GREAT IDEA
Because good ideas are too rare, it's a real joy when you hit a homerun with a great idea. Such is the case with our Polyface Gatherings this year. That idea came to me following the pop-up Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) shindig here last fall when the Atlanta hotel suddenly canceled their national conference.
WAPF staffers and friends had no time to book somewhere else and reached out to me about hosting something here at the farm. We agreed and within 10 days enjoyed Sally Fallon and Del Bigtree (look him up--he's a firebrand) and 300 attendees and vendors. The fellowship and shear joy of getting together made me wonder if this opportunity could be leveraged.
How many billions of dollars that used to go to Sheraton, Marriot and Hilton conference centers are out there wandering around looking for a new home? And how many groups, both commercial and non-profits, want to get together but don't want the hassle of mask police at doorways, fighting with food service to offer edible fare, and the artificiality of florescent lights and HVAC systems? Could we offer our farm as a gathering place? That was a big idea.
I floated it out into the universe and very quickly had several salutes that eventuated in 7 Polyface Gatherings this year. We've now had 4 and have 3 to go and to say they've been well received would be the understatement of the year. No HVAC, no mask mandates, natural ventilation, fantastic Polyface food--it's been great.
Here are the three gatherings left:
September 16-17 Stockman Grass Farmer. This will be epic. We're having a two-day shindig with the gurus of the grass farming movement, the teachers who do the SGF schools, each presenting in 90 minute segments. If you've ever wanted to rub shoulders with the world's best grass farming teachers, this is where you can do it. Spots are still available. The pastured livestock community has a lot of expertise to share; one great idea or breakthrough procedure is worth the investment.
October 2, Weston A. Price Foundation is returning. If you are unfamiliar with their Nourishing Traditions agenda, this is a great way to learn the commonalities in long-lived, healthy people groups that we can adapt to our modern needs. WAPF has probably done more, as an organization, to connect farmers and eaters to authentic food than any other group in the world.
November 6 Harvest Celebration featuring world class costumed historical interpreter Richard Cheatham and singer-songwriter legend Rory Feek. Cheatham's dramatic presentations rivet both adults and children; I guarantee you'll see history with new eyes. Every time I hear him I learn something new. Your children will be mesmerized by his costume, believe me. And then Rory. What can I say about Rory? Known as much for his love story with his wife Joey who lost her battle with cancer, then his ongoing dedication and heart for Down's Syndrome daughter Indiana, his songs bring tears one minute and hilarity the next. Story-songs are his theme and an evening with him will leave you warm and fuzzy for months. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate the end of another great season and 60 years of land redemption!
We've learned much this summer with these gatherings; we're getting better at the logistics. We can handle 300 people; that's enough for economic and social viability but small enough that it doesn't feel like a crowd. It's a Goldilocks number--juuuuuust right.
We hope to see you at one of these three remaining gatherings. And as we look forward to next year, we are starting a list. If you or someone you know would like to have an unfettered, well-fared get-together, holler. Why not let farms be the new havens of socializing, education, and health? We look forward to seeing you soon.
Have you missed getting together during the last year?