Arizona State Parks - Press Release

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.
              FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Ellen Bilbrey at  (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, pio at azstateparks.gov or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997
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"Festival of the Sun,  Solar Potluck and Exhibition" at Catalina State Park on April 28

(Phoenix, Arizona - April 12, 2007) - Catalina State Park and Citizens for Solar present "Festival of the Sun, Solar Potluck and Exhibition" from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 28.

Believed to be the longest running solar potluck in the world, this year marks the 25th annual community celebration of the sun. Experience the flavors of solar-cooked food and enjoy solar-powered music, family activities, solar appliances and exhibitions (ovens, fountains, coolers, lights, water heating, electrical systems) and solar arts. It will also feature a live-music solar-powered stage, the Solar Petting Zoo, talks on no-, low-, mid- and higher-cost solar energy, the Biodiesel School Bus Learning Lab, Solar Energy Timeline and the Tea House of the Rising Sun with the potluck at 5 p.m.

Bring your own oven and join us for cooking (oven set-up by 9:30 a.m.) or if you do not cook with us, visit us and bring some "solar" food to share: salad, watermelon, berries, etc. Ice is always welcome. Bring your own eating utensils (plate, bowl, fork, spoons, etc.) and help make Tucson's Solar Potluck a waste-free event. Make sure you wear comfy shoes, a brimmed hat and sunscreen.

This year's "Festival of the Sun, Solar Potluck and Exhibition" will also celebrate Arizona State Parks' 50th anniversary. This will be a celebration with dignitaries and a cake cutting under the big tent at 3 p.m. 50th anniversary displays will be featured including family and kid-friendly activities.

Citizens for Solar invite the community into solar culture, introduce the community to renewable energy solutions by bringing people together.

For more information call Citizens for Solar at (520) 749-3538 or visit citizensforsolar.org or Catalina State Park at (520) 628-5798. The Park Entrance Fee will be waived for this event. Catalina State Park is located on State Highway 77 (Oracle Road) at mile marker 81, just nine miles north of Tucson and six miles north of Ina Road.

This event is part of Arizona State Parks 50th Anniversary celebration held from October 2006 through December 2007. Special events will be held at each park such as a traditional mariachi festival, plein air shows, an apple festival, geocaching, solar energy celebrations and astronomy galas.   Hiking, fishing, boating and mountain biking await those individuals with an adventurous attitude. Come uncover the many secret places and stories that are still to be found in Arizona's State Parks.

The Arizona State Parks Board was established in 1957 to acquire and manage park and cultural areas. Over the years, legislation has added other programs to Arizona State Parks and as a result, the volunteer Board is responsible for a much broader spectrum of duties. These duties are related to historic preservation, archaeology, outdoor recreation, resource conservation/education and grant administration.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.
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Catalina State Park
"Festival of the Sun, Solar Potluck and Exhibition"
April 28, 2007

Schedule of Events

All day - Energy Cycle and Biodiesel School Bus Learning Lab (SEI). All kinds of solar cookers: box, tracking, parabolic...Face-painting, water fun and more!

10am-5pm - Tea House of the Rising Sun will be open for shared shade, tea and talk. Four featured speakers will talk on free, low, mid and high-cost options. All speakers will be available for discussion for 1/2 hour after their presentation.

10:30am-5:30pm - Music on the Solar Powered Sun Stage.

11-11:30am - Fred Terry (Oracle's Singing Bee-Keeper) will be speaking on The Ultimate Solar Harvester: Bees, Honey, Pollination and Myths-Dispelled.

12-3pm - Solar Petting Zoo for the family. The Solar Blimp takes off at 1, 2 and 3 pm. Kids can cook--build your own solar oven fro m 12-1 (materials supplied). Stop by the Kid's Oasis to cool off and experiment hands on with the power of the sun, solar electricity and thermal (heat).

12-12:30pm - Ed Eaton (Our Sun Solar and Solar Energy International) will be speaking on no/low cost solar practices in your immediate environment. Discussion will converge on solar energy solutions right now: peak sun hours and photosynthesis, sprouting, passive solar design, cooking, and LED lighting.

1-l:30pm - Jerry Michael Samaniego (Expert Solar Systems) leads you to low/mid-cost renewable energy practices: basics and costs of solar thermal devices, hot water, and passive solar lay out.

2-2:30pm - Kevin Koch (Technicians for Sustainability) shares the range of costs/benefits and basics of solar electric (PV) design and cost for grid-tied electrical systems in Tucson.

3-3:30pm - Arizona State Parks 50th anniversary presentation with cake cutting.

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