End of the Season Reflections

I'm having a hard time believing that it's November already, and sadly it brings the end of the fall barter faire season. I had a wonderful time at the Okanogan Family Faire, other than not being able to have my entire family there since dogs were banned. The vibe was mellow and positive, the weather cooperated for the most part, and there were a great variety of goods for trade. Most of the changes in faire policy seemed to go over well, although I heard a few complaints about the large price increase. It was a cold weekend so there was plenty of huddling and drumming around the hospitality fires, and we saw a lot of old friends and met some new ones.

One very noticeable absence from the faire this year was the sacred circle of flags near the front gate. When I asked why they weren't there, I was told the lady who normally brings them was sick. Also absent were the barter faire pooches, although there were quite a few service dogs. Good trades were made, delicious food was shared, and the nightlife was exciting. Fire dancers, live music, drum circles, late night elephant ears, and my personal favorite, "glow man" provided entertainment into the wee hours each night.

The Tonasket faire usually marks the end of the season, which is bitersweet for someone like me who didn't go to nearly enough barter faires this year! But, there is always next year, and until then, it's time to stay warm and get crafty to stock up on tradeables for next spring's barter faires.

I hope everyone had a wonderful time at the faires this fall, I look forward to the spring season. Until then, keep in touch with your barter family here on the barter faire online community!