Posted on 11 March 2016 by La Habra Journal
By Autumn Whitney
La Habra Journal
People attending this year’s Citrus Fair will have the opportunity to enjoy new elements to the spring tradition. One of these exhibits is Off the Grid, a new preparedness expo that teaches people how to survive without access to electricity and other things commonly relied on.
“It shows [the people] how to reduce their dependence on the grid, so to speak – whether it’s electricity or water or food,” said Mark Sturdevant, president and CEO of the La Habra Chamber of Commerce. Off the Grid incorporates various demonstrations, ranging from growing your own vegetables to public safety exhibits and preparation for emergency situations, some told through the lens of camping. The police and fire departments will present as well. A unique feature of Off the Grid is its earthquake simulator. This exhibit is for those who want to know what a 5.0 magnitude earthquake feels like without experiencing damage. Inspiration for the expo came from the 5.3 magnitude earthquake that shook La Habra in late March 2014, which also prompted the community center’s preparedness lectures now held twice each year. Sturdevant added that the La Habra quake “rattled a few nerves out there,” and prompted the need for this exhibit. The expo aims to show people ways to survive for a few days in case of an emergency and reduce anxiety in similar situations. As some of the demonstrations will be explained in terms of camping, the practices can be lived out in ordinary daily life as well. Apart from the exhibits and demonstrations, the Off the Grid expo will sell specialty supplies that are typically not found in some sporting goods stores. Items include flashlights, crank radios, solar generators and ways to make any water drinkable, among other provisions to help someone be self-sufficient. “We were trying to think of some different things that would be good offerings at the fair,” Sturdevant said. The 10-person committee behind Off the Grid is currently planning a campout during the Citrus Fair for both boy scouts and girl scouts. They expect it to take place on the evening of Saturday, April 30 in the park near the Off the Grid portion of the fair. In addition to the Off the Grid expo, new elements of the Citrus Fair include a new entertainment venue, which will be home to a Michael Jackson tribute on April 29, and the new La Habra music video created by Mayor Jim Gomez. Throughout the weekend attendees will also be able to take part in a bubble parade around the fair, a country dance Saturday evening and International Day Sunday. There will be additional live performances on the new entertainment stage all day Saturday and Sunday. Returning to the fair are familiar merchandise vendors, Lions Club funnel cakes and discount ride tickets.
The Citrus Fair runs from Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1 on E. La Habra Blvd. For more information visit: citrusfair.com
