Faculty, students to be highlighted in ‘future fair’

Innovations in engineering, biotechnology, education and the arts will be displayed by UW–Madison students and faculty as part of a major community program featuring more than 200 displays and interactive exhibits on the future of Wisconsin.

More information If you would like to be part of Celebrate 2000’s Dec. 4-5 “Future Fair,” contact Peyton Smith, 265-3044; plsmith@mail.bascom.wisc.edu.

Celebrate 2000, a project of the Wisconsin State Journal and The Capital Times, will host a Dec. 4-5 “Future Fair” at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. The event is expected to draw more than 8,000 people, according to event organizers.

Peyton Smith, UW–Madison sesquicentennial coordinator, says UW–Madison’s presence is a natural for the event. The project grew out of the partnership that the university developed with the Madison newspapers over the past 18 months.

“As part of the Future Fair, we are putting together a number of projects that can be exhibited from UW–Madison,” says Smith. “University people also will lead talks on the future.

Six themed “villages” will showcase the latest trends and future products in health, communications, technology, energy and the environment, agriculture and biotechnology, and business and finance. In addition to more than a dozen exhibits from UW–Madison, companies across Wisconsin are already preparing to highlight the latest in energy-generating and efficiency products, health and fitness software, computer and Internet technology, and more.

But the Future Fair is much more than gazing into a crystal ball — it’s a family event. “Kids’ World” and “Market Place” are two of the many interactive exhibits that will provide a hands-on experience for children and adults alike.

If you would like to be part of this major community effort, contact Peyton Smith, 265-3044; plsmith@mail.bascom.wisc.edu.