2011 Kickapoo Country Fair

Fun in the mud in 2010!

2010-08-23T13:05:00.014-05:00

Despite the wet weather and a little bit of mud, the fair was a blast again this year!

Thank you to all the people who came out to the 7th annual Kickapoo Country Fair!

---

Here are some pictures of the festivities!

photo by: Eric Wunnenberg

photo by: Eric Wunnenberg

photo by: Karen Hermsen

Kickapoo Country Breakfast & More! Sunday 7/25/10

2010-07-17T17:56:00.010-05:00

Looking for a great way to start out your Sunday?

Well, next Sunday - July 25th - you can head over to the Organic Valley world headquarters in LaFarge, Wisconsin and fuel up before the second day of the famous Kickapoo Country Fair!

For just $8.00 ($5.00 for kids) you can have some of the best food around, in Organic Valley's own Milky Way Cafe!

Breakfast is from 8:00am-10:00am, just in time for the fair opening at 10:00am!

Sunday is also FAMILY DAY where tickets for adults are just $5.00 and kids 12&under are FREE!

You can check out Wisconsin author, Michael Perry at 11:00am in the Word Tent or check out the Hula Hoop performance and workshop on the Prairie Acoustic Stage with Danielle Lee at 1:00pm, then stop by the Kickapoo Green Village and view demonstrations by members of the Kickapoo Green Builders Guild!

The Rustic Kitchen

2010-06-29T14:15:00.010-05:00

Janine MacLachlan is a self-described farm groupie. She teaches farmstand cooking classes at Pinecone Meadow Farm, her 1881 farmhouse in southwest Michigan’s orchard belt, and consults with companies to encourage home cooking.

Again in 2010, Janine will be helping us out in Organic Valley's, Kickapoo Kitchen Tent.

Stop by from 12:30pm – 3:00pm on Saturday, July 24th and learn some amazing new ideas for the classic grilled cheese and summer smoothies!

AND Her blog the Rustic Kitchen is also giving you an opportunity to win tickets!!!!

More chances to win!!!

2010-06-28T13:11:00.004-05:00

BURP!

and you might win tickets to the

2010 Kickapoo Country Fair

2010 Kickapoo Country Fair Poster

2010-06-22T16:15:00.005-05:00

Special Guest: Dr. Temple Grandin

2010-06-16T11:50:00.006-05:00

The Way I See It:
A Personal Look at
Autism and Asperger's

Dr. Temple Grandin
Kickapoo Country Fair
Saturday, July 24th
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Q&A to follow
Milky Way Café

Dr. Temple Grandin gets down to the REAL issues of autism, the ones parents, teachers, and individuals on the spectrum face every day. Temple will offer helpful do’s and don’ts, practical strategies, and try-it-now tips, all based on her “insider” perspective and a great deal of research.

These are just some of the topics Temple will touch upon:
 How and Why People with Autism Think Differently
 Economical Early Intervention Programs that Work
 How Sensory Sensitivities Affect Learning
 Behaviors Caused by a Disability vs. Just Bad Behaviors.
 Teaching People with Autism to Live in an Unpredictable World
 Alternative Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine
 Employment Ideas for Adults with Autism.

"Temple is my hero. She has my vote for the person who has provided the greatest advance in our understanding of autism this century."
-Dr. Tony Attwood, world renowned expert on autism spectrum disorders, author of The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome

Sweet! (and Savory) You can win tickets to the KCF!

2010-06-11T15:08:00.010-05:00

Visit our friends at

the Sweet & Savory Blog and

enter to win tickets to the

2010 Kickapoo Country Fair

awesome Organic Valley products!

eee

Kickapoo Country Farmers' Market

2010-06-02T11:52:00.008-05:00

The Kickapoo Country Farmers' Market

will make its debut at the 2010 Kickapoo Country Fair!

It will be hosted by our friends,

at the Cameron Park Farmers' Market and

will be held in the middle of the action on

Saturday 7/24/10, from 10am - 2pm.

How often do you go to the farmers market and get overwhelmed with the idea of preparing a meal from all the different types of produce available? Attend this workshop and this will never happen to you again!

Farmers Market to Table

Organic Valley Kitchen Tent - Pantry Stage, 11:30am -1:00pm.

Chef Monique Jamet Hooker will take you to the farmers market and back to the kitchen to show ways to prepare wonderful meals from the bounty of the market. Come with an open mind and questions!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

OH MY GOSH! IT'S JOSH B' GOSH!

2010-05-12T11:42:00.006-05:00

Josh B' Gosh returns to the

Kickapoo Country Fair !

RIGHT NOW FAMILIES ARE EXPERIENCING THE FULL RANGE OF STRANGE!

Josh Peters spent several years touring Wisconsin schools with the Thread of Life Puppet Company teaching children about history, mythology, and puppetry before co-founding The Friends of the Stage, a nonprofit organization that produces theatrical fund raising events. After training with premier stunt master, Harley Newman, Josh began performing a comedy stunt show at fairs and festivals specializing in interactive family entertainment.The Josh B' Gosh Show opens with a fast paced fire act which evolves into a hilarious stunt show as Josh uses a mousetrap, a straitjacket, and even the audience, to demonstrate the powers of the human body and mind!

JULY 24th & 25th, 2010!

Don't miss out!

Patchouli ~ Returns on Sunday 7/25!

2010-04-12T15:41:00.007-05:00

Back by popular demand!

1 part ethnobotany
1 part theology
2-part harmony
2-part guitar and
+ a pinch of gypsy caravan
________________________
= Patchouli!

Announcing our 2010 Musical Headliner!

2010-04-07T17:03:00.009-05:00

MILES NIELSEN

Let it snap, let it roll, hand claps, drums crash, tele-tones and solos. Somewhere between a bar and the recording studio, Miles Nielsen's stirs up his own pop rock brandof Beatles-eque Cosmic Americana. Pop rock arrangements and sunny melodies tucked between a long lost country folk steel guitar floating through speakers around crashing drums, bouncing bass lines and smooth as butter keys. Born in Rockford, IL, home of Cheap Trick and 'Symbol', power pop DNA runs through the veins of his songs and performances. 13 years spent playing bars, clubs and theaters, Miles has played and performed as vocalist / lead guitarist in many midwestern bands from past to present, "Harmony Riley", "HMS", and most recently, as a member in the Appleton, WI via Rockford ensemble, "Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons" – as well as his own band when time permits as "Miles Nielsen & Friends.". Aside from opening for acts such as Medeski, Martin & Wood, to Cake, to Moe, he also co-owns a recording studio in Rockford, IL, FUSE, that has served as the recording home to Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons. He has worked with many artists such as Augie Meyers, Lonnie Brooks, Gabriel Reed, Cheap Trick, and The Good Year Pimps. From writing and performing his own tunes to recording and performing on other artists songs, Miles Nielsen continues to help carry out that very rare rock n' roll torch that only few can claim out loud,

"that sound?... it came from the midwest."

Sunday, July 24th, 2010!

2010-03-19T18:30:00.002-05:00

We are proud to welcome back

Beloved Wisconsin Author

Michael Perry

He will be reading from his latest book Coop &
Performing with his band, the Long Beds

Doin' it again in 2010!

2009-08-04T16:47:00.021-05:00

Thanks again for your support!

photo by Camile Bacos

The 2009 Kickapoo Country Fair was better than ever!

photo by Amanda Watkins

Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure!

photo by Brenda Burmeister

photo by Camile Bacos

More will be added in the days to come!

photo by Alesha Schandelmeier

And don't forget...

We're doin' it again in 2010!

Save the dates!

July 24 & 25, 2010

2009 Feedback

2009-07-29T11:01:00.003-05:00

We would love to hear about your experiences at the 2009 Kickapoo Country Fair!

Click Here to take survey

THANK YOU!

2009 was FANTASTIC!

2009-07-27T12:57:00.005-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the 6th annual Kickapoo Country Fair!

Here are some great pics from another GREAT blogger:
Chewed Up & Spit Out

And commentary from the Trib:
Chicago Tribune On-line

We will continue to keep the info coming...

and save the date.... JULY 24th & 25th 2010!!!!!

THIS WEEKEND!!!

2009-07-23T12:04:00.003-05:00

The 6th annual Kickapoo Country Fair takes place THIS weekend!

Saturday 7/25 ~ 9am - midnight
Sunday 7/26 ~ 9am - 5pm

$10.00 weekend passes are available at the gate

Don't miss the fun!!!

Music & Entertainment ~
BRETT DENNEN
Nanda!
Bryan Cherry Band
Eric Nofsinger Band
Patchouli
Josh's Strange Show
5-WATT
Stiltwalkers
Drifless Drama
even RURAL RAPPERS!

For a full schedule and more details - please visit www.kickapoocountryfair.org!

Volunteer!

2009-07-14T10:58:00.004-05:00

We have just a few spots open for Kickapoo Country Fair volunteers!

* Volunteer 2 1/2 + hours of your time at the KCF
* Earn $7.00 for a nonprofit/community organization
* Get a weekend pass to the fair for FREE
* Wear a commerative 2009 KCF t-shirt
* and get a $5.00 food voucher.

What could be better?
Help the community and have a great time!

For more details:
visit www.kickapoocountryfair.org or
email kcf@organicvalley.coop

Take care and I hope to see YOU at the fair!

Yum! Do NOT miss!

2009-07-12T14:33:00.003-05:00

I am thinking... it would be so nice to have an Iced Maple Latte from Kickapoo Coffee right about now!
They are artisan roasters who believe coffee should be both delicious and socially transformative! A family-scale enterprise situated near the scenic Kickapoo River in the driftless region of southwest Wisconsin. The foundation of their business is shared values: connection to the land, consideration for our local and global community, and commitment to families and those of their trading partners.

You can visit Kickapoo Coffee's booth during the Kickapoo Country Fair and try one of the best drinks on earth!

Iced Maple Latte ~ YUM!

Pack the Fair! Sunday 7/26 ~ Noon-2:00pm!

2009-07-08T09:39:00.005-05:00

LIVE and IN PERSON!

Green Bay Packers:

Gilbert Brown, Santana Dotson

& William Henderson

will be here raising funds for

the Gilbert Brown Foundation

Sunday 7/26 ~ Noon-2:00pm

Broadcasting live from....

2009-07-01T09:47:00.004-05:00

The Kickapoo Country Fair!!!

We are pleased to announce that LaCrosse, WI radio stations 95.7 the Rock , Z93 and WIZM AM will be broadcasting live from the fair on Saturday 7/25!

Make sure you check it out and listen in the weeks up to the fair... they will be giving away 4-packs of tickets!

25!!!

2009-06-29T10:29:00.003-05:00

There are only 25 days left...

Here are 25 reasons to attend the Kickapoo Country Fair...
some are obvious... some are new... some may have previously been a secret...
in no particular order...

25. Food, food, lots of food... did I mention food?
24. Nature Detectives - Kids activity tent
23. You can pet cute, fuzzy animals
22. Crazy Ice-creams - Kickapoo Kitchen
21. Crazy kung-fu acrobatics -> NANDA
20. The Strange Thing
19. Tour the Paradise Garden
18. Solar Power
17. Recycle with a Green Bay Packer
16. Fresh fruit!
15. Paint Empty Bowls for hunger!
14. Antique tractors
13. Pulled pork sandwiches
12. Volunteer!
11. Mary's Berries, Strawberry Shortcake with Organic Valley Whip-cream!
10. Squeezettes ~ All girl polka band
9. Organic Heroes
8. Blacksmith demos
7. Beeswax Candles
6. Maple Cotton Candy - it's Organic!
5. Patchouli - both the band and the fragrance!
4. Kickapoo Coffee's Maple Lattes
3. F-U-N for the whole family
2. BEER!
1. BRETT DENNEN!

AND... all of this for a $10.00 weekend pass?
YES! There is something for everyone!

Get yours today...
www.kickapoocountryfair.com

ONE MONTH FROM TODAY!

2009-06-25T13:16:00.004-05:00

ONE month from today...

Imagine...

Blue skies...

Singer / songwriter - BRETT DENNEN...

Authors Ernest Callenback, David Rhodes and more...

Tim LaSalle - CEO of the Rodale Institute

Goin' Green with Packers;

Gilbert Brown, Santana Dotson & William Henderson

Sweet sounds of Eric Nofsinger, Patchouli, Bryan Cherry...

NANDA, stiltwalkers, Stuart Stotts, Drifless Dreams...

and YOU!
Y

Hurry!

Get your advanced tickets NOW - the discounted 4-packs / $30.00 - while supplies last!

See you at the fair!

ADVANCED TICKETS!!!

2009-06-15T12:39:00.008-05:00

ON SALE NOW!

Kickapoo Country Fair Website
Advanced Sales box is in the upper right hand corner once you arrive at the "general store" click on Kickapoo Country Fair!

Organic Valley Retail Store
608.625.3300
507 Main Street
LaFarge, WI 54639

Bramble Bookstore
608.637.8717
117 South Main Street
Viroqua, WI 54665

The Root Note
608.782.ROOT

115 South 4th St.

La Crosse, WI 54601

$10.00 ~ Weekend Pass
$30.00 ~ 4-Pack Passes

The weekend pass gets you into everything - including the BRETT DENNEN concert! **

(** The one exception is the Beer & Cheese Pairing - Saturday 7/25, 4:00-6:30. There is an additional $10.00 entry fee - tickets are sold onsite only)

DON'T MISS OUT!

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Music, music and more music!!!!

2009-05-28T13:50:00.006-05:00

Love music?

If so...
The Kickapoo Country Fair is the place for you!
July 25-26, 2009 ~ LaFarge, Wisconsin

We have something for everyone:

Our headliner is the amazing singer / songwriter:

BRETT DENNEN !

Some of the other Saturday acts include:

The Bryan Cherry Band ~ The junction where Soul, Pop, and Rock N' Roll meet

The Eric Nofsinger Band ~ A 5 piece band from southwestern Wisconsin who play a mix of new country, classic country hits, some rock tunes and a few originals.

The Squeezettes ~ Milwaukee's only all female accordion group

AND don't miss the "Layin' Down the Flow" workshop:
Jump into the rural rap scene! First, a larger group will learn some tools for writing rhymes and talk about how to keep that creativity flowin'. Then we'll group together and work with other MC's to hook together some tracks! After the groups lay some fly verses on paper, we'll throw down for each other on stage! And if freestyle is your thing, there should be time for you to crash the stage after the group performances and rock the mic!

Sunday will bring even more musical entertainment, including:

The Tercels ~ Gospel Hour

Patchouli ~ A beautiful mix of lyrics, acoustic guitar, with a dash of jazz, and folk. Once coined "Punk Rock Meets Poetry"

Sinister Dane and the Disco Cosmonauts ~ Populist Folk

The Beef Slough Boys~ In their own words: "Sometimes it sounds like the primordial soup of American music, like if Dock Boggs and Charley Patton had formed a bluegrass band..."

5 WATT ~ Their unique sound shimmers with hints of 90's alternative rock , with a dose of 80’s pop sensibilities

For more details visit our website at www.kickapoocountryfair.org

Check him out: JOSH and his STRANGE SHOW!

2009-04-29T15:17:00.007-05:00

New in 2009!

OH MY GOSH!

IT'S JOSH B' GOSH!

“The audience was in awe. They couldn't believe their eyes as they watched Josh's unique, amazing and entertaining show.“

With influences including Bugs Bunny, James Bond and Harry Houdini, Josh’s Strange Show includes comedy, suspense and excitement with a musical soundtrack and a focus on audience participation.

http://www.strangeshows.com/

The Dragonfly

2009-04-03T18:20:00.012-05:00

CELEBRAITING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE!

The 2009 Kickapoo Country Fair will be about hope, and a celebration of the simple things that make for a life rich in beauty, culture and connections, whether to the land, our past or the surrounding community.

Each year we make a meaningful and cooperative descision when choosing the symbol that will be attached to our Kickapoo Country Fair logo. This year we have selected the dragonfly. Dragonfly symbolism crosses and combines with that of the butterfly and change. The dragonfly symbolizes going past self-created illusions that limit our growing and changing. Dragonflies are a symbol of the sense of self that comes with maturity.

They are fantastic flyers, darting like light, twisting, turning, changing direction, even going backwards as the need arises. They are inhabitants of two realms - starting with water, and moving to the air with maturity, but staying close to water. Some people who have the dragonfly as their totem have had emotional and passionate early years, but as they get older they achieve balance with mental clarity and control. They gain an expression of the emotional and mental together.

Dragonflies are old and adaptive insects, and are most powerful in the summer under the effects of warmth and sunlight. Their colors are a result of reflecting and refracting the power of light. As a result, they are associated with color magic, illusion in causing others only to see what you wish, and other mysticism.
The are often represented in Japanese paintings, representing new light and joy. To some Native Americans they are the souls of the dead. Faerie stories say that they used to be real dragons.

Dragonflies are reminders that we are light and can reflect the light in powerful ways if we choose to do so. "Let there be light" is the divine prompting to use the creative imagination as a force within your life. They help you to see through your illusions and allow your own light to shine in a new vision.

Check Him Out: BRETT DENNEN

2009-03-06T13:17:00.005-06:00

HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS – BRETT DENNEN
Saturday July 25th, 8:00 pm
Kickapoo Country Fair
LaFarge, Wisconsin

Five years ago, Brett Dennen was a camp counselor who played guitar, wrote songs and performed fireside. With a self-made album, he began playing coffee shops along the West Coast and a devoted following formed. A modest independent record deal led first to his 2006 break-through album, So Much More, then to the attention of music critics, programmers and established artists. Noting his success, Rolling Stone Magazine named Brett one of the “10 Artists To Watch in 2008.”

With the release of Hope For The Hopeless, the folk and rock influenced singer/songwriter’s authenticity, willingness to weave meaning into his melodies and reputation as one of the best new live performers, Brett calls to mind his influences. Drawing on a deep appreciation of Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell and World artists, Hope For The Hopeless is a narrative-rich album from an artist who was aptly summed up by Grammy winning musician John Mayer, who said, “He’s timeless. He’s probably twenty-five but he seems like he’s twenty-five in 1972.”

In fact, several musicians have given Brett the “nod.” He has toured with Mayer and received praise from Michael Franti and Jason Mraz. Femi Kuti flew in specifically to record with Dennen and the collaboration is the new album’s first single, “Make You Crazy.”

The song is deceptively infectious. Brett explains, “I made the song catchy but it’s about all the injustice in the world – ‘it’s enough to make you go crazy…and I’m amazed I haven’t yet.’ ”

Hope For The Hopeless contains eleven songs narrowed down from forty-three with the help of multi-platinum producer John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band). Themes of frustration buffered by optimism are consistent throughout. “San Francisco” is an uptempo, amusing response to heartbreak. “Heaven,” which Brett describes as “the whole album in one song,” is “about being consumed with day-to-day struggles, wondering if there’s more out there, and trying to remember that things can get better. It takes being present to a bigger picture.”

The album was recorded at the Village Recorder Studios in Los Angeles in 2008 as Brett crisscrossed the country performing to audiences that doubled each time he returned. Denver-based concert promoter Don Strasburg told Billboard, “Brett is a textbook example that great songs, great musicianship and great personality win. His ticket sales increase exponentially on every trip to Colorado. He has gone from the smallest clubs to theaters in short time. We’re absolutely certain this will continue. He’s the real deal.”

“Real” is an apt word to describe the visually captivating performer whose smooth sound is in stark contrast to his persona. With long red hair, trademark headband and guitar held high on his frame, Brett appears an unlikely front man who nonetheless radiates confidence and ease in his own skin.

Raised in Northern California, Brett spent much of his time in the wilderness hiking, camping, learning survival skills and eventually teaching his own students and campers of mixed backgrounds. His thoughts on human rights and environmentalism are apparent in his lyrics and in his life-style. He created an organization called Love Speaks that literally provides local activists and nonprofits with a stage – Brett’s stage – to connect with his audience.

As the audience grows, Brett remains the folky, soulful, witty and insightful artist that first captured hearts in California coffee houses. Having toured with performers such as John Mayer, the John Butler Trio, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Ben Folds, Dennen has become a headliner in his own right and plans a significant headlining tour in early 2009. Stopping in LaFarge, Wisconsin on July 25th!!!

Hope For The Hopeless was be released 10/21/08 by Dualtone Music Group/Downtown Music

Check it out: Butter Churn Bike Tour!

2009-02-19T12:27:00.011-06:00

Butter & Bikes?
At the Kickapoo Country Fair?

Yes, you heard correctly...Butter and Bikes are back together, again!

The 3rd annual Butter Churn Bike Tour will take place on Saturday 7/25/09, starting at the gates of the Kickapoo Country Fair!

Fun for the entire family! Come ride the scenic hills and valleys of the Coulee Region.There are four options: 5 mile, 20 mile, 40 mile & 80 mile rides. All come with sag-wagon support and when you finish, you get into the Kickapoo Country Fair for FREE!

This event is a fundraiser for Vernon Trails.
Vernon Trails is a 501 c3 non-profit organization committed to developing and maintaining sustainable roadways and trails, while continuing to create access for human powered users. For more information, you can visit their website at http://www.vernontrails.com/ or call 608-637-2072.

Vernon Trails is the IMBA and WORBA chapter for the Vernon and Crawford county areas.

Renew America TOGETHER!

2009-02-15T15:15:00.007-06:00

President Barack Obama: Lace’m Up
Sunday, February 15, 2009

In a message to be aired during tonight's NBA All-Star Game, President Barack Obama calls on Americans to take action and get involved in their communities.
Watch the video message here and read an excerpt below:

In this time of so much need in our communities and across our country, we are blessed with endless ways to restore hope and opportunity in places that yearn for both. Prepare a care package for a soldier. Read to a child. Or fix up a local basketball court so the next generation can play and grow. I encourage everyone to join the NBA in the spirit of service to others. Just log on to USAservice.org to find or create a project near you, then gather some friends and lace ‘em up.

You can take action by being part of the Kickapoo Country Fair and earning funds for great community organizations. We pay $7.00 per hour to the community organization of your choice, when you volunteer to staff the Kickapoo Country Fair.
In 2008 we helped raise funds for over 20 local nonprofit and community groups, including Valley Stewardship Network:

"In recent years, Organic Valley has been an amazing supporting entity and primary funding source for our community-based, non-profit organization. In particular, funds raised and allocated to the Valley Stewardship Network from the 2008 Kickapoo Country Fair has provided VSN with general operating support that is so hard to come by in a time when membership donations and outside funding support has decreased due to increased funding competition and fewer funding sources. The Valley Stewardship Network is highly dependent upon community support and donations like those received from Organic Valley. The mission of the Valley Stewardship Network and in particular, our Food & Farm Initiative, is closely alligned with that of Organic Valley. In these tough economic times, it is important to grow collaborative relationships and to support those groups that address economic, social and environmental imperatives. VSN thanks you for your continued support!" --- Jessica Luhning, Projects Coordinator

Get involved today!!!

If you have questions, we can be reached via:
email - kcf@orgnaicvalley.coop
phone - 608.625.3456

Do you Myspace? We do too!

2009-02-04T12:56:00.007-06:00

If you are on Myspace, make sure you check out the Kickapoo Country Fair Myspace page, say hello and make us your friend!

We can't wait to meet you!

Check 'em out: Patchouli

2009-01-22T12:28:00.007-06:00

Patchouli ~ Punk Rock Meets Poetry
Coming to the Kickapoo Country Fair on Sunday, July 26th!

Famous for that smiling voice that instantly turns a bad day into a good one, Julie Patchouli’s down-to-earth, hopeful, vibrant songwriting is new American folk music, inspired by worldwide folk styles. Coupled with Bruce Hecksel's blazing flamenco style guitar Patchouli performs inspiring power folk mantras.

Tireless touring troubadours, Bruce and Julie have performed over 1700 times covering enough ground on the road to equal over 6 times around the earth. Patchouli's energy and chemistry on stage leaves the audience uniquely uplifted and transformed. They just released their 11th album together Terra Guitarra.

"Phenomenal, heartfelt and sweet in the best sense of the word, excellent instrumentals."--Kathy Stahl, Wisconsin Public Radio

"Angelic vocals. Flawless Guitars"--Independent Songwriter

“Patchouli offers a wonderfully vibrant, uplifting set of songs that despite the acoustic instrumentation has an electric quality. The band creates an elaborate web of acoustic textures laced with compassionate, thought provoking lyrics and sentiments, brotherly love, racial tolerance and ecological issues.” -- Relix Magazine

"Music that moves the mind to think and the heart to feel" --Tallahassee Democrat

"While often compared to such luminaries as Sarah McLachlan, Joni Mitchell and Natalie Merchant Julie Patchouli is an original sound and worthy of her own notoriety" --The Victory Review - Seattle

More info available at:
www.patchouli.net, www.myspace.com/patchoulispace
www.terraguitarra.com, www.myspace.com/terraguitarra

THIS JUST IN:

2009-01-18T14:06:00.005-06:00

We are pleased to announce:
Brett Dennen is the 2009 Kickapoo Country Fair's musical headliner!

Brett is a singer songwriter, as well as an advocate for peace, love, and the environment. Rolling Stone Magazine recently listed him on its Top Ten Artists to Watch!

Brett Dennen is a nature-lover and has been involved with the Mosaic Project since its conception. It focuses on empowering children to create peace, helping their communities to bridge differences, and break down stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Dennen also invites like-minded non-profit organizations to distribute information and express their messages on stage before his concerts, through Love Speaks ~ The Power of Music to Make Change.

Please make sure to join us on Saturday July 25th, 2009!

For more information, you can visit our website: Kickapoo Country Fair, KCF myspace page or email us directly at kcf@organicvalley.coop

2009!

2009-01-07T17:39:00.006-06:00

Happy New Year!

As 2009 brings us much hope and inspiration, I wanted to share this thought:

The West of which I speak is but
another name for the Wild, and what
I have been preparing to say is, that
in Wildness is the preservation of
the World. Every tree sends its
fibers forth in search of the Wild.
The cities import it at any price.
Men plow and sail for it. From the
forest and wilderness come the
tonics and barks which brace
mankind. . . .
~ Henry David Thoreau

Check it out: Kamp Kenwood

2008-12-29T11:39:00.004-06:00

"Check it out:" will be a new recurring theme with monthly posts...
Highlighting something you should check out! It might be a Kickapoo Country Fair performer, vendor or partner...
You will have to check and see!

This month, I would like to introduce you to one of the Kickapoo Country Fair's partners: Kamp Kenwood

They run the cooperative games in our Kids Activity area, assists kids with projects such as the ice cream making (yum!) and works with our Green Team to sort Recycling and Compost! They are a valuable resource for us and something you should check out!

Kamp Kenwood is a gem...a hidden treasure of serenity and natural beauty in Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley. Owned and operated by Wisconsin Farmers Union; education is paramount to the success and growth of the camp. WFU continues to expand its education department and is committed to providing opportunities and programs of excellence to its members and the general public.

Kamp Kenwood is home to a variety of summer camp programs and youth education opportunities, but it has evolved into the ideal location for your special event or family getaway! They have hosted weddings, receptions, corporate events, church retreats and more! You can contact Kamp Kenwood at 715.723.6137 or email info@wisconsinfarmersunion.com.

As always, if you have questions about this post or just need information, please feel free to check out our website http://www.kickapoocountryfair.org/ or email us directly at kcf@organicvalley.coop.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WOW!

2008-12-12T20:53:00.004-06:00

COMING SOON!

HUGE announcements...

2009 ~ Full steam ahead...

2008-10-17T12:01:00.006-05:00

UPATES!

* Applications are now being accepted for vendors ~ artists, merchants, food and nonprofit/community exhibitors!

Please contact us at kcf@organicvalley.com for details.

** We are also in the midst of booking some amazing talent for the show!

Stay tuned for some exciting news on new musicians & entertainers!
2009 is going to be the best year, yet!

A final note:
*** If you are interested in submitting a proposal for presenting in one of our Workshops, Word Tent or Film Festival, please call 608.625.3456.

Take care and we'll see you at the fair~

2009

2008-10-02T11:27:00.007-05:00

Make sure you mark your calendar; July 25-26, 2009!

Here are few shots of 2008 and more can be seen here:

That's a wrap~

2008-07-29T16:53:00.004-05:00

2008's event was a success!

Over 7,000 people made the journey to LaFarge, WI!

Stay tuned for details and pictures~

TWO WEEKS!

2008-07-12T16:24:00.004-05:00

The event of the summer is in countdown mode!
July 26 & 27, here we come!Just two weeks and we will be taking in the sun, smells (yummy, food) and sounds of the Kickapoo Country Fair! There really is something for EVERYONE!

DON'T miss this opportunity to have a fantastic weekend with some amazing people, just $5.00 per day and kids & seniors are FREE!

FREE Sustainability Workshops ~ Come one, come all!

2008-07-03T09:15:00.009-05:00

No matter what you are into, we have a workshop for you!

Check out one (or more) of these fantastic FREE workshops:

Native American Farming: Evidence from the Upper Mississippi River Valley and Ho-Chunk Oral Tradition

Backyard Composting for Organic Gardeners

Hybrid Cars

Eco-Entrepreneurship
Circle of One: Honoring the Earth

Down to Earth Dieticians: Saving the Planet One Bite at a Time

AND MORE!

If you are living off the grid, lovin' the downtown city life or calling anywhere in between, home...

Check out the Schedule and you will find yourself having a hard time choosing!

~ Celebrity & Activist Chefs ~

2008-06-28T12:23:00.006-05:00

Join Celebrity & Activist Chefs Ann Cooper & Michel Nischan for a Tasting Tribute to Organic Valley's 20th Anniversary!

Saturday 7/26, inside the gates of the world famous Kickapoo Country Fair! Tickets go on sale at 9am and are very limited, so come early!

$10.00 gets you into all three cooking demonstrations:

10:00 am - 11:30 am - FLAVOR DYNAMICS with Chef Ann Cooper

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - MEAT ON THE SIDE - Eat better while saving money, with Chef Michel Nischan

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm - LET YOUR INGREDIENTS MAKE YOU A GREAT CHEF - Cooking locally & in season with Chef Michel Nischan

Over 21? Then purchase a second $10.00 ticket to enjoy the,

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm - BEER TASTING: hosted by Organic Valley's Nathan Lenz

These ticketed events will benefit the Valley Stewardship Network and their goal of promoting a balance between a healthy environment and strong communities.

The "Lowdown" on Jim Hightower ~

2008-06-18T16:07:00.007-05:00

He'll be here!

Saturday July 26th, 3:15pm

Kickapoo Country Fair
Word Tent

National radio commentator, writer, public speaker, and author of the forthcoming book, Swim Against The Current: Even A Dead Fish Can Go With The Flow, Jim Hightower has spent three decades battling the Powers That Be on behalf of the Powers That Ought To Be - consumers, working families, environmentalists, small businesses, and just-plainfolks.
Twice elected Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Hightower believes that the true political spectrum is not right to left but top to bottom, and he has become a leading national voice for the 80% of the public who no longer find themselves within shouting distance of the Washington and Wall Street powers at the top.
Hightower is a modern-day Johnny Appleseed, spreading the message of progressive populism all across the American grassroots. He broadcasts daily radio commentaries that are carried in more than 150 commercial and public stations, on the web, on Armed Forces Radio, and on Radio for Peace International. He also does a weekly video blog that is carried on many popular websites. Each month, he publishes a populist political newsletter, "The Hightower Lowdown" which now has more than 135,000 subscribers and is the fastest growing political publication in America. The hardhitting Lowdown has received both the Alternative Press Award and the Independent Press Association Award for best national newsletter.
A popular public speaker who is fiery and funny, he is a populist road warrior who delivers more than 100speeches a year to all kinds of groups. As political columnist Molly Ivins said, "If Will Rogers and Mother Jones had a baby, Jim Hightower would be that rambunctious child—mad as hell, with a sense of humor."

Don't miss it!

News Flash: Mr. Fisher Frog receives a makeover!

2008-06-12T12:57:00.001-05:00

"Spit, Guts and Poop:" Digestion Start to Finish

2008-06-04T12:32:00.004-05:00

Kids Workshop
Sunday 7/27, 12:30-2:00 pm

Have you ever wondered what happens to food after you put it in your mouth? How do our eyes and nose influence hunger and taste? If you're hungry to know more about stomach rumblings, saliva, and gas, join us as we have some fun with physiology.

Feel-good, philosophical take-home message: No matter what we look like on the outside, we're all the same on the inside!

Presented by Melinda "Food Sleuth" Hemmelgarn, M.S., R.D.

Topics:
1. Hunger:
2. Sight à Salivation
3. Blindfolded Taste Testing
4. Esophagus; stomach; intestines: how long?
5. Flatulence
Reading the Children’s Book: "Walter the Farting Dog"
6. Poop
Reading the Children’s Book: "Everyone Poops."

Take home message:
We're all the same inside; Our bodies are miraculous machines!

Nanda!

2008-05-19T11:11:00.005-05:00

Nanda: A Japanese word used as a response to seeing a very strange or surprising thing.

Nanda is: Chen Pollina, Kiyota Sage, Misha Fradin, & Tomoki Sage.
The four "acrobaticalists" compress as much action packed entertainment as they can into a short, high energy show that leaves no time for dilly-dallying, and always inspires the viewers.

Saturday 7/26

Main Stage Show - 6:00 - 6:30 pm

Teen Juggling Clinic - 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Main Stage FIRE Show - 9:30 - 10:00 pm

Sunday 7/27

Kids' Juggling Clinic - 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Visit their website: Nanda Town

Roots, rock, reggae, funk, dancehall, dub, and more

2008-05-12T19:02:00.000-05:00

... this is the unique blend of music that is JAH Boogie's NATTY NATION. 2008 marks their 13th anniversary of keeping the positive messages of their unique indigenous Wisconsin reggae beats throbbing through the heartland!

The Kickapoo Country Fair offers you this once in a life-time opportunity (well, once this summer at least): NATTY NATION hits the Valley Main Stage Saturday 7/26 @ 10:00 pm - "until the cows come home"

Every JAH Boogie's NATTY NATION performance is a different experience. Their energy is infections, their jams complex and astounding, yet their message is simple—spread the positive vibration. It's hard not to dance at a NATTY live performance.

Michael Martin Murphey!!

2008-05-09T10:56:00.001-05:00

Make sure you don't miss the Michael Martin Murphey, Lone Cowboy Concert during the Kickapoo Country Fair!

Saturday July 26, 2008
Entry into the fair is ONLY $5.00 per person (12+ under are free).
Gates open at 9:00 am
Concert starts at 8:00 pm

Also check out the Valley Main Stage Schedule for other artists, dates & times.

Hope to see you at the fair!

Welcome!

2008-05-02T12:54:00.001-05:00

July 26-27, 2008

LaFarge, Wisconsin

www.kickapoocountryfair.org