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   Happy Dancing Turtle and Pine River-Backus Community Education will host the 20th Annual Back to Basics sustainable living event at Pine River-Backus School on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

   Workshops, vendors, exhibitors, lunch, door prizes, and a keynote speaker are planned for the event which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attend the morning keynote address and the all-day vendor/exhibitor fair for free. Register to participate in a full day of workshops, choosing from over 55 offerings on topics such as food, DIY, gardening, health & wellness, and nature appreciation.

   The Forager Chef Alan Bergo, a James Beard award-winner and author, will present the keynote “The Grocery Store Outside.” “Exploring the food potential of plants that grow in our region is a path to eating healthy, sustainably and locally,” said Happy Dancing Turtle Executive Director Quinn Swanson. “We’re thrilled to have someone as knowledgeable and creative as Alan Bergo offer the keynote for this milestone year—the 20th Annual Back to Basics.”

   Running concurrently throughout the day will be the free Back to Basics Vendor/Exhibitor Fair which requires no registration and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit more than 55 booths of sustainably themed vendors and chat with knowledgeable people while stocking up on locally sourced foods, handmade house goods, herbal products, jewelry, clothing and more.

   “This year’s workshops include homesteading topics like fermentation, cooking & preserving, soil health and seed saving. Add in the variety of new and returning vendors/exhibitors and this will be an outstanding event,” Michelle Hoefs, one of the primary event coordinators, commented. “With so many people sharing ideas, products, and information on sustainable living, it truly makes for an inspiring day.”

   It takes a lot of hands to make it a successful event. Happy Dancing Turtle is looking for helpers to contribute their time and energy for the event. In exchange for 4 hours of help, volunteers receive lunch, an event t-shirt, and will have the opportunity to attend workshops. Email [email protected] or call 218-587-2303 if you would like to volunteer.

   Full-day registration for workshops is $40, with discounts for senior citizens and students. Á la carte options are also available. Participants may register online at www.happydancingturtle.org/back-to-basics-workshops beginning at 8 a.m. on January 5. Walk-in registration is available the day of the event, although workshop selection will be limited. 

   Happy Dancing Turtle is a nonprofit dedicated to growing good stewards of the planet by providing education, programs, and experiences for youth and adults that inspire wonder and empower change.

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