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Orange County Great ParkIRVINE, Calif. /California Newswire/ — The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 is moving forward as planned October 3-6 and October 10-13 at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, Calif. The Federal Government shutdown will have no impact on the visitor experience or the collegiate teams at Solar Decathlon 2013. The XPO clean energy exposition hosted alongside Solar Decathlon 2013 will also move forward as planned. The free public event will be open to the public 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

The Solar Decathlon, a renowned collegiate competition, is being held for the first time outside of Washington, D.C. The award-winning event challenges collegiate teams from across the country and around the world to design, build and operate energy-efficient, solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. Together, the Solar Decathlon and the new XPO will create a powerful showcase for technology, education, arts and business related to clean energy.

Visitors to the Solar Decathlon 2013 and XPO are encouraged to consider taking public transportation options available through Metrolink and local shuttles. If driving to the event, please exit Jeffrey Road and follow traffic signage to event parking.

About the XPO

The XPO is a clean, renewable and efficient energy exposition, featuring visionary and innovative companies, products and educational opportunities that will be hosted alongside the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013. The XPO will run concurrently with the Solar Decathlon 2013 from October 3-6 and October 10-13 at the Orange County Great Park. Through fun, interactive exhibits and activities, the XPO will provide visitors with information about the broad spectrum of energy efficiency in home design, transportation, consumer products, food production and education. Visitors will experience a 21st century festival of creativity, technology, design and educational experiences that will inspire children and adults alike. Visit The-XPO.org for more information.

About the Orange County Great Park

Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over Southern California enjoy the Orange County Great Park’s array of recreational and educational opportunities and participate in shared experiences, including panoramic views from the iconic Great Park Balloon that rises 400 feet in the air. Other Great Park features include the Carousel, Farm + Food Lab, Kids Rock Playground, Walkable Historical Timeline, Palm Court Arts Complex, North Lawn recreation area and Historic Hangar 244. In addition to sports clinics, gardening workshops, weekly Farmers Market and other community events, the Great Park hosts an annual series of special events that provide unique experiences for the entire family, including the Great Park Pumpkin Harvest and the Flights & Sounds Summer Festival. With its approximate 1,300-acre master plan, the Great Park is the centerpiece of the redevelopment of the publicly-owned portion of the 4,700-acre former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. For more information, please visit ocgp.org.