Many of our customers first became aware of us by seeing our advertising in Mother Earth News magazine. We’ve had a relationship with the publication for over thirty years. We started with a classified ad for our tipis. We now have full color ads with photos of our tipis, tents and yurts.
A couple of years ago, the Mother Earth folks started hosting fairs in various parts of the country. These are big gatherings of homestead-minded people, spending a couple of days listening to great speakers and learning about ways to live the Mother Earth lifestyle. Speakers and workshop leaders include livestock experts, sustainability proponents, green living entrepreneurs and others with innovative, informative topics.
Before the crowds arrived.
This year, we decided to get in on the fun. Colorado Yurt Company sponsored the Mother Earth News Fair in Lawrence, KS in mid-October. We were not sure what to expect at first, but it became apparent very quickly that this is an amazing event.
After driving the 870 miles across Colorado and Kansas, we arrived in lovely Lawrence. We assembled our deck on Thursday, and Friday we pitched the yurt and tipi in a workshop setting (the day before the fair started). The people who showed up were enthusiastic, helpful and asked intelligent questions of our crew. Friday evening, the publisher of the magazines hosted vendors and sponsors at his farm outside of town with local food and local music.
Blue skies all weekend.
Fair participants
The fair ran Saturday and Sunday all day. Knowing the unpredictability of the Midwest weather, we were so happy to see the sun shining both days. People were lined up for blocks to get into the fair each morning, and we had a steady stream of visitors to the yurt and tipi. There was often a line to get into the yurt. It was a great opportunity for us to talk to people who were curious about yurts and tipis.
Lined up to see the yurt.
The staffs of Mother Earth News Fair and publications were helpful and organized. The fair was extremely well attended, and those present were interested in our products and excited to see them up close. We met attendees from as far away as Manitoba who made the journey specifically to attend the fair. The organizers and attendees made us feel like our participation was appreciated.
Early morning sun on the tipi
Yurt was in Jayhawk land
It was well worth the 14 hour drive each way. We had a great weekend. Great people, great event- even great weather!