Blog du Wren

Lopez Island JuggleFest

Sometimes a tiny step can take you to a world away. This point was well illustrated to me as I hopped on the ferry and journeyed out to Lopez for their annual jugglefest. Within the minutes of getting off the ferry, there were strangers hugging strangers in introduction and conversations of the 3 "D"s of Taoism. I couldn't help but note that experiences like these, which are far from my normal practices, are the norm for some people and they would be equally as unaccustomed to being told to shush when Alex is reading the clue for final Jeopardy*. Anyway, it felt good to be exposed to this different style of life.

But enough with the esoteric crap, let's now discuss the festival. The Lopez JuggleFest ranks right up at the top of my list of favorite juggling events. It is held all outdoors* with camping on site. The property consists of a great big lawn for with a beautiful garden (from which comes a portion of the big meal), a great campfire circle, fruit trees, and a lake nearby for swimming. The atmosphere is laid back with cooperation and community oozing* from every person. Everyone pitches in to make the big Saturday meal. In the years past, I have been on cider squishing and ice cream cranking patrol, but this year I got to do the salmon marinade. When the first line on the "recipe" calls for 6 quarts of soy sauce, you know it is going to be a feast!

The highlight for most first time attendees is the naked fire juggling*. I, myself, tend to shy away from participation in this tradition. I'll leave that to the pros.

Yep, a weekend away from my little bubble is a good thing. My mind has been going non-stop since (hence the disarray of this post.)

Wednesday September 19 2007

File under: juggling

Toggle Comments (6)

comment?

on Thu 20th Sep, 2007 12:53 pm PDT per said:
wren, I dropped your name at Serious Juggling on the way down to B-Man. Ben hooked me up with some Airflights which stood the test of desert conditions.
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on Thu 20th Sep, 2007 08:29 pm PDT Joe said:
dude when i first read that topic heading i thoght it said Juggiefest...and then i was instantly worried i missed something important.
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on Thu 20th Sep, 2007 09:51 pm PDT Saxtor said:
Was the Insane Clown Posse there?
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on Fri 21st Sep, 2007 03:14 pm PDT Saxtor said:
I know I'm posting out of line here, but I want to thank you for the Beer Blog. I would have never found out about Oktoberfest in Yokohama if you hadn't!
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on Fri 19th Sep, 2008 04:58 pm PDT Amy Lou said:
My son and I are trying to find the Lopez Jugglefest tomorrow...do you know where it is? Or a contact number?
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on Fri 19th Sep, 2008 05:03 pm PDT Wren said:
Amy Lou,The festival is at the Steckler farm (a.k.a. Hummel House). There are usually people at the ferry waiting on Saturday morning to whisk you away to the juggling goodness! Otherwise, just ask around. It is a small island. If you catch a local, I'm sure they will know.
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