Sign of spring: LEAP Energy Fair, April 13
April 5, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Local school students' posters with environmental conservation messages at the 2023 LEAP Fair. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
In what’s become an annual springtime tradition, volunteers from Waterbury’s energy committee will host the annual LEAP Energy Fair next weekend at Crossett Brook Middle School.
Now in its 17th year, the free event has become a magnet for hundreds of attendees to walk through displays by green-industry vendors and contractors showcasing their latest energy-saving technology and home improvement ideas. There are workshops with efficiency tips and strategies for reducing your fuel bills.
Outside, a recycling collection sets up for free electronic waste items like computers and televisions. Electric vehicle enthusiasts even line up to check out their friends’ and neighbors’ cars and trucks.
As one of the oldest energy fairs in Vermont, LEAP’s is also the largest, according to LEAP Chair Duncan McDougall. Last year’s event attracted over 700 people from at least 50 towns across Vermont, he said.
“With rapidly rising energy prices in recent years many Vermonters are spending a significant portion of their hard-earned dollars on energy. The LEAP Energy Fair is a wonderful opportunity for hundreds of people to attend a free event where they can talk with dozens of experts, get their questions answered, and learn many ways to reduce their fuel bills and save money,” McDougall said.
Exhibitor booths fill the Crossett Brook gymnasium at the 2023 LEAP Energy Fair. Photo courtesy Waterbury LEAP
The fair is also a popular stop for some of Vermont’s top elected officials to mingle with constituents and talk about climate change and programs and policies to promote green energy and energy efficiency. Organizers say they are expecting U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Gov. Phil Scott to come by this year.
Bill April demonstrates an electric-powered snowblower at the 2023 LEAP Energy Fair. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees will be able to visit more than 65 energy-related exhibits and talk with experts about solar power, heat pumps, electric vehicles, electric bikes, weatherization, energy audits, pellet stoves and more. Outdoor exhibits will also be available including many models of electric vehicles.
Breakout sessions with start times between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. are scheduled with guest speakers on topics such as Heat Pumps and Weatherization, Going Solar, Electric Vehicles & Charging, and Green Energy Financing & Subsidies.
Kids are invited to the LEAP fair, too. There are children’s activities including a free show by magician Alyx Hilshey at 10:30 a.m. There will be food and drinks available for purchase from local vendors and free ice cream while the supply lasts.
More details including the schedule for the day are online at waterburyleap.org.
Founded in 2007, Waterbury LEAP stands for Local Energy Action Partnership and it’s one of more than 115 volunteer Vermont town energy committees. It is the only one in the state that is also a nonprofit organization. LEAP volunteers have completed scores of projects that have helped support energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions reduction in Waterbury, Duxbury and in Central Vermont.
Waterbury LEAP has been recognized with awards from VPIRG, Renewable Energy Vermont, and the Vermont Natural Resources Council. In 2014, it received the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.