History of the hippie movement and the Holding Company, Merl Saunders and Babatunde Olatunji to speakers such as Timothy Leary, Terence McKenna, Paul Krassner, Stephen Gaskin, Robert Anton Wilson, Harvey Wasserman and Ralph Metzner. The Burning Man festival began in 1986 at a San Francisco beach party. Now an annual gathering, the event is held in the Black Rock Desert northeast of Reno, Nevada. Though few participants would accept the "hippie" label, Burning Man is a contemporary expression of alternative community in the same spirit as early hippie events. The gathering becomes a temporary city (36,500 occupants in 2005), with elaborate encampments, displays and many
New York State Sheep and Wool Festival York. In addition to the myriad vendors and demonstrations of fiber arts activities, the festival features several livestock competitions, sheepdog trials and a sheep to shawl contest. In 2007 for the 35th festival about 12,000 people attended. 375 vendors applied for the 275 spaces. New York State Sheep and Wool Festival The New York State Sheep and Wool Festival is one of the largest annual gatherings of fiber-arts enthusiasts in the United States. It is held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York. The festival was first held in 1972. It is attended by knitters, crocheters, handspinners, and