Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend one day of this Faire rather than the whole weekend?
Registration is for the entire weekend. While you are welcome to attend only one day, the price is still the same. You will find that the Faire takes on a life of its own and part of that has to do with it being the same people from the beginning to the end of the Faire.
How advanced of an herbalist do I need to be?
This Faire is for the full range of herbalists!! If you have a budding interest or if you have been studying for years, the Faire will have much to offer. This is a great opportunity for beginners to get a taste of what herbal medicine has to offer and will provide an outlet for advanced herbalists to fine-tune their skills. The study and practice of herbalism is a life long exercise. It must begin with one step and the road is infinite. Many of the classes will be labeled beginner, intermediate or advanced, however advanced herbalists are always learning, even from beginner classes and beginners can take away much from advanced class so please don't let a label through you off if a subject really inspires you.
Will I have an opportunity to ask questions about my personal health?
Due to the classroom-type nature of most of the sessions, we request that you refrain from asking personal questions about your own health so as to respect the time of the other students. You are welcome to ask teachers if they do private consultations.
How accessible is the Faire?
The grounds of the Faire are mostly lawn; the terrain is fairly smooth but there are some gentle hills and slopes, and patches of rougher ground. Trails are mostly smooth dirt. There is an access road that reaches all cabins. Most buildings have one or two steps leading up to them. Classes are held in tents on the lawn or in one of two buildings, one of which is near a parking are. The dining hall has a parking area and an access ramp. There is an accessible bathroom and shower near the dining hall.
The Cedar Lake Outdoor Center where the Faire is located is at 2500 Pierce Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118. Take exit 157 off of I94 just west of center of Chelsea. Go north on Pierce rd 1.7 miles until you reach it. It is easy to find!
Is any financial aid available?
Yes! This year we are offering several scholarships for folks who have a strong interest in herbal medicine but are unable to pay for the registration of the Faire. We also have a work-exchange program. Please see the registration page of our website for more information and to apply for either one.
How rustic are the cabins? (This year we will be offering camping only). Hopefully next year we will use the cabins again.
Pretty rustic, they are dorms for a summer camp. Its not the Marriott. But they are cozy and many find sharing space to be part of the community learning experience and a great way to meet and chat with other herbalists. The cabins consist of bunk beds (12-15 beds per cabin) in an unheated cabin. The bathrooms are not inside the cabin but are nearby. Everyone staying in a cabin must bring their own bedding or sleeping bag. We will have all women cabins and several all gender/family cabins. If there are suddenly enough men for their own cabin, we could potentially have an all male cabin however that has not happened yet. September is usually very nice with mild weather; however, it could be cold, so if you plan to stay in a cabin, please bring plenty of bedding to keep yourself cozy. Unfortunately we are unable to have space heaters in the cabins due to fire hazard. There will be a quite/lights out time, however there will be multiple places, both inside and out (campfire) where the late nighters can gather without disturbing those who are sleeping.
Can I drive to the cabins to unload my car?
You will have an opportunity to drive your car back to the B and C cabins where you can park. The A cabins along with the main camping area are close enough to the parking lot that it should not be a problem to carry your things or you can drive up, unload your things and then take the car back to the parking lot. If you arrive late there may be too many tents near the A cabins to make it safe to drive near. If you think you will need help unloading your belongings, please let us know at registration and we will have someone help you.
Where can I stay offsite?
We will have a block of rooms reserved at the Comfort Inn in Chelsea, just minutes from the Faire for those who would like more modern accommodations. Click here for their website. Their phone number is 734-433-8000. There are also plenty of other hotels around in Chelsea, Ann Arbor and Jackson. It is a football weekend though so book early! There are also offsite campgrounds in the area that you can check out. The Waterloo and Pinckney recreation areas are not far, both of which have modern and rustic campgrounds.
Where can I camp at the Faire?
Camping is essentially allowed almost anywhere that is not in the main Faire area except at the beach. We will have a couple of designated camping areas where most people will camp, but if you desire, you may camp elsewhere as long as it does not interrupt the flow of the Faire. If you are unsure if it will be in the way, please ask or choose another spot. There will be a campfire where people may be up late chatting, so if you are an early to bed person, make sure not to camp near the fire. People may also be at the beach at night, so that may be another place to avoid. There are lots of quite spots if that is important to you.
What is the bathroom situation?
The bathrooms, to be honest, are not the fanciest you have ever seen. There are 4 bathrooms around the grounds - one main block by the mess hall and 3 others by each set of cabins. All bathrooms are all gender. There are also showers across from the dining area and one private bathroom that you are welcome to use. Please wear a mask in the bathrooms.
Can I buy individual meals rather than a whole meal plan?
If you do not purchase a meal plan, there will be no guarantee that there will be food available for purchase each meal. You are welcome to hang around until the meal plan folks have been fed and if there are leftovers, we will have meals for purchase ($12). But please do not count on it. We highly recommend the meal plan. Our cooks are top of the line and we are using top of the line ingredients, many of which are local and organic! Each meal has gluten free and vegan options.
What if I do not purchase a meal plan?
This year we will have a breakfast food truck and some snacks available. If you do not get a meal plan, you will need to bring most of your own food or purchase it from town. You can cook outside your campsite or cabin if you bring your own stove, but there are no cooking facilities in the cabins and the cooks will have the main kitchen in use throughout the Faire so you will not be able to utilize the main kitchen. There are some places about 10 minutes away in the town of Chelsea that you can purchase prepared food and there are also a couple of grocery stores.
New Chelsea Market- small health food store https://www.facebook.com/NewChelseaMarket/
Coffee shops/cafes http://www.zouzouscafe.com
http://plaidmelon.com
Very yummy but expensive restaurant http://www.commongrill.com
General grocery http://country-markets.com/locations/
There are other options as well, but these are some local favorites.
Will classes be recorded?
Yes! This year we will be recording the majority of the classes. This is very exciting, as this will give folks an opportunity to buy recordings of classes that they really wanted to attend but were unable to be at because of another great class! There will be an area set up that will have the order forms for the class recordings. You will also have the opportunity to by all the recordings for a discounted price.
My child is 12. Can they go to adult classes?
If your child can sit through a 1.5 hour class without disruption, or leave if need be, and they have interest, we very much encourage them to go to adult classes!
I see there is a lake there can I swim?
Swimming is prohibited at the Faire. To be legal there, we would need a life guard and we do not plan to have one there for several reasons. The last two years it has been too cold for most people to think about swimming and also there is not enough time!! The weekend is packed and it is difficult to schedule a time for lifeguarded swimming even if it was warm enough.
Is there first aid?
Yes! We will have a First Aid tent available in the Marketplace. Someone will be at the tent the vast majority of the daytime Faire. During the night, we will have a phone number where someone can be reached in case a need arises in the night. Even if you do not need First Aid, come check out the First Aid tent. There will be an apothecary loaded with herbal medicines and other tools of the trade. Yet another learning experience at the Faire!
Is there Internet?
Depending on your carrier, cell phone reception is decent for some, not great for others. Internet may or may not be working in the dining hall. Last year it was, the year before it was not, but theoretically it was supposed to be. So please don’t count on it. There will be a place you can charge your phones near registration.
Will I receive a certificate upon leaving?
As a new Faire we are not quite organized enough to provide CEU’s for our attendees. Hopefully in a future year we will be able to offer this!
What should I bring?
Still have questions?
Email us at info@greatlakesherbfaire.org
Registration is for the entire weekend. While you are welcome to attend only one day, the price is still the same. You will find that the Faire takes on a life of its own and part of that has to do with it being the same people from the beginning to the end of the Faire.
How advanced of an herbalist do I need to be?
This Faire is for the full range of herbalists!! If you have a budding interest or if you have been studying for years, the Faire will have much to offer. This is a great opportunity for beginners to get a taste of what herbal medicine has to offer and will provide an outlet for advanced herbalists to fine-tune their skills. The study and practice of herbalism is a life long exercise. It must begin with one step and the road is infinite. Many of the classes will be labeled beginner, intermediate or advanced, however advanced herbalists are always learning, even from beginner classes and beginners can take away much from advanced class so please don't let a label through you off if a subject really inspires you.
Will I have an opportunity to ask questions about my personal health?
Due to the classroom-type nature of most of the sessions, we request that you refrain from asking personal questions about your own health so as to respect the time of the other students. You are welcome to ask teachers if they do private consultations.
How accessible is the Faire?
The grounds of the Faire are mostly lawn; the terrain is fairly smooth but there are some gentle hills and slopes, and patches of rougher ground. Trails are mostly smooth dirt. There is an access road that reaches all cabins. Most buildings have one or two steps leading up to them. Classes are held in tents on the lawn or in one of two buildings, one of which is near a parking are. The dining hall has a parking area and an access ramp. There is an accessible bathroom and shower near the dining hall.
The Cedar Lake Outdoor Center where the Faire is located is at 2500 Pierce Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118. Take exit 157 off of I94 just west of center of Chelsea. Go north on Pierce rd 1.7 miles until you reach it. It is easy to find!
Is any financial aid available?
Yes! This year we are offering several scholarships for folks who have a strong interest in herbal medicine but are unable to pay for the registration of the Faire. We also have a work-exchange program. Please see the registration page of our website for more information and to apply for either one.
How rustic are the cabins? (This year we will be offering camping only). Hopefully next year we will use the cabins again.
Pretty rustic, they are dorms for a summer camp. Its not the Marriott. But they are cozy and many find sharing space to be part of the community learning experience and a great way to meet and chat with other herbalists. The cabins consist of bunk beds (12-15 beds per cabin) in an unheated cabin. The bathrooms are not inside the cabin but are nearby. Everyone staying in a cabin must bring their own bedding or sleeping bag. We will have all women cabins and several all gender/family cabins. If there are suddenly enough men for their own cabin, we could potentially have an all male cabin however that has not happened yet. September is usually very nice with mild weather; however, it could be cold, so if you plan to stay in a cabin, please bring plenty of bedding to keep yourself cozy. Unfortunately we are unable to have space heaters in the cabins due to fire hazard. There will be a quite/lights out time, however there will be multiple places, both inside and out (campfire) where the late nighters can gather without disturbing those who are sleeping.
Can I drive to the cabins to unload my car?
You will have an opportunity to drive your car back to the B and C cabins where you can park. The A cabins along with the main camping area are close enough to the parking lot that it should not be a problem to carry your things or you can drive up, unload your things and then take the car back to the parking lot. If you arrive late there may be too many tents near the A cabins to make it safe to drive near. If you think you will need help unloading your belongings, please let us know at registration and we will have someone help you.
Where can I stay offsite?
We will have a block of rooms reserved at the Comfort Inn in Chelsea, just minutes from the Faire for those who would like more modern accommodations. Click here for their website. Their phone number is 734-433-8000. There are also plenty of other hotels around in Chelsea, Ann Arbor and Jackson. It is a football weekend though so book early! There are also offsite campgrounds in the area that you can check out. The Waterloo and Pinckney recreation areas are not far, both of which have modern and rustic campgrounds.
Where can I camp at the Faire?
Camping is essentially allowed almost anywhere that is not in the main Faire area except at the beach. We will have a couple of designated camping areas where most people will camp, but if you desire, you may camp elsewhere as long as it does not interrupt the flow of the Faire. If you are unsure if it will be in the way, please ask or choose another spot. There will be a campfire where people may be up late chatting, so if you are an early to bed person, make sure not to camp near the fire. People may also be at the beach at night, so that may be another place to avoid. There are lots of quite spots if that is important to you.
What is the bathroom situation?
The bathrooms, to be honest, are not the fanciest you have ever seen. There are 4 bathrooms around the grounds - one main block by the mess hall and 3 others by each set of cabins. All bathrooms are all gender. There are also showers across from the dining area and one private bathroom that you are welcome to use. Please wear a mask in the bathrooms.
Can I buy individual meals rather than a whole meal plan?
If you do not purchase a meal plan, there will be no guarantee that there will be food available for purchase each meal. You are welcome to hang around until the meal plan folks have been fed and if there are leftovers, we will have meals for purchase ($12). But please do not count on it. We highly recommend the meal plan. Our cooks are top of the line and we are using top of the line ingredients, many of which are local and organic! Each meal has gluten free and vegan options.
What if I do not purchase a meal plan?
This year we will have a breakfast food truck and some snacks available. If you do not get a meal plan, you will need to bring most of your own food or purchase it from town. You can cook outside your campsite or cabin if you bring your own stove, but there are no cooking facilities in the cabins and the cooks will have the main kitchen in use throughout the Faire so you will not be able to utilize the main kitchen. There are some places about 10 minutes away in the town of Chelsea that you can purchase prepared food and there are also a couple of grocery stores.
New Chelsea Market- small health food store https://www.facebook.com/NewChelseaMarket/
Coffee shops/cafes http://www.zouzouscafe.com
http://plaidmelon.com
Very yummy but expensive restaurant http://www.commongrill.com
General grocery http://country-markets.com/locations/
There are other options as well, but these are some local favorites.
Will classes be recorded?
Yes! This year we will be recording the majority of the classes. This is very exciting, as this will give folks an opportunity to buy recordings of classes that they really wanted to attend but were unable to be at because of another great class! There will be an area set up that will have the order forms for the class recordings. You will also have the opportunity to by all the recordings for a discounted price.
My child is 12. Can they go to adult classes?
If your child can sit through a 1.5 hour class without disruption, or leave if need be, and they have interest, we very much encourage them to go to adult classes!
I see there is a lake there can I swim?
Swimming is prohibited at the Faire. To be legal there, we would need a life guard and we do not plan to have one there for several reasons. The last two years it has been too cold for most people to think about swimming and also there is not enough time!! The weekend is packed and it is difficult to schedule a time for lifeguarded swimming even if it was warm enough.
Is there first aid?
Yes! We will have a First Aid tent available in the Marketplace. Someone will be at the tent the vast majority of the daytime Faire. During the night, we will have a phone number where someone can be reached in case a need arises in the night. Even if you do not need First Aid, come check out the First Aid tent. There will be an apothecary loaded with herbal medicines and other tools of the trade. Yet another learning experience at the Faire!
Is there Internet?
Depending on your carrier, cell phone reception is decent for some, not great for others. Internet may or may not be working in the dining hall. Last year it was, the year before it was not, but theoretically it was supposed to be. So please don’t count on it. There will be a place you can charge your phones near registration.
Will I receive a certificate upon leaving?
As a new Faire we are not quite organized enough to provide CEU’s for our attendees. Hopefully in a future year we will be able to offer this!
What should I bring?
- Reusable mug for the delicious herbal teas that will be available, as well as coffee.
- Warm clothes! Hopefully it will be warm weather, but if not you will appreciate having an abundance of warm clothes.
- Comfortable clothes for classes as well as for the yoga and tai chi that will be offered.
- Blankets/Sleeping bag/bedding if staying onsite.
- Pillow
- Rain Jacket/umbrella
- Cash or checks for the marketplace. Some vendors may not take credit cards.
- Shoes appropriate for walking on trails.
- Pens/Pencils
- Notepad
- Snacks. While meals will be provided if you choose a meal plan, you may need an extra snack here and there.
Still have questions?
Email us at info@greatlakesherbfaire.org