The St. Louis Pagan Picnic is now in its 16th year. It could never have happened if it wasn't for the continued support of the entire Pagan community. St. Louis has become the hub of Midwestern Pagan activity. You should all be very proud of yourselves for what we have accomplished together. The community organizations, the area covens, the festival organizers, retreat centers, schools, Pagan churches, Pagan authors, artists and performers, Solitaires galore and our non pagan supporters for two hundred miles in every direction have pulled together to make this happen. The Picnic Planning Committee and Yarrow Coven want to thank you all very much.
The theme this year is "Where Magick is Afoot" and how appropriate that is. Magick is our focus because the world needs it. We need it. We need to proclaim it as real and relevant to our modern era and to the times we live in at the moment. We know the chant. It goes, "Goddess is alive and Magick is afoot". I first sang it many years ago but have never forgotten that time. It had a profound effect on my life and the lives of many others.
The St. Louis Pagan Picnic is another of those moments in time that can have a profound effect on the people who attend for the first time. Because we grow every year, we know there are many first time attendees who will in one form or another walk away with new insights, new friends, new spiritual directions, new songs in their heads and baubles around their necks. They will tell their friends in far away places about this festival in St. Louis and how is has changed their lives. Few will understand right away just how much it has changed their lives but they will feel it in their bones. That is the Magick of Spring time at the Pagan Picnic in St. Louis.
This year's event will prove to be just as spectacular for the rest of you. There are many new things planned this year and we hope you will take advantage of what is being offered up for your pleasure and spiritual growth. We are planning a Craft Village where area artisans can showcase their talents with hands on demonstrations. The Wizards Tournament will pit two of the country's top Schools of Magick against each other in a series of games and challenges. We are really looking forward to these and other Special Events. We hope you enjoy them.
Bring your money. You will be glad you did. Every year Vendors Row offers up some of the most diverse merchandise you will find anywhere. Whatever it is you have been looking for will almost certainly be found among the wares of our 70+ vendors. Shop till you drop is their motto.
What is a picnic without food and entertainment. Folks, our food vendors are par excellence. You will not go hungry. I have been asked at times to recommend a dish or a sandwich. I cannot. They are all so good, I would eat all day if I could. I will recommend that after you have selected your lunch to take it over to the Bardic Circle and soak up some music from some very talented entertainers. Music will be non stop all day both Saturday and Sunday with a public Drum Circle Saturday afternoon. Bring your drums and other noise makers and join in. How much more fun can it get than that?
For you spiritual needs we have back to back rituals and four tracks of workshops. It will be difficult to pick and choose but we know you are will. Folks always find their way to the workshops. Rituals will take place in the same area where they have been held for many years. You will feel the energy when you step inside the sacred space there. Our workshops will once again be held under shade canopies. There is no point in being distracted by having the sun or the rain beating down on you. The talent and knowledge of our presenters is outstanding, with many of them known across the country as experts in their fields. You can meet some of them at the Author's and Artist's Tables and get a signed copy of their latest work. I know all of them will be pleased to meet and visit with you.
We haven't forgotten our children either. KidZone will be up and running both days with lots of children's activities. This event is very family friendly. Bring your children and allow them to experience their own 'Magick'. The organizers of KidZone will have a lot for them to do and be proud of. Also, be sure to be in the park on Sunday morning for the Children's Parade.
This is but a sampling of what to expect this year. Please visit this site often as things get added to the schedule all the time. Also, if you have any ideas for an activity or want to participate in any fashion, please let us know. All the contact information can be found on the pages of this site.
Two things before I close. The picnic is run by unpaid volunteers and is supported by the generous donations and sponsorships of people just like you. Folks who love this event. Please consider giving of your time, effort or money to keep this event alive.
The second thing I need to stress is the community service commitment of the organizers of this event. Food is always an issue for people who are without it. Every year we have a food drive for people and pets. Show yourselves as being concerned and bring one or more cans of food for Operation Food Search and/or something for the local animal shelters. Everyone will be very grateful for you donation. Together, we can change the world for some people.
Thank you all. We will see you there.
El Bee.........
Copyright 2008 by St. Louis Pagan Picnic and Yarrow Coven. All rights reserved.