Holiday Forest Fair
“I felt overwhelmed by how much helpful information there was! I had no idea I would walk out with an education – seriously all my friends and family have been rolling their eyes about what I learned. Haha! I stayed for Sam Thayer’s demo even though I didn’t think I was interested in hickory nuts. Apparently I AM interested in hickory nuts, thanks to Sam. He is a one-of-a-kind human. Just hearing him say “this is from one of my favorite trees…” made me become more human again. 
” HE Becker
“This is my Disney World!” attendee at the 2024 Holiday Forest Fair
“I have finally met “my people” and didn’t feel like a weirdo for my obsession with plants.” M. Egan
The Holiday Forest Fair
Vendors
In 2024, we had 41 different nature-themed vendors, including but not limited to authors, artists, and consumable products. A list of 2024 vendors can be seen here.
Vendors are chosen on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please send us a message in the form at the bottom of the page. Please include a list of products you sell and links to your business page’s social media and/or website.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations by experts will be taking on a schedule in the back greenhouse.
Demo Schedule from 2024:
10:15 – Salves and Tinctures – Small Town Fungi
11:00 – Harvest Your Own Hot Tottie – Earth Meets Body
11:45 – Pass the Mushrooms, Please cooking demo – Borealle
12:30 – Dry Soup Mixes with Foraged Fungi – Olena the Mushroom Lady
1:15 – Black Walnut Demo – Black Walnut Daddy
2:00 – Hickory Nuts: Facts and Uses – Sam Thayer
2:45 – Mushroom Identification – MN Mycological Society
3:30 – Making Black Walnut Ice Cream – Forager Chef
Food
Food and beverages will be available. 2024 featured some fun items like Lion’s Mane Mushroom tacos, mushroom coffee, and hot apple cider from Sam Thayer’s orchard.
Friends
One of the best parts of the Forest Fair is meeting new like-minded people and seeing old friends.