Traverse City‘s Water Festival

Dec. 7, 2008

Michigan’s economic future may hang in the balance of what is fast replacing oil as the world’s most important commodity. “Freshwater” is the “gold rush” of the 21st century. Michigan is finding itself at the heart of the discussion with 20 percent of the world’s fresh water supply within the Great Lakes basin.
But the question on the minds of many who have become self-appointed “stewards” of the Great Lakes is how we balance the economic and environmental aspects of the freshwater for future generations?
That question and several others will be addressed this weekend at the first ever Traverse City Water Festival. The three-day event will blend music, art, presentations and discussions that organizers hope will lead to moving “water” initiatives to the top of the agendas of politicians, businesses, media and citizens.
“This is a celebratory call to action,” said Seth Bernard of Earthwork Music, “We have a responsibility living here in the Great Lakes basin, and we can explore that responsibility together in a way that builds community. The Water Festival brings people together through music, food, art and fun. It’s a community project to observe, preserve and honor water, the essential element that sustains life on earth.”
The event is being billed as family-friendly, and organizers have attracted experts from all over the country to lead discussions.
“Equally important is the fact that some of those leading authorities live right here,” said Bernard. “People like Jim Olson and Chris Bdzok are respected all over the country. Carl Ganter lives here, but is an international figure in the water community.’
Ganter’s Circle of Blue organization is an international network of journalists, scientists and communication professionals that report on the global freshwater crisis.

A CALLING
The idea for starting a Water Festival came to Bernard a few years ago. As he looked around at the assets of his home state he felt a calling to become better informed on fresh water and wanted to create a forum where issues could be discussed in a welcoming environment. He launched the first water festival in Mackinaw City in 2006, a one-day celebration of music and discussion. He also helped facilitate one in Grand Rapids. Now, he and the many others he has worked with are being approached to take this concept to other communities.
“We have been approached by Washington D.C. to have one there,” said Bernard. “Freshwater is a global issue. Right now close to two billion people do not have access to freshwater. That is supposed to double within 20 years. But think about this and to put it simply, water is life, without water there is no life. So at the end of the day, water is more important than oil or gold. So having these water festivals throughout the country is definitely a goal.”
Now, a water festival in Traverse City might be better suited in the summer months, but Bernard thinks otherwise.
“It is important that we think about water regardless of the season. Sure, we all enjoy the Great Lakes, rivers and inland lakes on hot summer days, but the fact of the matter freshwater is a daily need, it is a resource that needs to be addressed even in the middle of a snowstorm,” said Bernard.

THE EVENT
The Traverse City Water Festival will feature Michigan musicians, speeches from water luminaries, interactive multimedia projects and presentations, artisan foods and beverages, workshops, visual art, theater and dance, children’s activities, and connections to campaigns and projects to protect water locally and address global challenges. The event is co-sponsored by Seeds, Higher Grounds Trading Company and the Earthwork Music Collective.
“We have a suggested donation at the door, but no one will be turned away because of a lack of funds,” said Bernard. “We are also creating a gifting opportunity that will allow you to make a donation to any of the non-profits that are part of the weekend.”
Bernard said there will be a lot of “surprises” throughout the weekend.
“For instance, we will have a water cupping. This is a really cool concept and it is going to give people an opportunity to sample water from all over Northern Michigan. We will have water several different counties, some from private homes and from public sources. It will be blind tasting and the water sources will be revealed after you tasted and decided the ones you like best.”
At the end of the weekend the Water Festival organizers hope that the dialogue on freshwater will continue.
“Mankind is at an interesting point in history. What we have learned is that past decisions have led us to both an economic and environmental crossroads at the same time,” said Bernard. “We must ask the questions that will not lead us down this same path again in the future. We must create a balance between economic and environmental needs. We must ask such questions if we are going to continue to allow freshwater to be controlled and sold by private entities. Will as a society only those that are affluent have access to water in the future? If so, what will be next? Will we start to sell air and control who has access to that?”

The Traverse City Water Festival will take place December 12-14, with activities on Friday and Saturday at the Traverse City Opera House. On Sunday the weekend will conclude with workshops, a dinner and musical entertainment at Higher Grounds Trading Company. Info: tcwaterfest.wordpress.com or call Higher Grounds at 877-825-2262.