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This year windy weather did not keep people away from the Tehachapi Wind Fair, the largest event of its kind. More than 20,000 people gathered at the event, organised by the Kern Wind Energy Association on July 18-19. The fair, every two years, used to be held in the spring. But ironically enough, strong breezes and cool temperatures made attendance dip considerably in 1996. So the decision was made to hold it in July, says the association's Linda White. Sue Hock of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory opened the weekend event at Tehachapi City Park. Sponsors included the US Department of Energy, Enron Wind Corp, SeaWest and FPL Energy Inc. Some exhibitors brought in machinery. The developer Foras displayed two nacelles, and Bergey “uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç brought in a 10 kW turbine. There was a science tent for children, wind farm tours and -- for the first time -- workshops with subjects such as small wind systems and one by power marketer Green Mountain Energy Resources on how to help the environment.