Welcome
GREAT LAKES HERB FAIRE CHELSEA, MICHIGAN
I
It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the cancellation of the in-person 2020 Great Lakes Herb Faire. As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, increasingly revealing its scope and implications, we have discussed multiple possibilities with regard to this year's event; hoping that we might find a way to safely gather with you all. Ultimately, though, we do not believe this would be a wise course of action. The health and well-being of each person present, and their families, is our highest priority, and we feel that it would be irresponsible to move forward with hosting such a large gathering when so much is still uncertain. Of course, we hope that by September the risk will be less, but at this point the projections are not optimistic.
Between shared sleeping quarters, heavily-used restrooms, popular classes, and a small kitchen, social distancing practices would be extremely difficult to maintain. Even if we could, we feel that the changes and enforcement necessary to do so would seriously detract from the experience of the Faire. After all, we come together not only to learn, but to share meals, dances, and each other's company. We cannot find it in our hearts to forbid friends from hugging. We have always tried our utmost to make this gathering a place of welcome, peace, and safety for everyone, whereas if we were to hold it this year, there must be constant worry and vigilance.
This does not mean, however, that we are shutting down for the year. It has not escaped our notice that this situation highlights just how important and needed herbal medicine is for us all, and how valuable knowledgeable practitioners are to a healthy society. As always, we hope to empower our community with the knowledge and skills to make medicine, to use what is available in the best way possible, and to care for ourselves and each other. We are currently dreaming up alternative offerings, which we hope to make available between now and the scheduled weekend of the Faire. These will likely include instructional videos, written material and musings, interviews with experienced herbalists, and other things yet to be imagined. These will be free of charge. We will also be highlighting the work and websites of our teachers, vendors, and other organizations that are in alignment with our purpose.
One of our first steps will be to create an online event page or group where we can connect with each other and keep everyone apprised of what we are planning and what's available. The Faire weekend (September 11-13) will see the lion's share of material released, and we hope you will still join us in spirit for three days of learning and connection!
If you have already registered, rest assured that any money you have paid for registration, food, lodging, fees, etc. will be fully refunded as soon as we can get our ducks in a row - you do not need to do anything to request this. While we will do what we can online this year, it cannot compare to coming together in the woods and fields of Michigan; we are holding you all in our hearts and look forward to seeing you again when we can (hopefully!) gather in 2021.
We hope that you and your loved ones weather the storm in good health and good spirits, and are able to take the opportunity of this disruption to make some positive changes. Know that you have the love and support of hundreds of healers surrounding you.
Veriditas,
The Organizers of the Great Lakes Herb Faire
I
It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the cancellation of the in-person 2020 Great Lakes Herb Faire. As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, increasingly revealing its scope and implications, we have discussed multiple possibilities with regard to this year's event; hoping that we might find a way to safely gather with you all. Ultimately, though, we do not believe this would be a wise course of action. The health and well-being of each person present, and their families, is our highest priority, and we feel that it would be irresponsible to move forward with hosting such a large gathering when so much is still uncertain. Of course, we hope that by September the risk will be less, but at this point the projections are not optimistic.
Between shared sleeping quarters, heavily-used restrooms, popular classes, and a small kitchen, social distancing practices would be extremely difficult to maintain. Even if we could, we feel that the changes and enforcement necessary to do so would seriously detract from the experience of the Faire. After all, we come together not only to learn, but to share meals, dances, and each other's company. We cannot find it in our hearts to forbid friends from hugging. We have always tried our utmost to make this gathering a place of welcome, peace, and safety for everyone, whereas if we were to hold it this year, there must be constant worry and vigilance.
This does not mean, however, that we are shutting down for the year. It has not escaped our notice that this situation highlights just how important and needed herbal medicine is for us all, and how valuable knowledgeable practitioners are to a healthy society. As always, we hope to empower our community with the knowledge and skills to make medicine, to use what is available in the best way possible, and to care for ourselves and each other. We are currently dreaming up alternative offerings, which we hope to make available between now and the scheduled weekend of the Faire. These will likely include instructional videos, written material and musings, interviews with experienced herbalists, and other things yet to be imagined. These will be free of charge. We will also be highlighting the work and websites of our teachers, vendors, and other organizations that are in alignment with our purpose.
One of our first steps will be to create an online event page or group where we can connect with each other and keep everyone apprised of what we are planning and what's available. The Faire weekend (September 11-13) will see the lion's share of material released, and we hope you will still join us in spirit for three days of learning and connection!
If you have already registered, rest assured that any money you have paid for registration, food, lodging, fees, etc. will be fully refunded as soon as we can get our ducks in a row - you do not need to do anything to request this. While we will do what we can online this year, it cannot compare to coming together in the woods and fields of Michigan; we are holding you all in our hearts and look forward to seeing you again when we can (hopefully!) gather in 2021.
We hope that you and your loved ones weather the storm in good health and good spirits, and are able to take the opportunity of this disruption to make some positive changes. Know that you have the love and support of hundreds of healers surrounding you.
Veriditas,
The Organizers of the Great Lakes Herb Faire
RECORDINGS AVAILABLE FOR 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 HERE!
The 2019 Faire was once again truly inspiring. The fifth year seemed extra special with a sense of community that is really growing. The teachers shared their wisdom, helping to pass the torch of herbal knowledge in a way that encouraged beginners and fed experienced herbalists. We cannot thank our teachers enough! A true blessing to us all is that we have most of the class recording available now! You now have access to this information as many times as you would like. While doing dishes, working in the garden, driving or lying on the couch and relaxing you will have access to the information conveyed at the faire that encourages health and healing for yourself, your family and your community.
We will once again have an amazing weekend planned, including brilliant teachers, classes for all levels, fun evening activities, music and dance, a wonderful kids' program, creative vendors, and of course phenomenal food. The grounds are gorgeous and expansive, encompassing several diverse ecosystems and a plethora of wild herbs, with connections to local parks and trails. The Faire is a family-friendly event (with family pricing); we believe herbs and natural well-being are an important part of our everyday home lives as well as, for those who are inclined, a more in-depth discipline. Here we can, for a few days, step into a world of our own creation; immersing ourselves in study and community, and forging experiences and friendships that will sustain us long after the closing ceremony. Please join us!
Same beautiful location!
(Cedar Lake Outdoor Center,
2500 Pierce Rd, Chelsea, Michigan)
Stay posted here, or keep track of us on Facebook.
If you have any questions please contact us at info@greatlakesherbfaire.org
Same beautiful location!
(Cedar Lake Outdoor Center,
2500 Pierce Rd, Chelsea, Michigan)
Stay posted here, or keep track of us on Facebook.
If you have any questions please contact us at info@greatlakesherbfaire.org
From those who attended the
Herb Faire over the years:
Herb Faire over the years:
"You have no idea what this weekend means to me! It rekindles my vital essence and replenishes everything I give as an instructor throughout the year! I will always be a part of it! You all do fabulous work organizing. See you in September!"
"The Great Lakes Herb Faire is an incredible space where people come to give and not to take, and that creates a tremendous healing and recharging environment for us all"
"I am still flying high from this weekend! And I am really excited for next year! Thank you for putting this together!"
"It was an amazing conference. So awesome to connect in such a deep way with so many wonderful herbalists. Thank you."
"I've heard from several of my cohorts as to how this was one of the best/ or even THE BEST gathering ever. And that holds truth."
"You all bring such a beautiful spirit to the event, and it shines through everything. Thank you all so much for your work. I feel as if I picked up enough learning to keep me busy until next year's Faire."
"This was probably my favorite stop in my 2016 tour!!! SUCH a great event, amazing people (and the best conference food I've ever had! :) I'd be honored to be back."
"The Great Lakes Herb Faire is an incredible space where people come to give and not to take, and that creates a tremendous healing and recharging environment for us all"
"I am still flying high from this weekend! And I am really excited for next year! Thank you for putting this together!"
"It was an amazing conference. So awesome to connect in such a deep way with so many wonderful herbalists. Thank you."
"I've heard from several of my cohorts as to how this was one of the best/ or even THE BEST gathering ever. And that holds truth."
"You all bring such a beautiful spirit to the event, and it shines through everything. Thank you all so much for your work. I feel as if I picked up enough learning to keep me busy until next year's Faire."
"This was probably my favorite stop in my 2016 tour!!! SUCH a great event, amazing people (and the best conference food I've ever had! :) I'd be honored to be back."
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