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.