Fair to offer energy-efficient ideas

Lawrence residents on Saturday can get information about energy efficiency and sustainability for homes and cars.

The city, along with sponsors Westar Energy, Black Hills Energy, Cromwell Solar and others, will host an energy efficiency and conservation fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Holcom Park Recreation Center, 2700 W. 27th St.

Featured events include:

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Test drives in a Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi i-MiEV — adults can drive and others ride in an electric car.

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Outdoor exhibits and children’s activities.

• 10:15 a.m.: Talk on natural gas vehicles.

• 10:45 a.m.: Talk on reducing air pollution by reducing toxic chemicals.

• Noon: Three-hour workshop on saving energy at home.

Outdoor exhibits and the test drives will be in the center’s east parking lot. The presentations and energy workshop will be in the conference room.

Entrance to the fair is free. Those who register for the home energy-saving workshop at the fair’s website will be entered into a drawing for a $100 home-improvement gift card. There will also be a drawing for a refrigerator donated by Home Depot.

Rides on the Lawrence transit system will be free for all routes throughout the day.

The fair will also feature a sustainable homes tour, which leaves by bus from the fair at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Eileen Horn, city and county stainability coordinator, will lead the tour of buildings with solar energy, water reclaiming and other features. Tickets for the tour are $10 for adults and $3 for children younger than 14.