The next Pikes Peak Swap is Saturday, December 15th, 2 pm, at First United Methodist Church, downtown Colorado Springs at 420 N. Nevada Ave. Here’s a link to the FREE signup:
Basic information:
We are a Colorado Springs, Colorado-based free community “swap” inspired by similar groups around the country. We are passionate about building community around the Pikes Peak region, meeting like-minded people, and learning from one another through swapping homemade food and goods in a social setting. Last year, we affiliated with Mile High Swappers to get the word out about our swaps and make signups easier. (Did you know that there are swaps in Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins, too?)
Here’s how it works: Bring 6 or more of your home made products and swap with others. Many swappers bring several types of items for the most variety! We are primarily a food swap, but we have traded for body care products (hand made), herbs, magazines (produced by the swapper!) and some crafts. All items must be made by the swapper, and we encourage the use of local, organic ingredients as much as possible.
Example of items to bring for bartering:
•Fresh produce, fruit, sprouts, and herbs from your garden.
•Backyard/Farm fresh eggs, cheese, baked goods, savory snacks
•Preserved, pickled, fermented items, vegetarian soups, stocks
•Homemade condiments, dips, spreads, and toppings
•Handmade soaps, lip balms, lotions, and other beauty products
•Crochet/knitted items, handmade jewelry, handmade cards, etc
•Useful garden tools, household and camping/backpacking items
•Homemade flavored salts, spice blends, seasonings
•Seeds, seedlings, compost, soil
•Homemade soda pop, fruit juices, drink mixes
So, get your creativity going, make something fun, and come to the swap! Bring your generous spirit, learn from and share with others, trade recipes, get to know others who love making their own food and products.
Etiquette –
Out goal is to build community and friendships. We don’t actually have “rules,” but here are a few things to keep in mind:
• No money. Remember this is a free community event!
• Please do not bring any homemade alcoholic beverages to swap! According to the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Liquor Enforcement, it is legal to make beer, wine, and liquor at home in Colorado but not legal to sell alcoholic beverages without a license. Bartering is defined as selling here, so swappers can be ticketed for swapping liquor.
• If you don’t want to “swap,” gifting is also encouraged.
• We use “swap tags.” Basically you write down your name and item on the tag and there is a space for people to write down their bids below. We ask you to print your own tags since this is a free event, we want to save on ink and paper. Link to download the sheet (there are four tags per sheet, you’ll need to cut them yourself) Swap Sheets. Please use 1 tag per item that you bring!
• If you bring a food item with multiple ingredients, please label the item with all ingredients.
• It would be nice to know who brought what, so also try to label your items with your name and/or Twitter handle.
• Try to bring a cooler (ice chest). There are usually a few things that are brought that need to be kept cold.
• Canned items should have the date the items were canned. It’s really important that you are experienced with canning, we recommend that you refrain from bringing canned meat items. If you are not experienced with canning, please read important information here! If you bring something that is not canned using a water bath or pressure cooker, please make a note of that on the items!
• Be careful swapping for future items or work! You may have an easier time swapping if you have something tangible to offer.
• If possible, bring samples for people to try.
• Fresh and homemade items will be easier to swap. Please avoid bringing store-bought items, unless you need something for samples (ie. crackers for homemade hummus).
• Package your items in a useable size!
• Since this is a free social gathering, there are no government safety regulations for items being swapped. Everyone attending is responsible for themselves, Pikes Peak Community Cupboard is not responsible for any issues caused by swapped items. Please swap responsibly!
• HAVE FUN!
Sign up for information emails and first notice of swap signups at milehighswappers.com.
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