The shock and awe of the solar oven.

The Green Movement will reach the Chippewa Valley in style next month with a new event. The first Sustainable Future Festival will take place August 11 and organizers are hoping it will become an annual event. The festival is being held to increase “knowledge about sustainability to the citizens of the Chippewa Valley,” said Erin La Faive, coordinator of the event. So why have a festival like this now? La Faive said groups in the area and local businesses wanted to have a festival like this but no one could do one of this scale, so she wrote a grant. Now, with the help of a planning committee and other organizers, the event is coming to life. “It is exciting to see the first festival here be this big,” La Faive said. The event will have speakers and workshops aimed at educating people about creating a more sustainable lifestyle. Conservation of water and energy, alternative energy and gardening are topics presented throughout the event. Festival goers will have the opportunity to explore what local organizations and businesses in our area are doing. Xcel Energy, Wisconsin Green Building Alliance, Charly’s Market, and Chippewa Valley Storm Water Forum are just a few of the exhibitors planning to showcase their sustainable products. The festival will also have food, a plant sale and be kid-friendly with a kid’s activity tent.