By Julia Berkman
The Outback Farm is throwing a party! May Fest is being hosted on the Outback Farm on May 12 and will include a host of activities to suit anyone interested in farming, nature, animals, et cetera. There is sure to be something fun for everyone.
The Outback is a community garden where one can reserve a plot of land and plant whatever their heart desires (within legal limits, of course). Since 2006, The Outback has been run in joint cooperation with Fairhaven and the Associated Students. Students and Bellingham residents alike can volunteer on the farm doing cleanup or feeding the chickens.
The farm was bought in 1920 by June and Farrar Burn as a private plot of land. It was taken over by Western in the 60s. Before The Outback became the co-op garden it is today, it was known as the Outback Pig Farm. Students have been instrumental in converting the farm from a hog sloppin’ pen to a genuine co-operative slice of land with gardens, woods and even animals (but no pigs).
In addition to community plots of land, the Outback also has bees and chickens. They provide honey and eggs to Bellingham locals for far cheaper than you can get at Fred Meyer (and more ethically, as well).
May Fest will include an all-acoustic open mic in the Amphitheater, which was completed four years ago. Whether you’re a student or not, all are welcome to strut their stuff on the wooden stage. There is also a craft table where people can get their hands dirty and even take something home for their hard work.
If the idea of getting in touch with your roots and giving back to the earth appeal to you, the Outback has many events coming up that you might like including a sandal-making workshop and an indigo and flax workshop.
You can check out May Fest, as well as a host of other events, online at the AS Outback Farm facebook page. Happy harvesting!