Experiencing rural New Brunswick at its best with the 2011 Falls Brook Fair

If you're interested in celebrating rural living and learning about becoming sustainable, then its worth a drive to Falls Brook Centre (FBC) to take part in the Falls Brook Fair! The 2011 Falls Brook Fair occurred on Saturday and Sunday, September 10th and 11th.

The Falls Brook Fair is held every year on the second weekend of September, at FBC's isolated location in Knowlesville. The event hosts art displays, live local music, local food and treats, activities for children, and tours of the forest, appropriate technology and shiitake mushroom exhibits. Businesses were also encouraged to set up booths and promote their business or even sell products.

The Falls Brook Fair had a new attraction for 2011--a youth entrepreneurship showcase. The Shiretown Blogger had a table set up for most of the day on Saturday promoting the blog. (Even better yet, FBC Renewable Energy Coordinator Jason Juurlink removed me from the electricity grid and hooked me up to a portable solar panel!)

Falls Brook Centre Renewable Energy Coordinator Jason Juurlink, right, helps prepare the stage for the next bit of live entertainment at the Falls Brook Fair on Saturday.

The Shiretown Blogger also gave a presentation at the youth entrepreneurship showcase to inform people of the blog. Other speakers at the youth entrepreneurship showcase were Rosalyn Drake, owner of Viveta Medical Clinic on Connell Street in Woodstock, as well as a representative of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.

Rosalyn Drake, owner of Viveta Medical Clinic in Woodstock.

Pictures on display at the Viveta Medical Clinic booth.

The Shiretown Blogger hopes to attend next year's Falls Brook Fair as well. A thank you once again to FBC's Community Engagement Coordinator Julia Girard and Youth Engagement Coordinator Emily Shapiro for inviting The Shiretown Blogger to the youth entrepreneurship showcase, and thank you to Renewable Energy Coordinator Jason Juurlink for all of his help with technological issues throughout the day.

Homemade mittens and hats by the Woodstock Fibre Artists were sold at this booth. Note The Shiretown Blogger booth in the background with the solar panel.

Dana Kittilsen of Knowlesville is seen here preparing the coal fire he uses to create knives from railroad ties and other objects.

Throwing bean bags at targets by the barn was a favorite attraction among these fair visitors.

The tent where many booths were set up.

Stickney-based Goldfinch Studio and Gallery, owned by Roy Tibbits, was among many booths set up under the tent.

This watercolor painting of the Lockhart Mill Covered Bridge near Bristol was among many of Roy Tibbits's works on display at the Goldfinch Studio and Gallery booth.

This painting, titled "Road and Rail" depicts a train passing under the railroad tracks which used to pass under the Hugh John Flemming Bridge in Hartland.

Roy Tibbits holding a copy of "Road and Rail."

Roy Tibbit's painting of the Hugh John Flemming Bridge.

The Carleton Ground Search and Rescue booth.

Many signs like these were around the centre. Great message!

Food vendors were on hand to fill the stomachs of visitors.

Another great message!

 Even more great messages!

 Puppet show

 Climate Change Bus

Entertainment was provided at the barn during lunchtime.

Dr. Richard Komp of the Maine Solar Energy Association gave a presentation on solar energy.

 This sign is placed in a rather ironic location between two outhouses.