Feet tapped to bluegrass, hips swayed to reggae, and imaginations meandered with the stories of country music throughout the weekend, as the near non-stop music lineup (see bottom photo) rolled across the main stage. The Greasy Beans got gals and guys up and swinging their partners. The Wailers swayed the crowd as sunset fell on Friday evening. Tift Merritt relayed many a vivid story through her songs in the mellow Sunday afternoon sun. The Steep Canyon Rangers and Jim Lauderdale Band twanged the musical hearts of old and young, traditional country fan and bluegrass enthusiast alike. A dizzying list of performers kept audiences moving all weekend long.

To the delight of many kids in attendance, local tap dancer Joe Mohar not only performed his amazing fleet-footed skills, but also improvised with a little ragtime piano. Comedy skits, launching a boat of trash in a tribute to recycling, hula-hooping, and blowing beachball-sized bubbles were just a few of the activities for kids. The climbing wall was another huge thrill for youngsters, as their families below cheered them on to ringing the bell at the top. There were also many green spaces between activities for kids to invent their own games, explore nature, and meet new friends.

For those adults interested in expanding their physical horizons, the Namaste Yoga Tent offered yoga for couples, for those getting ready to have a child, and for those who had just had a baby. Tai chi, belly dancing, and massage were just some of other workshops offered. To round out the experience in the different types of healing, tents were set up to teach participants about rolfing, deep tissue massage, acupuncture, yoga in the woods, chiropractics, and henna painting.

Along with the physical expressions were the artistic explorations of pottery, jewelry, glass, soaps, and more. Hand-carved fairies, wildlife paintings, and brightly woven baskets were just a few of the artistic works on display. One artist explored a dancing chicken theme in over a hundred different versions of viewpoint and color.

As festival-goers tired from all the activity, plenty of food was available to boost up energy levels. The Taylor Ranch provided some delicious southern cuisine; BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers were available. Pizza and beer were offered by Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria. Fried dough, smoothies, and ice cream rounded out the menu. Cappuccino To Go and The Joyful Cup - who brought their purple bus - ensured festival-goers would have ready access to their favorite caffeine blast from either a variety of coffee drinks or hot chocolate.

For those interested in creating their own rhythms, drumming and strumming circles grew scattered throughout the day amongst all the activities, and culminated with one larger circle occurring each evening as the activities closed down. Camping, swimming and canoe paddling all rounded out the experience for many.

Having received a great deal of practice from running the LEAF festival, the Eden Fest was very well run. There were very few lines, extremely organized parking, and an easy flow to the whole event. When there was rain during a concert, tents were immediately propped up to invite listeners to stay dry while they enjoyed the music. Over pathways that got muddy with use, extra straw and walkways were immediately put to good use.

The infusion of creative juices, ringed by the beautiful mountains of Fairview, left revelers relaxed, revitalized, and hopeful of carrying a part of this Eden-in-the-woods back home with them.

(Story and photos by MainStreet Online feature writer Emily Miller.)

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