There’s no better way to celebrate solar energy than with a big ol’ party.

That’s the way the Green Party of York County, Penn., sees it. The party is hosting a major concert in York’s Foundry Park this Saturday, Sept. 10.

Prominent bands, including Free Breakfast, Lucid Dreamers, Groove Avenue, Dr. Slothclaw and 3 Dollar Suit, are scheduled to perform in support of renewable energy and solar power.

The concert, dubbed EnergyStock 2011, is expected to draw a large crowd, said York County Green Party chair Stephen Baker.

The group hosted a similar concert in March to encourage community-supported agriculture, Baker said.

“It was really popular,” he said. “The show was completely sold out.”

He expects the EnergyStock show to gather an even bigger following.

Featured at the event are green energy providers, energy efficiency auditors and experts, solar installers, wind and geo-thermal installation contractors, a variety of exhibitors, speakers, food vendors and music.

The renewable energy and solar companies that will have a presence at the concert have been actively involved in getting solar and other renewable energy resources installed throughout the community. The concert will draw awareness to what they’re doing and will give people and opportunity to talk with representatives for different technologies and installers to see if solar or other renewable or energy efficiency measures might work for them.

And even for those who won’t be interested in talking to the representatives at the concert, Baker said the event should raise awareness about clean energy alternatives and what’s available.

Along with solar providers, solar beneficiaries will have a presence at the event and an opportunity to tell home and business owners about the benefits of solar.

Turkey Hill Dairy, which gets about 25 percent of its power from a solar array, will be handing out free ice cream at the event, Baker said.

Snyder’s-Lance Inc., which gets about 30 percent of the electricity for its headquarters office in Hanover, Penn., from solar panels, will be giving away free pretzels at the event.

Last year’s concert proved to be an effective way to reach people about sustainable agriculture, Baker said, and this is a good follow-up to that event.

“It’s a really great idea,” he said.

Pictured: The photovoltaic array installed at Snyder’s Hanover headquarters.