Go Green Committee include John Rozon, Chair Chris Theijsmeijer and Sandy Cook.
Ms. Cook encourages everyone to join the conversation about new ideas, relax with friends and enjoy the event. “This is for people who want to take green living to the next level.”
For more details, visit www.facebook.com/kagawong1 or visit the Go Green Committee’s Blog: www.gogreenkagawong.wordpress.com
