1. Have a written game plan before leaving the house! Go to their website and select your location.
2. Print out the schedule. Do this several days before the fair. Highlight the workshops you want to attend. Sometimes it’s a hard decision to make because of conflicting workshops! And don’t worry, there is enough time to get from one to the next unless you see something shiney along the way!
3. Print out the floor layouts (Belton has two different locations next door to one another - no driving involved). Circle the stage name and write the time of the workshop next to it. I also annotate if it’s in the “Round” building or outside (which Justin’s was outside on a cold windy cloudy day, but I would do it again)!
NOTE: For at least Belton, these 3 pieces of paper are invaluable to keep handy at all times! I find their actual program guide quite confusing. When you are in a rush to get from Point A to Point B, you don’t have time to figure out their guide!4. Pack a backpack (so ladies don't have to deal with a purse!) with “purse” essentials, a note pad, pen, water bottle, and maybe a snack (or two)! There are food vendors, but a bit pricey in my opinion. I’d rather spend the money elsewhere!
Once at the fair:
5. Find the stage location for your first workshop immediately! Get oriented with the layout. Only shop vendors that are close by until about 15 minutes prior to the workshop. Good seats fill up FAST!
6. Find the stage location for the next one and so on, find the stage location before shopping! Remember: the vendors will be there, but not the workshops!
7. Pick up business cards of products, techniques, and interests to follow up on the internet later... there is just not enough time!
8. Take pictures! This is one I took of a handsome guy named Spiderman!
And this is a weaving loom I may build myself someday:
The following is what I did this year as I had no clue last year (my first year to attend). Preplanning made life much easier and went much smoother!
Oh, and next year I’ll leave earlier to drive the 68 miles one way (so worth it!) to make the 9:00 workshop! Had I left when I had intended, however, I would have made it... but we had “ice on the pumpkin” and it took some time for the windows to defrost!
Anyhoo... my day... I arrived in the parking lot right at 9:00! The workshop was already underway by the time I found the “stage” so I just picked up some literature, talked a bit with a Vietnam Veteran ~ after I welcomed him home ~ then went on my way. The workshop sounded interesting because I have no clue...
Surviving a Man-made or Natural Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)The workshops I did attend were amazing! I copied the descriptions from the program guide:
David and Melodee Eishen
Introduction to Permaculture Gardening (10:00-11:00)
Nicholas Burtner – School of Permaculture Learn the basics of designing and building an ecosystemic permaculture garden. In this workshop, the School of Permaculture's Nicholas Burtner teaches how low-work methods can allow you to grow abundant and nutrient-rich foods (while working with nature, instead of against it). When you think about it, why work so hard? Understand the benefits of letting the pros (nature, that is) do the work!
(NOTE: His website is here.)
The Top 10 Things I Learned from the Great American Farm Tour (11:30-12:30)
Justin Rhodes – Abundant Permaculture What would you do if you weren’t afraid? After years of homesteading, the Rhodes family dared to ask that question. The answer led to a 50-state tour of the nation's greatest farms. Here are the key takeaways. They will change the way you look at your farm, while inspiring you to “just plant,” where you are.
(NOTE: I watched his tour as it happened via his Youtube channel! It was amazing!)
GROW UP! Elevate Your Garden Beds and Stop Being a Pain in Your Own Neck (2:00-3:00)
Shawna Coronado Since being diagnosed with osteoarthritis pain in 2015, Shawna Coronado has been learning tricks for how to reduce her chronic pain while in the garden. In this workshop, she teaches all the smart tips she knows. She shows full-color photos featuring her elevated bed gardens and teaches techniques on smart ways to grow at waist height. Learn how to grow a large volume of annual flowers, perennial plants, vegetables and herbs, and even succulents, all in a smaller space and while reducing stress on your joints and body. Stop being a pain in your own neck and back. Attend this class to get all the down low on growing up.
(NOTE: I saw her workshop last year on the "Wellness Garden" and her website is here.)By the time 4:00 rolled around, I just couldn’t stay for the 5:00 workshop as I was too tired by that time! But, it sounded right up my alley:
Companion Planting and Other Old Time Gardening Tips
Mike Nocks – White Harvest Seed Company Learn the pros and cons of companion planting, along with gardening practices from years ago.
(NOTE: I'll have to do some website reading on my own about White Harvest Seed Company)I wish I hadn’t gone crazy at the Book Fair but it’s one of my weaknesses! I love to actually hold a book in my hands. So, I bought 2 signed books that I love, but I found out this morning I could have gotten a better price on Amazon! Oh well. Lesson learned! I was "in the moment."
101 Organic Gardening Hacks Eco-friendly Solutions to Improve any Garden
Grow a Living Wall: Create Vertical Gardens with Purpose: Pollinators - Herbs and Veggies - Aromatherapy - Many More
I hope to see you at the Mother Earth News Fair in 2021!!!
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