Common Ground Fair 2012

We traveled to one of our favorite events, the Common Ground Fair. It was 3 fabulous days of organic goodness from farm to person to craft! It was also a time to visit with great friends and let our girls reconnect. If you have never been, put it on your calendar for next year. Always the third weekend after Labor Day. If you wanted to come this year and couldn't hopefully these photos will let you experience it through our eyes. Enjoy!

 

After a long ride we arrive in beautiful Maine! Scout can't wait to see her good friend Tallulah!

 

These soul sisters are both at home in the forest!

They immediately start searching for Tinkerbell...

 

They are sure they have found her home!

 

The welcoming committee our first day at the fair!

 

We start off the day hoopin!

 

All crafts people are from Maine.

We Love Eco- Kids no place better to get your art supplies for the kiddos! All dies made from fruits and veggies.

Jumping off the hay in the huge kids area is always a favorite spot.

 

Searching for Tinkerbell again

 

 This fair runs only with the dedication of 1000's of volunteers.

This paper mache tree stood for 3 days, as the children (and parents) added layers it blossomed into a gorgeous tree full of creatures.

Threshing wheat

Unbelievable craftspeople and artisans

 

Wool drying...after it was dyed with tree bark

 

The giant sliding hill, located right at the music venue. Three days of nonstop moving and grooving!

There is always the coolest cast of characters!

Sunday morning there is a 5K. We did it together as a family and with friends. A great way to start the day! The race fee (only $18) included your admission to the fair and a T-shirt!

Here comes the parade! Everyone dresses up, twice a day, and puts on a parade.

 How will you get to the fair?

  

The farmers market was amazing...all organic and from Maine.

The best "fast food" ever. For lunch she chose a bunch of carrots, a pint of blueberries and a jug of fresh squeezed cider!

Day 3 begins in the usual place, EcoKids.

 

This year there was an new kids area in the homestead cooking area. 

 

Making bread... 

and cider.

 

 

There is plenty of time, and space, to just relax and play with family and friends!

 

We took a felting class together

 

We found this amazing kid in the youth entrepreneurs tent. He grows hay to feed his sheep, which he cares for with his dog, then he sheers the sheep, cards the wool, spins it into yarn, dyes it and then knits hats! I bought this one...how could I not?!

There are lectures, classes and demos all day. So many it is impossible to not find at least 4 things you want to do every minute for three straight days! 

This demo was logging with animals.

 

Daddy is always such a great sport!

 Hope you can make it next year!

Yes!!! we found Tinkerbell

Progress....on their own

HorseKids are getting bigger! And more accomplished! 

I love having kids here, helping them realize their amazing potential. I provide the horses, art medium, forest, play places and belief in them. If they want to do it, I let them. If they want to learn it, I will help them. Mostly I want them to realize that they can do and be anything they want....they must only believe and be willing to never give up!

Take a look at this cutie. She has a  lot of passion and desire to ride. She is always right there when when I ask for volunteers. Today she she had an amazing milestone. These happen without much notice. I usually see a moment arriving and just let it unfold. This day she took Tonto and asked how to lead Tonto with her bridle. She was doing perfectly so I let it flow.

 

She had seen the big kids mount from the spools without anyone holding their horse. I told her to do it. She did it, I just stood back and documented the whole thing!

 

Of course she did it! With a little help from one amazing pony who will always help out a rider who shows her the respect she deserves.

 

 

Off into the forest....no, I haven't touched Tonto. She is doing this all on her own. The smile says it all!

 When she was done riding she returned to the yard and dismounted without help. Her first completely independent solo...you go cowgirl!

 

Meanwhile the "big kids" are doing chores. Completely without adult supervision they get it done!

 Kind hearted Little.

Other mom's are here, it is a combined effort. Today magic Faerie wands are being built when they are not riding.

 

The new playscape is in place and new adventures are happening right away!

Here come the "big kids"...completely unassisted fun with horses!

Fun with dogs!!

 

Then we finish the day with a workout race!

Burpees

 

frog jumps

 

crossing bars

 

pull ups

 

slide to the finish!

 

Just another awesome day at HorseKids!