Green carnival sparks enthusiasm
RENEWABLE ENERGY USED TO POWER ATTRACTIONS
Clean technology, renewable energy and midway rides.
Yes, they can go together say organizers of Sustainival, the world's first green carnival, which opened a three-day stand Friday at the Enmax Centre parking lot.
All of the games, attractions and rides are powered by renewable energy. In addition to wind and solar power, 4,000 litres of waste vegetable oil is converted into fuel to help generate about one megawatt of power — enough for about 5,000 homes
Joey Hundert, founder and executive director of Sustainival, said the idea started by buying an old Gravitron to run on waste vegetable oil. The touring carnival then began after an appearance in Edmonton in 2011. “It’s been received immensely well,” he said. “Folks get appropriately really excited when they see giant machines running on renewable energy. And it’s always kids that lead changes in society. It’s our young folks that lead our parents into cool things that are for the planet. And we are so excited to be working with the City of Lethbridge on this event.”
“It’s really a pleasure to be here on behalf of the City of Lethbridge, and for once to be a leader in an environmentally-friendly program,” said Mayor Chris Spearman.
“We might be dragging behind on curbside recycling and other diversion initiatives, but we’re having one of the first Sustainival carnivals right here in the city.”
“It’s very kind of you to come here and to put this show on for the people of Lethbridge,” added Shannon Phillips, Lethbridge West MLA and the province’s Environment Minister, who was on hand for the opening Friday.
“Green capitalism isn’t an oxymoron. Combining a private sector mentality with the sprit of public service can produce some remarkable results.”
Sustainival is free to attend, but rides and games require paid tickets. There is also a drift trike track, a green marketplace, and a free stiltwalking workshop.
Hundert said one of the primary educational features is the Green Beast Eco Challenge, where participants compete for prizes in a contest of stamina and eco-learning.
“We have found that people learn best when they’re having fun,” Hundert said. “We overlay a game layer on top of the whole midway called the Green Beast Eco Challenge. People end up learning a ton about sustainability in their region.”
Sustainival continues from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Follow @NKuhlHerald on Twitter