Just in time for Fall, an enticing, new festival is on the horizon. As the Summer greens fade into shades of Autumn, Wendy D. Burns is preparing to debut the first SoulShine Alternative Health and Healing Arts Fall Festival at the Grant County Civic Center.
When asked about the motivation behind bringing something outside of the box to Grant County, Burns expressed appreciation for the hospitality of the Civic Center staff.
“They’ve been so encouraging and helpful for me during this process,” said Burns. “Because of that, I’ve started participating in more Grant County events and continue to be encouraged to embrace the Grant County community.”
Burns considers herself to be Clairsensory Intuitive, a purveyor of esoteric goods, delightfully curious, and a free-spirited “gramma”. A year ago, Burns found herself in the midst of hardship, searching for certainty, clarity, and direction.
“I had a thought telling me that in a year, I would have overcome everything I was currently going through,” said Burns.
Suddenly, in the middle of a tough road, the song “SoulShine” by the Allman Brothers began to play in Burns’s conscience, which was the first song on the soundtrack of Burns’s future.
On the same day, while creating blue jean tassels, Burns recalled pieces of the event rushing into her memory, vividly. To grasp each part of the puzzle, Burns began typing the details into her computer. Soon enough, a second song flowed into her brain: “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison, which, according to Burns, “promotes healing as an art form and cultivates a community focused on it”.
“The lyrics played in my thoughts like a checklist of how to orchestrate the festival,” recalled Burns.
After playing Morrison’s song on repeat, Burns formulated the official theme of the SoulShine Festival: “a hippy and/or gypsy vibe that brought together artisans who bring crafts and creativity based on mindfulness”. Burns believes by helping others heal, our own needs of healing can be met.
“It's truly inspiring how Spirit turned a difficult situation in my own life into an opportunity for growth and exploration,” shared Burns.
Le Château De Mystique (The House of Mystics), an online business, has been named the host of SoulShine, which was created by Burns in 2014. After being “prodded” by her Spirit, Burns was shown the symbolization of the château as the human heart. Burns relies on the help of ancestors to offer private, Clairsensory Intuitive sessions and consultations to provide clients with healing and guidance which sets them on a path to success.
Bethany Gonzales, a client of Burns, shared her experience with virtual sessions.
"Spending an hour with Wendy always calms my spirit and guides me on different perspectives in my life,” Gonzales said.
Those interested in finding answers to lifelong questions, exploring new options and opportunities, or seeking guidance out of “life storms that may torment you”, can find and speak with Wendy at SoulShine Festival.
For $10, people of all ages can get in on the fun by entering a variety of contests such as: Glinda the Good Witch Full Costume Contest, the Witch Cackle Contest, and the handcrafted Spooky Doll contest.
Contest Criteria is as follows:
-Witch Cackle Contest: a great opportunity to showcase your talent on stage in front of judges. The entry fee is only $10, and the winner will receive a special prize! Register now and get ready to cackle like a pro!
Glinda The Good Witch Full Dress Contest:
-Creativity - was the costume made creatively and colorfully, and does it show personality?
-Originality – Does the costume stand out from the rest?
-Effort – Did the costume take time and effort?
-Authenticity – How accurate and thorough is the costume?
-Research - Did the contestant research Glinda? Did they use quotes, quirks, Glinda's personality, giggles, motions, and movements?
2023 Requirements to be considered in the running:
-Minimum of 3 Glinda quotes.
-1 Glinda hand motion.
-1 Glinda giggles.
-1 attempt at /flowing "Glinda'ish."
-1 Glinda Crown
-1 Glinda Wand
-1 Glinda Poofy Sleeves.
Contestants may pick up their entry form at the SoulShine Festival Tent at the festival.
Spooky Doll Contest
Judging Criteria:
Dolls will be judged based on originality, creativity, characterization, artistic quality, inventiveness, and does the hair on the back of my neck stands up (is there energy in the doll?)
Submission Rules:
-Each participant may submit 1 doll with a before photo attached.
-Size limits: 6 to 24 inches tall
-Dolls must be supported for display.
-Antiques or dolls ravaged by weather and/or time are acceptable for submissions.
-Entry dolls must be named and have a place card attached to the display.
-Submission is from 1-4 p.m., October 27, in the South Metaphysical room at the Grant County Civic Center.
-Dolls may be sold on consignment at the SoulShine Festival, with 20 percent going to the SoulShine Festival. The contestant must have a price tag submitted with the doll but can change their mind about the price or selling at any time. Once sold, all sales are final.
Luis Reyes Photography will be on site to capture creative, spooky, and award-winning individuals upon request. Reyes will also be offering Halloween Photoshoots for a memorable snapshot. If you have a costume you want to showcase or want to take advantage of acquiring a bundle of Halloween sweets three days early, the public is encouraged to dress-up for a day of trick or treating.
Several more vendors will be making an appearance, such as: Kustom Kreations and Krystals, Makayla’s Jellies and Jams, Lunar Visions, Chubby Chicz Candle Creations, Roasted Gypsies Coffee Roasters, Luv HEBE, Level-Up Nutrition, Sweet Lady Jane’s Bakery, Silver Sage Renaissance Festival, Rosa Cardenas, Plant Artisan Destiny Rich, Spiritually YOUnique, and Farm Girl Café.
As an additional incentive to attend, the public is welcome to enjoy and learn about each vendor at no cost for admission.
Burns encourages the community to anticipate “a visually pleasing environment that enables vendors to showcase their individual creativity”.
For artisans looking to secure a vendor space, there are 10 by 10 booths available for $100.
“Each vendor has been urged to utilize tents and adorn their area to reflect their distinct creative style,” said Burns.
As a gesture of honor and appreciation towards vendors for participating in the first SoulShine Festival, Burns will be giving out special packages. Each package will contain a 2024 Return Vendor application for a discounted price of $50, which must be returned and paid in full prior to leaving the event. After the event, the price will increase to $75 through January 31, 2024. From February 2024 to September 30, 2024, booths will cost $100 each. Lastly, from October 1, 2024, to the vendor deadline, booths will cost $125. For the Metaphysical Room, vendors may secure an eight-foot table space for $30.
To sign up as a vendor for this year or 2024, visit www.soulshineswks.com. Applications for SoulShine 2023 must be submitted with payment by Sunday, October 15.
SoulShine Festival will be from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday, October 28, at the Grant County Civic Center.
Mark your calendars and dare to scare with your best costume! For any questions, please contact Wendy Burns via the SoulShine Alternative Health & Healing Arts Fall Festival Facebook page or email soushinefestivalswks@yahoo.com.
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