BARTER FAIR BOUNTY

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Each year, of course, less publicity is necessary, since more people anticipate the event and come prepared to do some "serious" trading.

GOOD PEOPLE, FAST TALK

Another "must", I was told, is "some charismatic individual who's prepared to do a lot of running around and a lot of fast talking . . . someone who's willing to work behind the scenes to get your barter fair underway and to make sure the event flows smoothly once it's started."

Since thousands now come to the Washington fair, some volunteers must be on the grounds about 10 days ahead of time. The first thing they do is build a shed to help keep track of tools. Then the parking areas are laid out, with separate spots for live-in campers, overnight parking, and daytime use. (Only rigs with loads that're too heavy to carry are allowed to drive into the barter area itself.) Driveways are clearly marked so people won't block traffic by parking in them, and plenty of signs are put up to indicate what's where. (Most fairs won't require this much work in advance, of course, but the example may give you some idea of the sorts of preparatory measures you'll need to think about.)

Meals wouldn't be necessary for a one-day festival, but you might want to try to organize a potluck lunch. If sowhile you won't need cookstoves, fire. pit grates, and split wood-someone will have to be on hand to get the distribution area set up, before food and offers of assistance start to roll in.

A bulletin board for announcements and general information is a good idea and helps to unify the gathering. Sanitation is also extremely important: Be sure to provide plenty of good drinking water, adequate toilet facilities, and numerous washing-up areas. First aid is another essential consideration. And-while there may be no real need for child care, since the youngsters usually entertain each other pretty well-something like a puppet show can be a lot of fun for everyone.

IN CLOSING

There's no denying that a barter fair involves a lot of work, but a successful celebration is well worth the effort ... worth it for the good swaps, for the new friends, and-most of all-for the satisfaction of knowing that you've had a part in creating an occasion that enlarges and draws together a circle of people who are all working and growing toward better and happier lifestyles.

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