The Energy Expo, which will take place from 9 a.m. to about 4 p.m., is being held in conjunction with the 6^th Annual Backyard Barbeque Cook-Off, the 4th Annual Ride-In Motorcycle Show, and a Street Fair, all in downtown Mayetta.

The Energy Expo includes free seminars on simple ways to cut back and save money, how to reduce home appliance and electronics energy use at home, driving tips for better gas mileage, as well as information on alternative energy such as small wind and solar systems for the home and farm. Free seminars will be held from 12:30 to approximately 3:00 p.m. in the Royal Valley Schools District Office. Additionally, a seminar on alternative energy may be held beginning around 10:30. New this year will be American made automobiles on display which get good gas mileage and information on hypermiling driving techniques. Information on energy efficiency, alternative energy, green jobs, and other related topics will be available.

Mayor Jonathan Wimer says the Mayetta City Council knows that increasing and unpredictable energy costs and household expenses continue to be a concern for area residents, businesses, and farmers. He says the city is pleased to again sponsor the Mayetta Area Energy Expo in an effort to help local and area residents obtain information that may be helpful to them in changing their individual and household energy consumption pattern as well as considering their alternative energy options.

Numerous vendors are participating in the street fair and children's activities will be available. Contestants in the Backyard BBQ will compete starting at 6:30 a.m. in several entry classes including Chicken, Pork Ribs Slab, Beef Brisket, and Grilled Appetizer. A $500.00 grand prize will be awarded to the Grand Champion Overall Barbeque Cook.

Registration for the Ride-In Motorcycle Show will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Organizer Tanya Greaves says clubs and individuals are invited to bring their bikes and join the fun. Awards for the motorcycle show include 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place trophies in all classes and a trophy for Best of Show. Greaves says there will be lots of food to eat, shops will be open, and additional vendors will have product booths."

Friday evening a live band will be entertaining the area with music in downtown Mayetta.

The Energy Expo is sponsored by the City of Mayetta. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Jackson County Tourism Council, and the Mayetta Area Business Association and many more are sponsoring the Ride-In Motorcycle Show. Trophies are sponsored by Topeka Harley Davidson, Kickstart Saloon, and Mayetta Area Business Association.

You can call 785.341.9080 for more information on the Energy Expo, call 785.224.5309 or 785.966.2500 for more information on the Motorcycle Show and Barbecue Cookoff.