The term “free market” conjures ideas of international trade policy, but a ‘really free market’ set for this weekend, will be much closer to home in Floyd, Virginia. The swap fest is such a simple concept that you might be confused about just how simple it is.
Music by Book of Wood, “How much for that sweater m’ am? It’s Free. How much for that piece of land? It’s free. How much for that loaf of bread? Free!. Free! Free! Wait a minute. Hold on. What do you mean?"
What they mean is free, no cost. You bring stuff to give away, and even if you don’t, you can take stuff that you need or just want, whatever you like.
Book of Wood “There’s no obligation you don’t owe me anything. When I say that it’s free, well that’s what I mean."
Nate Kretzschmar first saw what they call, a ‘really free market’ when he lived in Carrboro North Carolina.
“When we came to visit Floyd for the first time last summer, one of the first things we noticed was the cooperative spirit and how welcoming people were and generous and I just thought it would be a great place to have a free market and I thought the community would get behind it.”
The family of 3 now lives in Floyd and they were right, the town did get behind the idea and the first free market is this Saturday afternoon.
“We’ve all got so much stuff that we accumulate and it ends up filling up our attics and our basements and it’s good stuff and can still be used, but for one reason or another we’re not making use of it. So let’s see if we can find somebody else who needs this at this point in time rather than putting them in a situation where they have to go out and buy it.”
There will also be free music performances, a potluck dinner, and the whole thing is about people giving what they want to without any expectation of getting anything in return.
Book of Wood “Because it’s a better way to be. Give it away free. Because it’s how we want to be. Be Free! Be Free!"
The first Floyd Free Market is this Saturday, May 7th in Warren Lineberry Park in downtown Floyd from, 1 to 5 PM. They hope to make it regular event.
Performers include Big Mama Joy, Seph Custer, Carrie Hinkley, No Any Walls, and the duo Book of Wood.
Businesses are welcome to participate
All goods and services are to be given free of charge by the community to the community.
Tri-Community Area Health will offer free blood pressure readings. Red Rooster Coffee Roasters will provide some daily brew. All are welcome to come, give and help themselves to the bounty! Bring your favorite dish to share at the potluck table. Eat well, enjoy local music and “shop” around.
Some things to keep in mind as you participate:
1. No currency exchange.
2. Everything is freely given, without expectation of anything in return.
3. Please no resale of items taken.
4. Every donor is responsible for his/her donated items. Items not taken must be picked up by donor at market end 5 p.m.