Community Events for the 2010 Mountain Mysteries Beltane festival

Since the beginning of Mountain Mysteries, one of our major goals has been to provide opportunities for the community to spend more time together and create stronger bonds within our extended tribe. We have all attended festivals where folks seem to only gather in little clusters with their own "kind". We can all feel isolated enough from others in the real world ~ at a festival of friendly Pagans, let's gather as one and enjoy each other's company!

During the '09 Mabon festival our vendor village surrounded the fire circle and provided the "little town" feeling that really made everyone feel at home. We're continuing several things that worked well and adding some more. Here's the beginning stages of what we have in store for you:

Tree Frog Lounge:
Your host at tree frog lounge in no other than our coffee addicted, fun loving, Dewey! He recently had a dream where he was reading a card that said, "Through my creativeness and love, behold a joyful cup of caffiena." :) Whether it's late at night, early in the morning or even in the middle of the day, tree frog is where you will find freshly made coffee, hot water for tea and other delights to munch on. No matter what time it is, you are also likely to find others to chat with, hang out with or simply smile at while you're enjoying the vibe of the festival. If you have a need for first aid or security or have any other questions, there will always be someone at tree frog who is happy to help answer your questions or point you in the right direction!

Community Dessert Swap:
Simple ~ bring a dessert to share! Cookies, breads, cakes ~ anything that doesn't need refrigeration or heating. Originally scheduled for just one night during Mabon, the food fairies continued to bring wonderful treats throughout the weekend and everyone delighted in having a little something special to munch on with their coffee or tea.

Food Drive:
What we give from the heart, returns to us threefold.

All of the food donated at our event will be going to Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, which won the 2009 Feeding America Member of the year award. You can find out more about all of the wonderful work they are doing by going to: http://www.brafb.org/

Look for the bins placed throughout the campground for you to put your non-perishable food items into. When packing down, think of all the extra food you packed and how it could help feed a family a much needed meal.

Here is a list of items the food bank is needing http://www.brafb.org/index.cfm?action=b14&id=6946,11870

If you could pick up just 1 extra food item every time you run into the grocery store, think of the impact your actions could make.

Thank you for your support and many blessings to you all!

Ancestor's Altar:
Many people, including many pagans, practice ancestor worship. This can be as simple as lighting candles and putting out glasses of water for them or elaborate as doing all night vigils and preparing their favorite meals. This is done to honor family lineage and many people of varied backgrounds believe this helps give your ancestors the ability to help you in your life.

We will be have an ancestor altar set up at the festival. This is a community ancestor altar and will be whatever it is you make it. There will be tables laid out and candles for you to light for your ancestors. Please bring pictures, flowers, trinkets, and any offerings you would like to build this altar. Keep in mind, that though this will be in a tent, all of your pictures and other items should be weather protected. Laminating pictures or copies of your pictures is a good way to protect images of your loved ones.

This is your altar.

Please build it with love with your community.

Feel free to spend as much time as you wish in this sacred place to connect with you ancestors.

Pagan Fashion Show:
Calling all Pagan Women, Men and Children….Come! Show off your finery! Wear the outfit that speaks of your pagan ways, your most favorite gear that most expresses who you are ; your witchiest, your most shamanic, your blackest-Goth, your faery child (or hippy-child), your Renaissance / Medieval costume, your warrior outfit, your fave Halloween costume, or that clever t-shirt. Show us what you’ve made, bought, or made your own - We want to see it! Walk the catwalk, make a statement and have a blast.

If you wish to participate in the Pagan fashion show, just report to Lisa at the stage 30 minutes before show time dressed and ready to go. Original music provided by Tony Bradley of Gravity Well Productions.

Mountain Mysteries Home

Directions & Site Info