Fairy Congress Details

Skalitude Retreat

Skalitude takes its name from the Salish word skalalitude which translates as "When people and Nature are in harmony, then magic and beauty are everywhere". It is a perfect site for the Congress! It's nestled at the end of a remote mountain valley in the North Cascades in the Methow Valley watershed. The inhabitants are ponderosa pines, douglas firs, aspens, bunchgrasses, countless wildflowers, deer, some coyotes, and an occasional wolf, cougar, rattlesnake, and bear; and many fairies.

The Retreat Center is a 160-acre site surrounded by National Forest on 4 sides! It is completely off-grid, which means that they generate ALL of their own electricity. This means there often isn't much to spare, especially when large groups are there. Please charge cell phone and camera batteries before leaving home, or get them charged while driving.

Most of the Congress facilities are set up in one end of an expansive meadow ringed by forests and mountains. The adjacent forest provides shady camping and workshop space. Facilities include a large log-cabin lodge on a bench above the meadow, and the Sky Lodge down in the meadow. The Sky Lodge is a beautiful, winged structure, somewhat akin to a flattened out tipi. It is 54 feet across, 2200 square feet and can hold hundreds of people. We have a large, roofed, outdoor kitchen where we prepare our common meals. We also have a tea kitchen and a lounge. Most of the Congress activities take place outdoors.

The layout resembles a town square surrounded by the kitchen, tea kitchen and lounge, dining area, information booth, children's area, first-aid, healing area, costuming and vendor booths.

Some Congress participants take hikes into the surrounding mountainous terrain; but most participants stay on the grass floor and gentle terrain of our core area. The ground is level in the main congress area. There is a slight grade up to the parking area and the lodge which is a 5 minute stroll for most people. Some elderly or disadvantaged people have to go slowly and stick to paths and roads, but so far all have been able to make it. It would be difficult in a wheelchair though. Take a look at the photos on Skalitude's web site to get an idea what it looks like. www.skalitude.com

The hosts of Skalitude are very gracious to allow the Fairy Congress to be held there. We ask that participants be considerate of all their hard work in maintaining the place and to be respectful of the property. Practice "Leave No Trace" camping and please pack your garbage out with you.

Water

There is a deep well at Skalitude which provides water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and showers. We also set up a mister if the weather is hot where people can get wet and cool down. The stream may be running during the Congress depending on the weather. If you want to take a dip in the magnificent Methow River on the way to or from Skalitude there is a lovely public swimming hole in Carlton on the north side of the bridge, 8 miles from the Congress.

Weather

In late June it's usually hot during the day and cool at night. Typically it doesn't rain, or at least not for long. But cool and rainy weather is also possible. We advise coming ready for hot daytime temperatures and cool to cold nights. Best to keep an eye on weather predictions for Twisp just before the Congress and bring appropriate clothing.

Food

Three meals a day are available to everyone. Tasty, healthy food prepared by our loving cooks and volunteers. Participants are requested to bring food to donate to the common kitchen. We especially appreciate people bringing food from their gardens, orchards and wildcrafting. Lots of fresh greens, vegetables, fruit, seaweed, nuts, seeds, sprouts and other tasty, healthful foods. If you go shopping for your food contribution, organic is preferred.

Our kitchen crew's goal is to provide a range of food that will meet everyone's needs. Meals are mostly vegetarian. There is always raw food. There is always wheat-free, soy-free and dairy-free foods. Some people have special diets and bring their own food. This is fine, but we do not allow cooking fires at campsites. Some people bring their favorite snacks and keep them at their camp.

Camping & Accommodations

The gathering is mainly a campout event at the Skalitude Retreat Center. The grounds are really great for camping. Most people bring tents, but some people stay in their vans, RV's or live-in rigs. Some locals commute. Some people stay in local motels.

There are some shared accommodations available (three people to a room),$25 per night, 3 night minimum, with access to shared bathroom.  Email register@fairycongress.com for more information.

The closest motel is the Country Town Motel in Carlton which is about 7 miles away. (509) 997-3432

The next closest motel is the Idle-A-While Motel in Twisp, 17 miles away. (509) 997-3222

Children's Area

We have a structure set up in main camp for the children, which is supplied with toys and craft materials. There will be children's funshops for various age groups (led by parents and volunteers) during adult workshop times. Parents may drop off children ages 4 and up during these times. Parents sign up to volunteer in the children's area for approximately 2 hours per child during one of the available time slots. What this means is that parents volunteer for 1 workshop timeslot and the kids can be left at the kids' tent for all 6 workshop times. While we do offer these activities, parents are still responsible for their children and should keep an eye on them throughout the weekend.

You will be signing up for your volunteer shift upon arriving at the registration table, so please take a look at the schedule and come with your preferences in mind.

We are looking for volunteers to lead activities and crafts - if you have a talent you can share (craft, yoga, sing-along, drama, games, nature walk, building fairy houses, etc), please email Andrea at andreablair@yahoo.com. We can also use donations of toys and books.

Circle of Peace Flags

Anyone who attended many of Congresses in the past, will remember the dramatic circle of 40 white peace flags. The circle of peace flags will be set up at the Fairy Congress this year as well.

Healing Gifting Area

At the Healing Gifting Area we give as healers for the joy it gives us. Here, healers offer treatments free of charge, assisting others to unfold into wellness: physically, emotionally and spiritually. Massage tables and chairs are made available for your comfort. We welcome healers of all experience. We invite you to let others know what type of healing you offer and when you are offering it on the dry erase board in the Healing Gifting Area.

Fairy Friday Variety Showcase!

The 11th Annual Fairy Friday Variety Showcase: Join your musical host Burke Mulvany at the Meadow Stage at twilight to celebrate and honor the organic, diverse and eclectic talent of our Congress Community! The magical evening will showcase a handful of featured musicians within a variety show atmosphere that may also include storytelling, movement, and fairy improv. The potential for spontaneous song sharing will keep things fresh. It really should be lovely...

Music & Dancing

Bring musical instruments, drums, your voices and songs to share. Music, singing and dancing happen at many planned and spontaneous times during the Congress. We always do some Dances of Universal Peace. This year we would like to continue our new tradition of musicians performing in the dining area during meals. If you would like to perform in the concert or during meals or have other performance proposals contact Burke at burke@soundings.com

 

Fairy Parade

Our spectacular Fairy Parade is held after dinner on Saturday. The first part of the program will include a fairy ceremony. This will lead into the parade and fairy charge out into the meadow as we raise the energy. Through our costumes we embody different animals and faerie beings. People can go out into the circle and let these beings come through in their dance while others witness.
After the dance, there are a number of options! In addition, the faeries have been preparing a "Wild Whirled" in an area north in the meadow.

Costuming

Human participants mostly wear ordinary comfortable clothing. But before the parade, most people don some special outfit for the parade. It has become a truly colorful and fabulous parade; and even more incredible for those who have the 'fairy sight'. See the orb photos that people are taking with their cameras...that can give you a hint of the multi-dimensional fabulousness! You are invited to bring costuming materials to share with others. If anyone feels a special call to work on costuming, they can contact dragonkeeper at proudmountain@earthlink.net

Fairy Service - Vounteering

As part of your tuition, all citizens of the Congress commit to Fairy Service twice for one hour a day. Because all citizens of the Congress assist with the responsibilities of the community, we keep tuition costs low, and working together builds a stronger community. When you arrive at the Congress and complete registration, you will pull from a fish bowl of possible opportunities to discover your fairy service duties. You may be washing dishes at lunch on Saturday or helping with clean up after dinner on Sunday.

Vending

We usually have five or so vendors selling wings, books, flower essences, flags, herbs, oils, singing bowls, art, crystals, and other items. We charge 10% of gross sales, plus vendors pay admission. If you are interested in vending, please contact Skeeter michael@fairycongress.com

Please Help With Publicity

Spread the word to your appropriate friends and networks via word-of-mouth, emails, list serves, websites, newsletters, etc.  You can request more brochures and posters from Lindsey at register@fairycongress.com

 

* No drugs or alcohol
* No dogs without prior approval