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MerleFest 2011

Ken — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 11:31:26 +0000

As I write this blog, I have completed 2 out of 4 days of being a Heritage Crafts Vendor at MerleFest 2011. This is an annual festival of Americana and Bluegrass music that draws visitors from all over the U.S. and foreign countries as well. I have chosen to participate as a Heritage Crafts Vendor which allows me to demonstrate my craft of primitive living skills and survival skills. My display highlights the historic skills of indigenous peoples and pioneers and includes a Cheyenne style teepee and campfire area surrounded by log stumps that are used as seats.

In the photo you can see my new friend “T.J.” who shares survival skills interest. He has just achieved his first successful ember using the bow and spindle kit that I made. In turn, he demonstrated the cobra stitch method of creating a wrist band that conveniently stores about 6 feet of parachute cord for emergency situations. This interaction of skills and experiences by visitors is what makes this experience so delightful. I extend my thanks to Ann for capturing this epic moment of firecraft and to all the visitors who have sent me their photos to share.

If you plan to attend this event, please drop by and say “hi”. In 2 weeks I’ll be attending another event “Daniel Boone Day” at the Wippoorwill Village. Check out my calendar for details.

(after this was published, I was photographed during a cooking demo… CLICK HERE to see the Winston Salem Journal Photo)

Merlefest Update 2010

Ken — Sat, 01 May 2010 11:00:18 +0000

Well, after 2 days at Merlefest, I’m starting to get the rhythm of daily routine at this festival. The first day I met many nice folks, some that have primitive living skills who were a delight to speak with. The second day began some sales of products… wallet magnifiers (A.K.A. solar fire starters) were a big hit. I had other products as well including crafts. My sons helped man the booth while I gave various demonstrations of firecraft, bushcraft and cooking. So far I’ve baked fish in clay and done dangle cooking of chicken. Tomorrow I’ll do the same including cooking rice in bamboo and hoe cakes on a trowel. I’ve met folks from Czechoslovakia, with primitive living skills and teepee manufacturing, a SERE instructor with the Navy, instructors in survival and edible flora identification, and more. I’m learning a lot, and teaching a lot. So far it’s been a wonderful experience. Next weekend I’ll be doing basic survival skills at the Foothill District Scout Show located in Granite Falls, NC. What will come next?! Stay tuned…

Check out these photos from Channel 5 WRAL PHOTO 1, PHOTO 2, and PHOTO 3.

Added 05 May 2010 – Merlefest Gallery Photos

Preparing for Merlefest – a Survivaltek first…

Ken — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 11:00:30 +0000

Well, it’s just about here… Merlefest, a Bluegrass Festival in Wilkesboro NC. Last year it drew 70,000 attendees, and this year promises more. At this event the air is filled with the sound of banjos, guitars, mandolins and singing. So what does this have to do with Survivaltek?? Well, until now, Survivaltek has been the on-going blog of yours truly, Ken Youngquist, functioning as a creative outlet and primary means of sharing my passion. In an effort to expand my outreach, I was able to teach several classes last year, and now, I’m taking the next step into retail sales. To this end, I will be performing demonstrations and offering products as a Heritage Craft Tent Vendor featuring the skills and crafts of American History. Starting Thursday afternoon through Sunday evening (Apr 29 – May 2) I will be demonstrating firecraft, primitive cooking and bushcraft. I will also be selling related items such as flint and steel kits, bow and spindle kits, as well as outdoor and survival gear.

Last Winter I bought a used Cheyenne style teepee for such an event as this, however, it had one foot in the grave and was riddled with mildew. After several treatments with a special fabric-safe cleaner and a high pressure washer, it has been suitably restored for display. I also preserved a deer hide which I stretched out on a frame. So, if you plan to attend Merlefest this year, look for the teepee and deer hide frame appearing in the adjacent photo and stop by my booth. I would be delighted to meet you. The sound of Bluegrass combined with the aroma of campfire will be a great memory in the making. I’ll fill you in on the details in my next blog.