The group of friends gathered in a local farm kitchen to plan the First Annual Energy Fair at the Amherst, WI fairgrounds. Despite a rainy forecast, the event was a huge success, leading to the formation of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the MREA expanded the Fair’s mission across the renewable energy industry, remaining dedicated to promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration.
The MREA and The Energy Fair grew steadily throughout the years, and in 1999, moved to its current headquarters: the ReNew the Earth Institute (REI) in Custer, WI. The campus is powered by an assortment of renewable systems, including solar electric, storage, solar hot water, solar hot air, wind, and EV charging. Visitors are always welcome with tours and event rentals available upon request.
The Energy Fair was typically held during the weekend following Father’s Day which often coincided with the northern hemisphere’s summer solstice. Attendees gathered at the Fair to learn about the latest sustainable practices and clean energy technology, as well as enjoy the company and merriment of their local community.
Characterized by the large white tents organized throughout our 22-acre fairgrounds, the Fair hosted educational workshops and presentations, organization and product exhibitors, keynote speakers, career fairs, kids activities, and musical performances. Attendees enjoyed social hours, a variety of food trucks, and community dinners to fuel their experience and connect with others. All vendors, exhibitors, presenters, and sponsors were vetted by the MREA and supported our efforts through their own sustainable practices.
Energy Fair attendees came from across the country to attend this one-of-a-kind event — often traveling via sustainable modes of transportation (i.e. electric vehicles, busses, and in some cases, biking or velocycling) and camping at the MREA’s Back 40 campground located one mile away from the fairgrounds.
The Fair was held every year from 1990-2024 with a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On September 9-10, 2017, the Fair went on the road to Saint Paul, Minnesota, the only year the Fair was held twice in one year, an incredible accomplishment for a small nonprofit organization.
The MREA boasts multiple members who have been with us from the start and who continue to support our efforts as we transition to other ventures with the same goal as the Fair. We thank them for their dedication to our organization and extend our appreciation to all those who have come after them.
