Dear Readers:

The Greenhorns Grange Solstice Mixer is this weekend, June 22 and 23 in Keeseville, New York!

Here are all the logistics you will need for the weekend including schedule, directions, and payment info.

Please email [email protected] with your RSVP, and whether you plan to camp or not. The main camp will be at the after party at Mace Chasm Farm in Keeseville, but there is also  informal indoor sleeping available at Greenhorns’ Headquarters and quiet camping at Black Kettle Farm (both in Essex) and also many hotels in the area for those who prefer a pillow.

Please also tell us if you would like to attend the nature hike, blacksmith demo, or knot tying workshop on Sunday morning (there are a limited number of spots available at these).

For any further questions:

[email protected] or at 406-407-4096.

Until shortly,

The Greenhorns

SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

1 PM- Meet at the Keeseville Grange (1749 Main Street, Keeseville, NY) for welcome and introductions!

DIRECTIONS TO THE KEESEVILLE GRANGE: Keeseville is located right off HWY 87. Exit 34 is the best choice for both north and southbound travelers. From exit 34, turn right onto NY 9 N; then right on Main Street. The Grange will be on your right on the hill across from the Church.

1:30 PM- drive and carpool over to Fledging Crow to begin the afternoon’s farm tours! We will explore this awesome veggie farm, then hop down the road for a tour and hayride around the North Country Creamery and Mace Chasm Farm. These are all awesome farms being run by young farmers, two of which are in their first year of operation. They have some innovative cross-farm collaboration going on and are excited to show you their businesses and answer your questions.

DIRECTIONS to FLEDGING CROW FARM: 122 Robare Road, Keeseville, NY; From the Keeseville Grange, head east on Main Street towards Ausable Street. Turn right on NY 9 South and follow for 2.4 miles. Turn left on Robarre Road and find Fledging Crow directly on your left.   We encourage carpooling with your  new friends!

4:30 PM- back to the Grange for appetizers, socializing, and Grange history lessons!

5:30 PM- spoken word poetry by Laura Brown Lavoie

6:00 PM- Eric Andrus speaks on his Vermont Sail Freight Project

6:30 PM: Dinner is Served! a local feast prepared by Essex Farm farmer Matt Robertson and freshly baked bread from Tess Brown Lavoie

7 PM: First Music Act- Pocatello! upstairs at the Grange

8:30 PM: Migrate back to Mace Chasm Farm for Afterparty with DJ, bands SAFE and Communicator, bonfire, and camping. BYOB!

***NOTE TO CAMPERS: Please stay within the party area and do not explore the farm by yourself- this is dangerous for both you and the animals. Parking is on the roadside. Also, please leave your pets at home and respect the privacy of those who live in the farm house.****

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

8:30 AM: Breakfast at North Country Creamery Cafe

10 AM: We have several suggestions of excellent local activities to top off your weekend

• Nature Hike led by local naturalist David Thomas Train (RSVP required)

• Blacksmith demo with Russ Bailey (RSVP required)

• Knot tying workshop with Christin Ripley (RSVP required)

• Tour of the Underground Railway Museum

  • open 9 AM - 4 PM

  • 1131 Mace Chasm Road, Ausable Chasms, NY 12911

  • 518-834-5180

• Adventure in Ausable Chasm - explore scenic trails and go on a 20 minute float down the river

  • open 9 AM - 4 PM

  • $16.95 admission, $10 extra for raft trip

  • turn right out of the Grange parking lot, turn left on US 9 North and continue to follow for ~1.5 miles

• John Brown Farm State Historic Site

  • open 10 AM - 5 PM

  • $2 for adults

  • 115 John Brown Road Lake Placid, NY 12946

  • 518-523-3900

• Stroll around nearby Lake Placid- excellent food, shopping, and views about one hour southwest of Keeseville

PAYMENT

Cost of the weekend, including dinner, breakfast, and camping is $15 - 50 on a sliding scale. Please pay what you can afford, we know many of you are hardworking apprentices being paid in room and board! Free admission is available for anyone who wants to donate 2 hours of volunteer time doing set up, clean up, or kitchen work. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering. Otherwise you can bring check or cash the day of, or you can pay in advance by donating on our website. Please include Summer Solstice Mixer where you have the option to add special instructions/message on the donate page.