Friends of Energy Park

07/18/2025

Stage Coordinator soliciting opinions here! Two separate items really:

What do you all think of the nighttime shows at Kesey Stage? The past few years, we've had a band on Saturday night ~ 8:00pm - 9:30pm. Do you all like that?

Also, a few times some people have brought their acoustic instruments to the stage after hours. Since that's relatively quiet, unamplified, and hasn't been past midnight, we haven't seen a need to get a sound permit for impromptu acoustic jams. Is that something we should encourage, create the space and let it happen? Or, do you prefer Kesey is dark and super quiet after hours?

Related comedy: One night this year, when it was a super quiet night at the stage, I sat on a nearby bench. I saw a guy wander in alone, go back to the corner, and p*e on our fence! Maybe that wouldn't have happened if the area were more lively? 😭

Trying to get a consensus here. Thanks!

-Thomas

07/07/2025

Please join me in giving special recognition to Alan Hurst! Alan regularly attends work parties, year after year, and is super productive and helpful. Here is Alan yesterday, setting up the stage backdrop by himself, an impressive feat to be sure, but only one part of the many efforts and contributions Alan has made to Energy Park over the years. Thanks to Alan, and all the volunteers who regularly attend pre-fair work parties. Thanks to all of you, we're ready for the Fair!

07/01/2024

More fun with heavy machinery!

06/25/2024

A few photos from the last work party!

06/04/2024

Thanks to everyone who volunteered at the recent work parties! We received and moved a bunch of large wooden material, and replaced the first post in the center booth. Our capital projects are on track, and we already did some great cleanup and unplanned but needed repairs. The next work party is Saturday, 6/15. Hope to see you there!

02/13/2024

Finally the federal funds described in this article are filtering down to the states! The demand is hitting us in the solar industry like a green-powered freight train full of goodies. I guess it's good to be busy :)
If you work for a public or low-income service provider non-profit, check out this solar + battery funding opportunity!

The US government has announced plans to finance projects that can help combat climate change.

09/08/2023

https://youtu.be/wgUkjbMhF18?si=dW2NTHAiCPbeIPCT

Earthships are off-grid houses made of trash. These off-grid homes are fully self sustainable and do not require any utilities for comfortable living. Amazin...

06/22/2022

TWO work parties last weekend, thanks to all the staff who came out! We started a new booth, set up solar arrays for cell phone charging, and worked with Fair Archaeology on fence post replacements. Fairly productive!

06/11/2019

2019 WORK PARTIES:
All dates 11:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday 6/15
Sunday 6/23
Sunday 6/30
*Please let Thomas know if you'd like a meal ticket!*

Here’s some pics of Ryan, Rountree, and Jeremy rebuilding the water tower yesterday!

10/08/2018

Article about OCF in the New York Times mentions Energy Park. For better or worse, we’re famous! Ha ha...

At the Oregon Country Fair, a three-day summer festival in Veneta, Ore., “people in society that can’t do what they want to do can do it here.”

06/20/2018

Work Party Time!
2018 Work Party Dates are:
Sunday, June 24
Saturday, June 30
Sunday, July 8
All dates around 11:00 start, and run until everyone leaves. Let me know if you'd like lunch! If you don't have my cell number just comment here or PM me. Bring tools (drill, saw, cheap paintbrushes, and gloves) consider mosquito repellent! If you can't bring tools, just bring your can-do spirit. Tyvec suits not required... Lumber and hardware donations are also appreciated.
For the first party there are several red tags to address, and we will rebuild the info booth counter and bench, and h**p oil as much as possible!
-Thomas Brex

06/14/2017

Thanks for a fun and productive work party! The next work parties are the next two Sundays, the 18th and 25th 11:00ish start. As always please bring tools, gloves and a drill, a saw if possible! Call me or reply here if you want a lunch ticket. OCF 2017 here we come!