Faire Goes Non-Commercial

Stevens County’s North Country Faire will dish up a mellowed version of the ‘60s today, Saturday and Sunday.

The peace-and-love generation may have mortgages and grandchildren, but fair organizers say they haven’t lost their ideals. They promise to put counterculture’s best foot forward with a noncommercial fair that bans war toys, military hardware, junk food and electrical generators.

Styrofoam, plastic and pets aren’t welcome.

The North Country Faire is an alternative to other barter fairs in the region that sometimes seem more like flea markets and carnivals.

Organizer Shelley Taylor said the North Country Faire will be “healthy and holistic gathering” - natural juices and organic coffee, but no alcohol. In addition to domestic arts and crafts, there will be imported products and international cuisine ranging from Mexican to Vietnamese.

Entertainment will be eclectic, Taylor said. There will be reggae, country, folk, classic rock, New Age and Texas funk, among other styles. And, of course, there will be drumming.

Vendors must pay a $10 fee. Weekend camping costs $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 to 16 years old and nothing for younger children. Day passes are $3 for adults, free for children.

Taylor said the equivalent in nonperishable foods, to be donated to area food banks, may be substituted for any of the fees. All of the fair proceeds are to be donated to food banks, the Upper Columbia Human Rights Coalition, the Family Support Center, Veterans for Peace and an annual spiritual gathering called Traditional Nightchase Sundance.

The fair will be on 80-acre Peaceful Farm. Turn west off U.S. Highway 395 on Orin-Rice Road three miles south of Colville and follow the signs. For more information, call Richard or Shelley Taylor at 684-8629 or 684-8092.

, DataTimes