Waterbury LEAP keeps energy fair tradition alive April 11 at Crossett Brook MS
March 16, 2026 | By Duncan McDougall
Dozens of exhibitors offer expertise on how to save energy in homes and businesses at the annual LEAP Energy Fair. Courtesy photo
In the first few weeks of April, for nearly 19 years, Vermonters have flocked to Waterbury to learn about reducing their energy use, making environmentally sustainable upgrades, and saving money.
The LEAP Energy Fair started in 2007 and has since grown to the largest energy fair in the state. It is also likely what Waterbury LEAP is most known for.
What is Waterbury LEAP?
Waterbury Local Energy Action Partnership (LEAP for short) is an all-volunteer nonprofit that supports and promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions reduction in Waterbury and surrounding communities. For almost two decades, LEAP has stimulated positive change through grassroots organizing and education.
By bringing together local Vermonters with energy experts who can answer their questions, LEAP helps people and organizations move forward on their green energy projects. All LEAP events are free. Since 2007, thousands of people from more than 70 Vermont towns have attended LEAP programs or workshops.
While LEAP is an independent nonprofit, it also serves as Waterbury's de facto town energy committee. Its volunteers support town leaders on a variety of green energy issues, such as assisting with the town energy plan, and LEAP members have written grants that have brought hundreds of thousands of dollars in green energy funding to Waterbury.
LEAP volunteers host a steady stream of free public events to enable our neighbors to save energy and money. Examples include Button Up Weatherization workshops, Electric Vehicle demo events, events to promote solar energy, Bike & Walk to School Days, workshops to build WindowDressers window inserts, heat pump and home heating workshops, and electric lawn tool demonstrations.
April 11: LEAP Energy Fair
The LEAP Energy Fair has outgrown two venues as it’s become the largest energy fair in Vermont, with dozens of exhibitors and hundreds of attendees. This year’s LEAP Energy Fair is set for Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the gym at Crossett Brook Middle School in Duxbury.
Attendees will be able to browse offerings from about 60 exhibits where they can talk with experts about heat pumps, weatherization, solar power, electric vehicles, electric lawn tools, financing, subsidies, and much more. There will be several discussion sessions on topics of special interest. This family-friendly event includes a free show by Alyx the Magician, free ice cream, free electronics recycling, children's activities, and local food and refreshments while you learn how to shrink energy bills and save money.
Volunteer or donate
To volunteer at the LEAP Energy Fair, contact LEAP Coordinator Alayna Howard at alaynahoward@gmail.com. Volunteers are needed and welcome to help out for part or all of the fair.
LEAP's programs are supported entirely by donations from individuals and organizations in addition to a $2,500 appropriation from Waterbury voters. To support LEAP's work with a tax-deductible donation, visit waterburyleap.org.
Duncan McDougall chairs Waterbury LEAP. Contact: duncan@clifonline.org