Colorado ChickenFest 2013

[Pozees]

So: I am available to be involved. Who else? Sam? Pichuris? Pozees? It might be to our advantage to have this initial committee be somewhat local, but probably not a requirement. Should we put this out on the FB group as well? As of today there are 130 members of the Colorado Chickens FB group.

I'm in. My level of availability will vary depending on work, like everyone probably, but if we start planning this far ahead I should be able to keep up.

I like the idea of demo/info stations and an agenda, thinking we can set up an area for each point of interest, have the scheduled presentation at the area, then someone(s) can remain there throughout the event to answer questions, do recaps for those who were unable to be there for the presentation, have written material available folks can take home to refer to (perhaps with one or several points of contact throughout the state if peeps are willing). That way the majority can move through the whole setup, while new arrivals can decide to tag along with the group or visit the areas they are most interested in. I might limit presentations to 15-20 minutes to keep it moving. Those interested in more information can always come back or contact those who have offered contact information for more details.

The one thing the park doesn't offer, as previously mentioned, is the opportunity for processing demo. Wendell, would you be willing to schedule a day for demo a week or two after the 'Fest for all interested parties? I particularly appreciated the re-use of common items you used to set up your processing area, as well as the complete lack of drama or struggle, and I think the more people are able to see it with their own eyes, the more comfortable they become with fully utilizing their flocks and raising out cockerels for a few months until they are table aged.

Another station I would consider is cooking/recipes.

This is so fun, isn't it?

Oh - I was contacted today by someone in Springfield who said chicken keeping has EXPLODED there - cool, huh?

 

[Meredy]

Planning ChickenFest 2014! Put me on the list... I work very well with lists, follow great directions...and am now chomping at the bit! We had such a good time- I can only imagine how much better it will be with a year's worth of chicken experience under my belt. We have a folding banquet table, and access to at least one or two more. I believe we still have a canopy or gazebo in the camping gear. Your sketch of plans for next year all look very good.

I do keep forgetting one more positive in all my comments. Those orange shirts were VERY helpful. Wendell's 'staff' for the day were gracious, helpful, and a lot of fun. There was always someone close by to help or answer questions...many thanks for that. It did not go by un-noticed.

 

[Pozees]

A ponderance ... should we think about a follow-up event 3-4 months after ChickenFest to help catch up new folks and answer follow-up questions? I suspect there are a fair number of people who make a late decision - July - August - September-ish - to get chickens, at least there seemed to be last year, maybe just a fluke?

 

[pichuris]

Some fabulous ideas.

I would be willing to do an informational/demo on FF or even chicken pasturing.

Usual vendor booths are $25 (done a number of them). Something to think about too is if we do indeed make money on this what is the money going to be used for? We might have to dig a little deeper too as far as laws are concerned for sales some places require the organization to collect tax on sales not just each vendor for themselves.

I do like the idea of having the processing demo at a later time. That way you can get sign up list at the fest and know how many people will be attending to plan accordingly.

 

[pichuris]

Did by chance was their a guest sign in list done? Also, maybe a survey?

 

[samsr]

I am definitely willing to give some time to the cause. I have only had chickens for a year, but have learned a lot in that year. It sounds like we need to get together sometime and have a brainstorming meeting to get questions and information on paper.

 

[wsmith]

I'm in. My level of availability will vary depending on work, like everyone probably, but if we start planning this far ahead I should be able to keep up.

I like the idea of demo/info stations and an agenda, thinking we can set up an area for each point of interest, have the scheduled presentation at the area, then someone(s) can remain there throughout the event to answer questions, do recaps for those who were unable to be there for the presentation, have written material available folks can take home to refer to (perhaps with one or several points of contact throughout the state if peeps are willing). That way the majority can move through the whole setup, while new arrivals can decide to tag along with the group or visit the areas they are most interested in. I might limit presentations to 15-20 minutes to keep it moving. Those interested in more information can always come back or contact those who have offered contact information for more details.

My thoughts exactly. If we allotted up to 30 minutes, but suggested that the presentations be 20 minutes, then people could linger if they wanted, or go on to the next scheduled thing if they desired.


The one thing the park doesn't offer, as previously mentioned, is the opportunity for processing demo. Wendell, would you be willing to schedule a day for demo a week or two after the 'Fest for all interested parties? I particularly appreciated the re-use of common items you used to set up your processing area, as well as the complete lack of drama or struggle, and I think the more people are able to see it with their own eyes, the more comfortable they become with fully utilizing their flocks and raising out cockerels for a few months until they are table aged.

Yes, I could do that. We could have a signup there and also give away info on doing it yourself.


Another station I would consider is cooking/recipes.

Maybe where you could drop off or pick up recipes?


This is so fun, isn't it?

Oh - I was contacted today by someone in Springfield who said chicken keeping has EXPLODED there - cool, huh?

Great feedback!

Planning ChickenFest 2014! Put me on the list... I work very well with lists, follow great directions...and am now chomping at the bit! We had such a good time- I can only imagine how much better it will be with a year's worth of chicken experience under my belt. We have a folding banquet table, and access to at least one or two more. I believe we still have a canopy or gazebo in the camping gear. Your sketch of plans for next year all look very good.

Awesome!

I do keep forgetting one more positive in all my comments. Those orange shirts were VERY helpful. Wendell's 'staff' for the day were gracious, helpful, and a lot of fun. There was always someone close by to help or answer questions...many thanks for that. It did not go by un-noticed.

Thanks. They were Hannah's (my younger blonde daughter) idea.

A ponderance ... should we think about a follow-up event 3-4 months after ChickenFest to help catch up new folks and answer follow-up questions? I suspect there are a fair number of people who make a late decision - July - August - September-ish - to get chickens, at least there seemed to be last year, maybe just a fluke?

Hmm...... could be done

Some fabulous ideas.

I would be willing to do an informational/demo on FF or even chicken pasturing.

Usual vendor booths are $25 (done a number of them). Something to think about too is if we do indeed make money on this what is the money going to be used for? We might have to dig a little deeper too as far as laws are concerned for sales some places require the organization to collect tax on sales not just each vendor for themselves.

I was actually thinking of possible a tiered fee schedule. Something like exhibition only, $5 for a 12 X 12 space, if selling, then a 12 X 12 space would cost $10, and a larger space would cost $20. I'm not a fan of collecting taxes for someone else. I'd rather have the individual be responsible for that. We would need to look in to that. If this is becoming an annual or even a semi annual event, then we only need to raise enough money to pay back the initial "investors", and have enough for the next event venue. In the case of Metcaff park, that would be $250.

Did by chance was their a guest sign in list done? Also, maybe a survey?

I had one ready to go, and forgot to put it out. That and a breeds listing so we could see how many different breeds/species
were there. I thought that would have been fun. But again, I forgot to put it out.

I am definitely willing to give some time to the cause. I have only had chickens for a year, but have learned a lot in that year. It sounds like we need to get together sometime and have a brainstorming meeting to get questions and information on paper.

I agree.

 

[wsmith]

Another thing we could add, is have reps from Colorado Springs and Fountain, also Widefield and Security, there in their own booths with their city regulations and any applicable licensing info for people to pick up....

 

[gardendufus]

So, I wasn't able to attend this year, but count me in to help on the next one. I don't have any special skills other than accounting, but I have two hands and am generally a 'willing worker'. Add to that I have lots of free time.

I have no problem with grunt work (set-up, clean up, etc.).

 

[wsmith]

So, I wasn't able to attend this year, but count me in to help on the next one. I don't have any special skills other than accounting, but I have two hands and am generally a 'willing worker'. Add to that I have lots of free time.

I have no problem with grunt work (set-up, clean up, etc.).

Thre you go, you could be the ChickenFest accountant! LOL