Jeanne’s Journeys: Mother Earth News Fair

MENFairAs I write this, It’s Monday evening and the Mother Earth News Fair has come to another close and I have safely made it home, despite being extremely wore out. I had a great time at the show this year, both professionally and personally. I always go away though wishing I could have seen more or could have attended more talks. It is simply that huge of a show.

Ladies Homestead GatheringOur booth – as a media sponsor of the Fair – was in the bookstore and we were fortunate enough to be placed next to the National Ladies Homestead Gathering. Essentially it is a network group, designed to be both small local groups and a national group, of like-minded women of all ages who desire to be more self-sufficient. The founder, Cyndi Ball, spoke each day at the Fair as well. I caught her Saturday “Lunchtime with the Ladies Homestead Gathering.” One of our aspects is promoting a more sustainable way of life so this group fits right in and – I am excited to announce – Cyndi will be a regular contributor to Therapeutic Thymes! She will, naturally, be writing seasonally appropriate articles about homesteading.

I made a quick round of the vendors outside. There were vendors selling everything from herbal remedies and lotions to solar power equipment to crystals, to tractors to … use your imagination. The list just goes on. The Fair literally takes over the Seven Springs Ski Resort. There are vendors and talks everywhere. Oh – and livestock! I found an alpaca farmer from whom I purchased an infant hat (for our grandson, Tyr, who was born Friday) and two adorable finger puppets for his two big sisters.

I was excited to see the Wild Mountain Soap Company there. Phillip and Mary are the owners. They make their own products: soaps, deodorants, lotions, bath bombs, and – my favorite – muscle rubs. Their muscle rub is made with aloe, menthol, capsaicin, and camphor oil. After a long day on my feet, the rub was greatly appreciated.

Brew Beer Like a Yeti by Jereme ZimmermanUp in the bookstore, presenters were doing book signings as well. Jereme Zimmerman was there signing his recent “Brew Beer Like a Yeti.” Picked up a signed copy for a reviewer. Look for a review by Mathieu Gascon. He is an insurance agent by day and a homebrewer by night and weekend.

There was so much to see and learn. Watch for more both here and in the magazine itself. Don’t have a subscription yet? Click HERE to go to our “subscribe” page. Also, we’d love to hear your advice for first time attendees. Share your suggestions in the comments section.

The next Mother Earth News Fair is next month in Topeka, Kansas.

Until next journey …

© Therapeutic Thymes, LLC., 2018.

Author: Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman

Publisher/Editor