Expect the food at the Whole Earth Festival to emphasize nutrition and practice sustainability. (Daniel Ng/2007 Whole Earth Festival archival photo)
Veggie corn dogs, good bands and crafts
I have a special, personal bond with food, so the main reason why I’m going to the festival is to try those corndogs and eggrolls, which are supposed to be the healthy alternative to normal ones sold at the State Fair.
According to the Whole Earth Festival Web site, all of its food vendors — some of them local — emphasize nutrition and practice sustainability, which is why the festival sells only vegetarian food.
This year, the festival will feature Mexican, California vegetarian, Indian, organic, vegan and raw food. Some specialties include chocolate-dipped fruit, popsicles, eggrolls, fried rice, herbal elixirs, funnel cakes, organic coffee and, of course, veggie corn dogs.
There are also many other events going on during the festival. I would be selfish not to tell you about them, so here’s my one good deed for the year.
The Quad Stage
The Quad Stage, located on the southeast corner of the lawn, will feature a wide variety of musical acts, keynote speakers and innovative, informative emceeing, according to the Whole Earth Festival Web site.
The opening and closing ceremonies will also be held here on Friday (just before noon) and on Sunday (from 5 to 6 p.m.).
Show times:
- Friday, May 9: Noon to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, May 10: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, May 11: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Other stages
The Soular Dance Stage, located on the Wellman Hall lawn, will be completely powered by solar energy. Here you can watch dance and drumming performances from many different cultures.
The festival will showcase some of the best local talent on the DJ Stage, which will be located in the Wellman Pit on May 9 and 10 and move to the Olson Hall lawn on May 11. KOZEE and an-ten-nae are the headline performers from San Francisco.
On Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., this stage will present a wide range of beats remixed live by various disc jockeys. The dance floor will also feature fire-dancers and a live painting and art display.
On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the DJ Stage will feature bands and solo performers from many genres, including hip hop, funk and soul, and reggae.
“Also this year we'll be adding VJ's, or people who mix videos,” said Kelly Scott, the festival DJ Stage coordinator. “The stage will be pretty impressive.”
You can also groove to some funky fresh beats such as Excuses for Skipping (from San Francisco) and The Goddess Alchemy Project (from Oakland), according to Houser. “The DJ Stage being moved this year back to the Wellman pit is a great highlight because it will create a club-like atmosphere.”
Rave at The House
A few of my sources tell me that The House is the place to be during the Whole Earth Festival. In the past, they have had a rave-like environment where people would dance to trance music and just hang out. I don’t expect this year to be any different, so I’m going to check that out and flash my retro figure-eight hand motions.
You can also swing by the Art Space exhibition gallery, located on the east side of the center walkway on the Quad, to check out the diverse works done by regional artists. If inspired, add some of your own art to the community art wall. Workshops are also available for paper-making, origami, weaving and flower wreaths.
Gifts for special people
You can also learn how to do projects, like making dream catchers with natural and recycled materials, at the Hands-on Craft workshop. I am looking forward to this myself because I can make my girlfriend something special without having to spend all that money.
Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is also on that weekend, so you know everybody and their momma will be showing up to celebrate together.
Of course, if you can’t make your mom or loved one a gift, you can always buy them something.
Vendors will be selling visual art, glass, minerals, jewelry, metal, candles, wool, wood, leather, cloth art, pottery/clay sculptures, herbs, soap, chimes and instruments.
You can also get massages, henna tattoos and acupressure services from the health wellness and spiritual vendors.
Best of all, you can get a free hug!