The annual Ames Eco Fair will be on Saturday, giving residents the chance to learn more about conservation efforts, energy use and ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

The fair will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Center Gymnasium, 515 Clark Ave. The event will include booths, vendors, activities and displays focusing on how residents can conserve energy, reduce waste and lower their carbon footprint, according to a press release.

Steve Wilson, “The Energy Guy” with Ames Electric Services, said the event will be a good way for local families to spend a day learning about conservation and sustainability.

“I think it’s important that the community stay connected, if you will, to what the city is doing,” Wilson said. “It’s also important for folks to know what to do. Sometimes we’re confused about what we need to be doing to save energy or what the impact of our decisions might have on future generations. So we want to make sure that the community is kept up to speed with everything they need to know and do to be sustainable.”

According to Wilson, the Eco Fair will feature educational and fun activities for children, as well as information exhibits for adults. Participants will have the opportunity to talk with City of Ames staff, interact with vendors, and learn about energy-saving products and services.

The fair will also provide all types of conservation materials, vendor information and energy-saving tips.

Additionally, the event provides a broad array of conservation information including displays about the City of Ames Eco Smart programs, which include electricity, water, watershed and trash, according to the press release.

Vendors and organizations from around the community and Iowa State University will participate in the event. Attendees can register to win a variety of prizes encouraging conservation practices.

The event will also feature a collection of electric vehicles at the Zion’s Ag Finance parking lot on Fifth Street. The display will include a BMW i3 REX, Chevrolet Volt and Tesla Model S.

The Eco Fair is a free, family-friendly event that promotes sustainability education and information through displays, booths, conversations and activities.

“It truly is an educational opportunity, that’s I think ultimately our goal, but it also helps folks know a little bit more about what the city has to offer and what the city’s doing,” Wilson said.