This past year, I got the chance to travel throughout Minnesota and represent Fresh Energy at several events. To start off my tabling journey, we had to think of a fun way to engage with folks on our — well, somewhat nerdy and admittedly niche field of work — enter PLINKO!
You may remember this game from “The Price is Right,” where contestants would drop a disk down a pegboard for a chance to win TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS. As a nonprofit, unfortunately, we’re more in the market to ask for ten thousand dollars than give it away, so we did the next best thing… energy trivia! (Duh.) With a fabulous design by our very own Jo Olson, and the Etsy shop of a retired carpenter, Fresh Energy Plinko was born! With the addition of some snazzy brochures, we were ready.
With my Honda Accord stuffed with Plinko, publications, merch, and a dream, I hit the road. My first stop was up north in Duluth! On a lovely spring morning, I rolled up to EcoFest, the finale of Earth Week — a weeklong series of engaging and impactful events focused on celebrating nature and encouraging a healthy community, hosted by Eco3.
After saying hello to my fellow tablers, I set up Fresh Energy’s booth, and I gotta say: we were looking good! My favorite part of the day was playing energy trivia with kids and their parents. After the event, on recommendation by several Duluthians, I went to the Great Lakes Aquarium, where I learned about the existence of my now favorite fish, the Beluga Sturgeon! I highly recommend a visit — and when you go, try to spot the goldfish in their 85,000-gallon Isle Royale exhibit!
The next event I attended was Rochester Earthfest, hosted at the beautiful Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center. This high-energy event featured live music, an electric transportation showcase, and a ton of eco-focused workshops, all of which were free to attend! Surrounded by wetland habitat, I enjoyed the day chatting with folks and learning about the city’s sustainability efforts. Did you know Rochester plans to fully decarbonize by 2050? Learn more about their sustainability goals.
My final tabling event of the year was at the Saint Paul Bike Classic. Over 2,000 bikers tour around the capital city and finish their ride at the lovely Como Pavilion. I had a great time enjoying the sunny weather, listening to live music, and talking with bikers from all over the metro area.
I’ve loved the opportunity to share Fresh Energy’s work with new people and to meet folks who have supported Fresh Energy for many years. Do you have an event you’d like us to table at? Send me an email at mccormick@fresh-energy.org.
