Moondance Tradition Continues This Weekend in Hopland

Solar energy as a local business is gaining strength, as to maximize their investment and reduce their utility bills. But while “going solar” may be a new buzz word for some, it’s been the operating principle for years up in Hopland, just over the county line in Mendocino. And this weekend, with Saturday’s celebration, going solar is just a half-hour drive away.

The Solar Living Institute is the nonprofit arm of the Real Goods Store, and both share the 12-acre grounds of the Solar Living Center, a sort of demonstration site for solar and alternative energy and sustainability. Formerly a Caltrans worksite, since 1996 the location has been transformed into a proof-of-concept center for sustainable living.

"It was a rubble field with one tree here,” notes Solar Living Institute executive director Ross Beck in an article in the Ukiah Daily Journal. “This is what can be done with sustainable practices and a bit of water."

As well as one of Northern California's largest and most productive solar arrays, a biodiesel refueling station, workshops, classes and the Real Goods retail store, the Hopland site has also been the home of Moondance, an annual fundraising party now in its 15^th year.

Moondance takes place on or near the August full moon, which this year is Saturday Aug. 13. A full day in “celebration of the solar lifestyle” takes place at the Hopland site, including demonstrations on straw bale construction and water education, workshops on energy efficiency, green economy, solar photovoltaic technology in the developing world and more.  There are also solar tech booths and local nonprofit tables with more information and ideas.

Children aren't left out of the fun, either, as the site includes a playground with tunnels, a solar water pump, sand and canals for instructive play. 

"We also have the junior sprint solar car races," said Karen Kallen, director of training and workshops at Solar Living Institute (see note below). "And Mendocino’s own River Lady is a giving water education demonstration, with games and prizes for kids from K-6. So all ages are welcome."

Even your basic recreational beverages are as "green" as can be -- organic micro-brews on tap from the Ukiah Brewing Company, sustainable wines from Parducci Winery, and healthy meals from local restaurants and food trucks. More details can be found on the solarliving.org website.

The very name “Moondance,” as music fans know, evokes Van Morrison’s jazzy hit from 1970 that introduced the word “fantabulous” to youth vocabulary. It’s given further significance by the hours of the event – 2 p.m. until midnight, finishing off with about six hours of live music on the grassy grounds near the gardens and duck pond.

Performers this year include , the eclectic Sonoma band that played on June 14. Other bands include the Jug Dealers, a largely acoustic band that prides itself on “hobo funk,” and the gypsy-reggae-jam rock of the Voodoo Medicine Show. Other on-stage surprises are planned; Betty Biodiesel, the colorful and energetic cheerleader for sustainability, will emcee.

Priced at $15 for entry and all events; children 12 and under are free. It’s not in Healdsburg, and it’s not even in Sonoma County, but a 15-year tradition for only $15 may have more local options beat this weekend. Check it out.

Note: The author's wife is an employee of the Solar Living Institute, Hopland.