Dear Campers,
Are you ready for another Barter Fest?! For the fifth year in a row, individuals from around the region will gather in Hewitt, MN on September 20th, 2014 to exchange items, knowledge, talents, create new relationships and experience a menagerie of artistic entertainment. Unique to this year, the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center will co sponsor the event by hosting numerous folk school classes all day. If you’ve never made it to Barter Fest, this is the year to do it!
Bartering is so much more than a transaction and rarely are two barters the same. The act of each barter is a creation in itself, a memorable story to be shared and quite possibly the beginning of a new relationship. The practice of bartering is to assign, discuss and agree on a shared value with each transaction. Along with the liberating experience of bartering, this event will present an opportunity for you to sing songs, share a poem, story or just speak your mind on an open mic stage. Interwoven with the open format of songs and stories will be scheduled performances from a wide range of artists from the tristate area. Check back soon for a complete schedule of classes and performers for the 2014 Barter Fest!
What can I bring to barter? Here are a few ideas but don’t let these limit you; home grown food, firewood, your art, your products (what do you make?), your business (what do you do?) useful items that you no longer need, livestock, manure, straw bales, plants, antiques, honey, maple syrup, wild rice, jam, baked goods, building supplies, school supplies, clothes, jewelry, the list is endless! This is the time to celebrate the season’s bounty and a chance for us to come together before winter sets in. May our paths cross at this year’s Barter Fest!