HOBBITS, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, AND EARTH DAY ARE BROUGHT TOGETHER IN DOWNTOWN VACAVILLE'S MIDDLE EARTH FESTIVAL
Xoanon @ 3:46 am EST

Among the medieval entertainers, hawkers and vendors at the Middle Earth Festival in Downtown Vacaville on April 22 & 23, there will be a surprise - a Green, Eco-Friendly vendor area. Visitors will discover advanced technology vehicles such as the Honda Civic GX (dedicated compressed natural gas) and a unique home refueling appliance on display.

J.R.R. Tolkien was not a fan of the internal combustion engine, but he did care for the good, green, clean earth. In that spirit, there will be information on recycling, environmental education, and clean air. Pending are demonstrations of all-battery electric vehicles. This includes the NGM (no more gas) vehicle formerly known as The Sparrow, a single passenger, three wheeled electric vehicle.

A City of Vacaville representative, Ed Huestis, will be on hand with the green vendors. Mr. Huestis is the Transportation Systems Manager who oversees the city's electric and compressed natural gas vehicle programs. He will have information on the incentives available for clean air vehicles.

On Saturday, which is Earth Day, staff from the city's recycling, and environmental education programs will have activities for children.

The Middle Earth Festival, a unique celebration of J.R.R. Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, will have arts, crafts, and merchandise vendors, entertainment, food, games for the kids, contests, and music. There will also be forums on the themes of Tolkien, a Troll Stroll, and Demonstrations of Old Time Skills. There is no admission charge for this family oriented festival. Most activities are free.

For more information on the green eco-friendly aspect of the festival, please contact Betty Lucke at (707) 448-1021 or Ed Huestis at (707) 449-5424. For general information on the festival, go to www.middleearthfestival.com or contact the Downtown Office at (707) 451-2100.