Join Us for Mid-Winter Faire!

Come together in joyful connection during the deepest part of winter for nourishing food, fun activities for all ages, and cozy comradery. Hosted by the parent-run Winter Celebrations Committee, this new celebration of our community will run from 2-5pm at Foothills Unitarian Church on Saturday, February 1st.

 

Festivities Abound!

  • Doors open at 2pm and close at 5pm. Come any time during that window to experience the magic! A suggested donation of $5/person to cover the cost of the event will be collected at the door. All forms of payment will be accepted.
  • Five activity stations with activities for the whole family. Make your way through the festivities of candle rolling, candle dipping (ages 9 and up only), paper crafts, indigenous stick weaving, and a collaborative art project.
  • Find calm in a story. Step into the quiet and revery of a storyteller's space, who will offer a tale relevant to the season.
  • Participate in the Seed Exchange. We are thrilled to bring this age-old practice to Mid-Winter Faire. See below for more information and guidelines.
  • Find something wonderful at the Treasure Trade. Our take on an item exchange, this aspect of Mid-Winter Faire leans into the impulse of readying your space for spring. See below for more information and guidelines.
  • Enjoy tasty treats in the Foraging Forest. Taste the creations from our very own Mountain Sage community and enjoy warm beverages to soothe your soul. Sign up to bring a food item!
  • And more!

Seed Exchange 🌱

The seeds are still sleeping, but dreams of stirring and spreading their roots abound! Bring your seeds from your own collection at home and share with others in the community.

Guidelines

Contributing Seeds:

  • Bring your seeds to the school by Friday, January 31st
  • Each type of seed should be in its own labeled container
    • If your container does not allow for easy pouring, please consider bringing a spoon or scoop
  • Bring only what you want others to have
  • Seeds will be left on the table for others to take as they desire
  • Be sure to stop by at the end to take what seeds of yours have not been collected

Collecting Seeds:

  • Make an origami envelope at the Paper Crafts station or take an envelope at the Seed Exchange table
  • Take seeds from the available containers at the Seed Exchange table
  • Label your envelope

Treasure Trade 🌟

Part of the mid-winter mood is to clean the corners of your home. To aid in that process, we will be hosting a Treasure Trade: bring something from home that no longer serves you and that could be a treasure to someone else.

Guidelines

  • Gather something from your home that no longer serves you. This item must be:
    • In excellent condition
    • Non-perishable
  • Do not wrap your item!
  • When you arrive, place it on the Treasure Trade table
  • When you are ready, take something that appeals to you
  • Any items not claimed will be donated

Volunteers Needed

This entire event is run by parents, not by staff! This means it will take everyone chipping in where they can to make it a success.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE                          DONATE OR LEND ITEMS HERE                        SIGN UP TO BRING FOOD HERE

Mid-Winter Faire FAQ

What is Mid-Winter?
Mid-winter is the deepest part of the winter season and a time where cultures from around the world come together in celebration to brighten the darkest days of the year. It is not yet spring, but spring is around the corner and the idea of stirring begins to form. Learn more on the Mid-Winter Mood page of the website.

Why a Mid-Winter Faire?
February is a time when the hustle and bustle of the holidays has passed and our school calendar slows a bit. We begin to have renewed energy for connection yet the darkness of the season can keep us at home. The parent-led Winter Celebrations Committee wanted to create a warm, welcoming, and fun event to bring our community together in joyful celebration during this time.

What Will We Find at Mid-Winter Faire?
The Committee has planned an afternoon of fun activities for all ages, music, food, and connection. There will be 5 activity stations, a seed exchange, the Treasure Trade, a storyteller, live music, nibbles at the Foraging Forest, and more!

Should We Bring Anything?
Yes! Each family will want to bring a few things to the event: mugs for hot beverages, a single item for the Treasure Trade, and perhaps a bag to carry your creations from the activity stations. If you have seeds to contribute to the see exchange, be sure to bring those, too.

How Can I Help?
There are lots of ways to contribute. We need volunteers for all kinds of things and donations/loans of everything from decorations to food. See above for the links to sign up. All volunteers must be verified with the school.