Georgia’s electric cooperatives are excited to return to the Sunbelt Ag Expo with their exhibit of electric safety, renewable resources, and interactive activities.
The EMCs have been part of the Expo since the 1960s when it was known as “Dealer Days” and “Farm Power & Recreation Show” at ABAC campus.
“We’re glad to be at Sunbelt and share our passion for serving our communities with safe and reliable power,” said Walter Jones, Media Relations Manager for Georgia Electric Membership Corporation.
The cooperatives’ exhibit will also have plenty of fun and educational activities for the whole family. It is in a large white tent located at A-6 across from the Family Living Center.
One of the highlights of the exhibit will feature line workers from various cooperatives who will present four high-voltage demonstrations each day at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., where attendees can witness firsthand the consequences of coming into contact with power lines. They’ll also explain some of the most common causes of power outages. Hint: Mother Nature.
Electric safety has always been the primary focus of electric co-ops’ public education since those early days as agricultural accidents pose a serious danger across the country.
Adding more entertainment, while delivering important information, Oscar the Robot is back this year to interact with attendees and share messages of electric safety. The life-size robot walks and talks and has become an unofficial mascot at Sunbelt and a familiar sight to the public.
Two great photo opportunities are waiting for attendees at the exhibit. Children are welcome to become “electric linemen.” Kids can suit up with line worker equipment, then “climb” a mock electric pole, with supervision, to see what it takes to get the lights back on. Each new “lineworker” will be given a child’s plastic lineman helmet while supplies last.
Or attendees can keep their feet firmly on the ground and step into a bucket like line workers use for servicing aerial wires, only this one is in front of a backdrop to simulate working high in the air.
And remember to watch overhead each morning at 9 a.m. and again at 4 p.m. for the return of the Touchstone Energy hot air balloon, which is scheduled to fly over the Expo grounds.
The exhibit also features complimentary bottled water and popcorn for weary attendees. Shaded seating and a place to relax on the Expo grounds have become a much-appreciated amenity for the public.
Don’t miss this chance to have fun, learn something new, and support rural America at the Sunbelt Ag Expo with Georgia’s electric cooperatives.
