The sun shone brightly on Farm & Wilderness this summer as our beloved Fair tradition returned at last, bringing together campers, staff, alumni, and local community members for a day of celebration that honored both the organization's history and its vision for the future.
"The origin of Fair is really important to discuss because it's part of the mythology, part of the origin story of Farm & Wilderness," explains Tulio Browning, who spearheaded the organization of this year's event. "Not long after the founding of the very first camps, when a planned trip to the State Fair couldn't happen because of World War II, the Webbs decided to make their own fair. This idea that you don't have to wait for others - whether it's building a new cabin, creating a trail, or making your own fun - it's baked into our DNA from the start."
This spirit of interdependence and creativity was on full display throughout the day. Campers and staff showcased their own talents and skills through fire demonstrations, farm animal presentations, and musical performances. The hill near the main stage rang with spontaneous acapella singing as campers shared their favorite camp songs while waiting for festivities to begin. Homemade snacks and crafts were sold by excited campers, as people of all ages surprised their friends with a Coneggbert to the head or savored the old familiar taste of Saltash Mountain Dew.
"There was an energy that was palpable," Tulio remembers. "As you sat on the hill waiting for a skit to start, there wasn't an awkward silence like at a school play - there was just song after song acapella, kids pouring it out. You could feel it."
The Fair also marked an important step in strengthening ties with the local community. Farm & Wilderness made a concerted effort to welcome neighbors from Plymouth, Killington, and Ludlow through expanded advertising and partnerships with local businesses. The Mountain Times, a valued local newspaper, was featured as a Fair sponsor, helping bridge what Tulio describes as the historical "town and gown" divide between the summer camp community and year-round residents.
"We didn't just say the Fair is open to all - we put a full-page color ad in the Mountain Times and really worked to tell people we're here," says Tulio. "Inclusivity and bridging gaps, especially in today's world, requires more effort than just saying you're not not allowed to come. You have to invest time and money into telling people they are welcome."
Throughout the fairgrounds, activities showcased the skills and knowledge campers gain at F&W. At the farm demonstration area, campers served as animal ambassadors, sharing their expertise about proper animal care. The rocks and ropes station featured young people demonstrating proper harness technique, while others helped operate human-powered rides like the Aqua Chute. In the big tent, historical photo albums drew crowds of current staff and alumni alike, poring over images from decades past.
The Fair's success extended beyond just attendance numbers. This year's event managed to cover its costs while staying true to Farm & Wilderness values. "We showed off our true colors," Tulio notes, "Showing people how great we are at doing fire demos and singing our songs on the stage and having these human-powered rides--showing off our ingenuity."
As Farm & Wilderness looks to the future, the Fair represents an important touchpoint for bringing together all parts of the broader community - from current campers to alumni, from local residents to prospective families. It's a chance to demonstrate the lasting impact of the F&W experience and invite others to become part of this unique community.
"Every person who wants to get involved and support Farm & Wilderness is another person who may see the Fall appeal and chip in a little bit toward Affordable for All, because they just went to an event and know how unique it is," Tulio reflects. "They saw the beautiful place that this is, and they want to see that grow."
