We just started our planning for next summer's World Fair Trade Day. As part of this planning, we did a quick recap on last summer's events. Here's a story I wanted to share with you from the last WFTD in May from the folks at Indigo Coffee and Tea (now known as Tuvalu Coffee and Tea) in Verona, Wisconsin.

They threw a festival celebrating World Fair Trade Day. This fair was held in Hometown Junction Park and featured live global music and dance, chalk art, Fair Trade soccer games, a children’s market bazaar, and Fair Trade gift raffles.

The festivities began with Roda-Capoeira Angola Madison. This African-Brazilian dance game is an art form that combines the fluid, world famous Brazilian martial art of Capoeira with dance, music, and ritual to create a graceful game of skill and wit. Adults and children alike could participate and learn something about their potential and the potential of others in this strenuous yet fun game.

Things slowed down a bit in the afternoon for the Fair Trade Coffee Break and Discussion. This was actually an event timed to coincide with ten of thousands of other people across the country and the world. All those involved took a break at two o’clock PM to enjoy a cup of Fair Trade coffee and set the record for the World’s Largest Fair Trade Coffee Break. Free coffee and teas were provided as long as participants brought their own mug—a small request given what you were going to be a part of.

The fair wound down with a performance from Son Mudanza, a performer of radical music and dance from Mexico. Mudanza’a performance provided a great way for folks to end the day in a nice upbeat manner and provided some great background music for those still working or busy breaking things down for the evening.

Fun was had by one and all at the fair, but the themes of fair trade, respect, and equal exchange were prevalent throughout and you couldn’t go anywhere without feeling their resonance. It’s important that we educate folks about these issues in ways that work: by allowing them to learn about them with a healthy dose of fun and entertainment.

So ask yourself: what practices did I learn from this past summer’s World Fair Trade Day? With October being Fair Trade Month, were you able to apply any of these practices? How can I use these ideas with these with my organization or group of friends to make next year's events even better?

Of course, practicing Fair Trade all-year-round is our ultimate goal, but WFTD each summer and Fair Trade Month each October are our chances to show the world that we are serious about this issue and that Fair Trade isn’t just an idea, but a practice that can be made a reality.