Victoria Day Gathering 2015

Victoria Day Gathering

Friday May 15th at 1pm to Monday May 18th at 4pm
on The Land aka Amber Fox

It's Vicky's birthday and the queens are celebrating!

Why celebrate a dead queen's birthday you may well ask? I could talk about her influence on the Canadian identity (she gave royal assent to Confederation, plus we are all still a bit uptight because of her), or about her extensive reign, her political accomplishments, yada, yada, yada. Instead, let me just remind you that were it not for Queen V, we would not have had the Prince Albert, or so urban legend would have us believe!

The Victoria Day long weekend marks the unofficial beginning of Canadian camping season, and the first safe date for planting to avoid frost. The Land will be coming awake with greening leaves and grass, and a multitude of spring flowers. All that is missing is you.

The nights may be a bit chilly, but don't worry, the Land will keep everyone warm. The Erection is heated, bonfires will make us toasty and the sauna is always steamy. Tenting may be cool, and some will opt for snuggling in the Bunkhouse. Remember to check the weather forecast and bring warm bedding and appropriate clothes.

Each day at the gathering includes a Circle. The Circle starts with a brief organizational meeting, followed on Saturday and Sunday by a longer Heart Circle (aka group therapy session, aka bitch fest, aka story time, aka ...). All faeries are strongly encouraged to attend at least the beginning part of each Circle. This is where new faeries are introduced, plans for the rest of the gathering are made, grievances are aired, and policies are debated. It is the place where YOU get to have your say in how the gathering is shaped. You won't want to miss it!

Some activities are already scheduled:

• Friday 7pm - Opening Circle
• Saturday evening - Know Talent Show

• Can you sing, dance, recite a poem or play an instrument? If so, we would love to have you join us on stage! 
• A bit shy but want to try? Talk to the show's organizers and they will be sure to find a suitable role for you. 
• The Foxy Boutique has been re-stocked, so come browse for that perfect costume for the show - or maybe a snazzy little frock for dinner.
• More of a watcher than a performer? An appreciative audience is the other essential ingredient for this ever-popular event.
• Monday 3pm - Closing Circle

The rest is up to us: fireworks, bonfires, crafts, saunas, mud wrestling, face painting, ritual & magick, drumming & meditation, anything we can imagine or desire. The activities depend entirely on what those who attend are willing and able to organize.

The play is shared and so is the work. There are no paid staff on the Land, so everyone needs to help out with a few chores each day to make the gathering go smoothly. Washing dishes, preparing meals, chopping wood, tidying and cleaning, repairs, new construction ... it's all up to us. But the work becomes play when shared with your fae friends!

The meals are vegetarian, communal and delicious. The Erection contains a fully appointed kitchen, and we are always looking for chefs, assistants, and learners. Whether you want to plan a whole meal, create a single dish, or help chop ingredients, we've got you covered! Chat with us on Facebook if you have any meal ideas or want to help out.

As well as help with the chores that keep the Land going, we rely on contributions to the Purse for food, fuel for the pump & lawn mowers, propane for the fridge & stove, paint, materials for repairs, paper products and all our other mundane needs.

We use an honour system with a suggested contribution of $25 per night, more if you can or less if you can't.  For example, if you are coming for the whole gathering (3 nights) we suggest a $75 contribution. No one is turned away for lack of funds, but we ask that everyone contribute some cash, even if you can only afford a few dollars per night. It is also helpful if you can make your contribution when you arrive at the gathering, so that it can be used at the next shopping trip.

If you are a member of our Facebook Group, you can RSVP to the Facebook Event. Otherwise, please email to let us know you are coming.