The Okanogan Barter Faire

A little story....inspired by this site....:).

It seems as though for me, when I am living true to myself the growth is tremendous. I found this site with the intent of finding some great recipes. What I really discovered was that I had confirmed in me such an important piece of who I was. Its not that I veered far away from my values...it just that I had been off on adventures and experiences in life that kept me listening to my heart. LOL I have been a little busy living!

So today I would like to share with you one experience that I believe would be enjoyed by many members of this community.... take a trip with me back to the mmm late 70's early 80's....the weekend ahead of us would be the first full moon in October. We had packed our vehicles, and school buses converted to homes and headed off to Tonasket, Washington. Where were we headed??? To the Barter Faire!! In the early years, it was bartering only, and if you were seeking something and you didn't have what the person needed then you might have to get creative with a three way trade, or more! There was no limit to the items/services offered! Food, animals, services such as massages. What an amazing group of people that had gathered! I noticed as time went on money was mentioned as a needed item also. I did feel that it did change the dynamics a bit. Today, (many moons later ;) ), I am not sure what system has been adopted by the group.

I did just look it up online and was pleased to see it is still in existence. It has grown, apparently there is a Board now! I have the link below for your convenience.

The thought that started me back to the site was realizing that we all had so much infomation and skills to share that perhaps we needed a midwest barter faire and celebration! I am not sure how many of you have been to the Country Fair in Oregon, or to the Barter Faire in Washington. But I am envisioning more along the names of Barter Faire style. No technology. Keep it simple.

Keep our cell phones at the door LOL. (No door really..outside.) Okay, don't panic, I am just throwing ideas in the pot!

Just a thought. The seed is planted.

http://www.okanoganfamilyfaire.net/

SnakeWitch
June 26, 2012, 4:32 pm
I've always been a fan of bartering. It's great for small business owners just starting out, or self-employed people like me. Voted!
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1. Justnjoyable
  June 26, 2012, 4:46 pm
  I agree....! Thank you for the vote!
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Veganara
June 26, 2012, 7:18 pm
Vote no 3. I love the idea of bartering. We have a similar system in some areas in Britain called the Local Exchange Trading Scheme, which essentially operates on the same principle. You may like to look at my two latest blogs, Roast Vegetable Tart with Tapenade, and Life, Love and Liberty! If you like them, please vote.
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1. Justnjoyable
  June 26, 2012, 7:29 pm
  Thank you, I do too. Yes, I was just reading your bio, pretty interesting....! Will do!
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taniab
June 27, 2012, 7:53 pm
vote#4. enjoyed reading your post. a step towards the simplicity we seem to have lost.
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Virtually Homemade
June 28, 2012, 5:11 pm
Sounds like fun - what a great idea. Voted! Check out my fresh salsa recipe and vote if you like. I'd like to exchange some salsa for a massage :)
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1. Justnjoyable
  June 29, 2012, 12:24 am
  Thank you I will check out the salsa!!! Just had a great dish the other day that I used salsa but bought it! Yes! That's exactly how the barter faire works....lol salsa for massage is totally in the spirit!!
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evalovesbend
June 30, 2012, 9:15 pm
Very interesting. Voted! Check out my post the art of popsicles and vote if you like it:)
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