[Rockhounds] Santa Barter Faire, Santa, Idaho

[John Siebel]

For anyone who may be in the neighborhood this weekend, the Santa Barter 
Faire is happening Friday 9/7 through Sunday. Santa is about 20 miles SE of 
St. Maries, Idaho (about 60 miles SSE of Coeur D, Alene). Turn off Hwy 3 at 
Tyson Creek Rd. and follow the signs. I may be there with minerals, 
crystals, fossils and a bunch of yardsale-type items. There are usually a 
number of other rock dealers (including a bunch of "New Age" types for those 
who care.) Last year I bought a nice fish fossil (looks like Kemmerer, Wyo. 
to me) marked down to $3. A dude by the name of Adam may be walking around 
with a bag of Emerald Creek garnet for trade (he works at the garnet mine - 
Emerald Crk., ID). And there are usually several other 
mineral/crystal/fossil dealers amongst the crowd along with a weird 
sellection of stuff for sale or trade. Admission, camping and dealer space 
is free. Generators are not allowed, dogs must be leashed and campfires must 
be contained.

The Barter Faire (sorry about the spelling...that's what it's called) is a 
30 year-old tradition started by some old hippies. Free potluck on Saturday 
night followed by music, drumming and swirly dancing. If you get bored, head 
out to Fossil Bowl (about 15 miles) for leaf and occasional fish/insect 
fossils. Unfortunately, Emerald Creek is closed for the season after Labor 
Day. But you can still pan the creek.

John