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   Plans are underway for the 20th Annual Back to Basics event happening from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Pine River-Backus School. Back to Basics is the region’s premier sustainable living event, offering a full day of workshops and a vendor/exhibitor fair. “Every year there is a broad range of topics offered by people sharing not only their professional but also personal expertise and interests,” said Michelle Hoefs, program coordinator. “We are looking for presenters and vendors who are passionate about things like homesteading and all things related to sustainable and resilient living,” 

   Back to Basics features a variety of workshop topics, from gardening and agriculture, cooking and preserving, personal health and wellness to energy efficiency and homesteading and DIY. Organizers are always on the lookout for new topics as well. The event is held in partnership with Community Ed at PR-B Schools. “The quality of workshops presented at Back to Basics is unparalleled and keeps participants returning year after year,” said Hoefs. If you are knowledgeable about a resilient living topic, consider sharing your expertise by offering a workshop. Covering one hour, workshops may be hands-on or traditional classroom presentations. Proposals are due by November 14. You may also email suggestions for topics or presenters to [email protected]. Find more details at happydancingturtle.org/back-to-basics.

   The vendor/exhibitor area hosts 50+ booths. Vendors who offer natural, recycled, repurposed and/or handmade products or who offer information or services about resilient or sustainable living are invited to submit a proposal to have a booth at the vendor fair which runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 7, 2026. Cost is $50 per 8 x 8 space. As always, the vendor fair will be free and open to the public. 

   To learn more about presenting or vending, please go to happydancingturtle.org/back-to-basics.

For those who would like to attend the day-long February 7 event, watch for registration information in early January. 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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