Just thought you might want some proof that Mindy and I really went to the PAPA Festival. It was really a good time. We didn’t have our camera though, so I’ve relied on others pictures posted online. Not very effective for telling any sort of story about our time there. Except that I tried juggling.
More photos if your interested in getting an inside look at the people and places that were Papa fest.
The first time I heard of adopting an alternative currency was at PAPA fest. They used “Papas” as a form of currency that you earned by helping out throughout the festival (volunteering at the kids tent or registration, or helping with the compost) and then could spend at the stores people had set up. It was an interesting concept for a festival.
Then I heard Ithaca, NY mentioned and the story that they had been using an alternative currency for since 1991. It’s a very interesting concept, and one I’m not entirely sure I completely understand. I like the things they are promoting, and I see some of the reasons they feel an alternative currency helps them accomplish those goals.
Here’s a cartoon from their website that sort of explains what it’s all about. I was still a little confused, so you might have to visit the site to learn more:
I’ve been meaning to sit down and write about my time at the PAPA Festival all day, but I kept procrastinating on it, mainly because I’m not sure I have that much to say. This wasn’t an academic or informational gathering per say. There where learning sessions, but the majority that I went to were more discussions then they were information which I could share with you.
I will point out that there where white folks with dreadlocks there then I’ve ever seen in one place. Makes you wonder. Lot’s of very ‘alternative’ folks out there looking very much like the normal crowd because they made of the majority at this gathering.
I enjoyed myself for a good number of reasons. I ran into a ton of random people with all sorts of unique connections which was a pretty cool thing. I think I’ll post on the random people I met next.
Mainly, I think the thing I enjoyed most was just being around a whole bunch of “Christians” that actually shared my value system. Too often I feel outcast or alienated as being too “radical” or liberal or something similar. The folks I seem to share values with are ones whose motivation is not following Jesus at all, but something completely different usually. So it was good to be ‘worshiping’ and fellowshipping with others who share my values and my beliefs and motivation.