Event examines culture of death, dying and living well

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PITTSBORO — Abundance NC will host the 4th annual Death Faire from noon until 6 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Chatham Beverage District on Lorax Lane in Pittsboro.

The event’s goal is “an attempt at changing our culture around death, dying and ultimately living well,” providing participants an opportunity to explore death in a supportive, festive atmosphere with the goal of moving beyond our culture’s death phobia in ways that are both life-affirming and community building.

Organizers note that the event is indeed a fair which does not require “a deep dive into the darkest corners of your soul.” It will include workshops, vendors, guest speakers, meditation, dance, food and activities for children.

Charles Eisenstein, the keynote speaker, is a teacher and author whose talk will focus on “civilization, consciousness, death, climate, and the human cultural evolution.” There will also be an original dance production by the Studio A Dancers as well as a “movement ritual” with a collective of local musicians. Music will also be provided by Angela Winter who place a “lute-like ukulele” as well as a second line funeral procession with the Bulltown Strutters.

Speakers will include experts in end-of-life decisions, helping children through loss, experts on living wills and green burials. There will also be an art show at the Smelt, and interactive ancestor alter and a “Before I Die” wall. Vendor spaces including Oak City Hemp, Chatham Ciderworks, Copeland Springs Farm & Kitchen will be open as well offering food and beverages.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $30 at the door, and $5 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased at AbundanceNC.org..

Full event details available at: https://abundancenc.org/event/death-faire-2019/

Tami Schwerin, Executive Director of the nonprofit Abundance NC, which organizes the Death Faire, says she developed the event in response to a realization that most people avoided death and that this had consequences. “Death has a direct relationship to how we live our life — and the more we face death, the better we live our life,” she says. “I find that the more we embrace death, the healthier and more meaningful our lives are.”

Death Faire features art, live music, dance, poetry, storytelling and interactive exhibits to provide multiple entry points into conversations about death. A coffin photo booth, ancestor altar, art show, dance performance and other installations provide opportunities to reflect on one’s own mortality, remember our dead, honor our grief and strengthen community resilience in the face of loss.

“I found resources and supports at the Death Faire that prepared me to be at my mother’s side when she died,” says Dana Brinson, a Death Faire participant. “I am deeply grateful for this event and am looking forward to participating again this year.”

On Nov. 1, the night prior to Death Faire, Abundance NC presents a separately ticketed event called, “An evening with Charles Eisenstein: Serving a More Beautiful World.” To purchase tickets for this event, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-charles-eisenstein-serving-a-more-beautiful-world-tickets-62288789446