STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Climate Action Coalition is taking part in the nation’s first-ever Sun Day, and it’s inviting the community to join in.

The local coalition and the Idaho Chapter of the Sierra Club are hosting a Solar Cycle and Rally on Sunday, Sept. 21, as part of the first-ever nationwide day of action calling for the rapid deployment of clean energy that is affordable, reliable and ready to go.

The event will be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at Hop Porter Park in Hailey.

It will feature renewable energy information, speakers from Protect Our Winters (POW) and local solar energy companies, plus bike raffles, a bike tune up clinic and art activities for kids.

Trailhead Bikes will not only provide free bike valet parking but tune ups on a first come/first served basis. The ERC will provide recycling and composting.

Scott Runkel, a founder of the Climate Action Coalition, said coalition members hope people will bike to the event with friends and family: “The goal is to send a clear message: we have the tools to power our communities with clean energy and overwhelming public support to do it.”

Nationwide, Sun Day will be observed on Sept. 21 to celebrate the power of clean energy and mobilize millions to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. There’ll be e-bike parades, heat pump tours and more across the nation.

Organizers say that solar energy is now the cheapest form of electricity generation in history, yet barriers remain to its widespread adoption.

Sun Day aims to demonstrate the overwhelming public support for renewable energy and build momentum for policy changes needed to address climate change.