First annual peace walk raises more than $2,500
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
ARLEE — The 7th Annual Festival of Peace at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas drew hundreds of attendees from near and far.
Kate Bowers of Seattle made the eight-hour drive the day before to attend the festival for the first time. The next day she will make the eight-hour drive back.
“I’ve been here before to see the Buddhas in the barn, but never for the festival,” Bowers said. “I’ve been wanting to attend for awhile because of what it represents, peace.”
Media and Communications Coordinator Deborah Hicks said an estimated 700 people attended the festival this year. Hicks said about 100 walkers participated in the peace walk and raised over $2,500.
“I am absolutely thrilled with the people who came because there were so many events going on this weekend,” Hicks said. “The same people come back each year and they bring new friends. It’s just wonderful.”
This year the Festival of Peace focused on spirituality, health and the environment.
A Walk-A-Mile for Peace walk was also organized to facilitate meditation, spiritual peace and raise money for the garden.
As walkers finished the last stretch, several sat on a grassy hillside after the walk to rest, reflect and meditate.
With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 on Sunday, organizers hoped this event would also allow time to reflect on that event.
“This is the best way to spread the idea of peace, love and generosity,” Bowers said. “You see all these news reports of fear and terror. This is the best way to remember.”
Jim Parker of Missoula also made the drive up to participate in the walk and attend the festival.
“There is a lot of hardship and pain in the world on a daily basis,” Parker said and added that he has attended the Festival of Peace for a number of years. “I am a firm believer that the idea is nothing without action. This speaks to the strength of gatherings.”
In addition to the walk there were speakers, musicians, booths and vendors at the festival.
There was a discussion of conservation and water issues in the region with Georgia Milan, values of Indigenous People with Julie Cajune, and an introduction to Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes with Terry Tanner. Segments from the “Moon Over Mission Dam” play, which featured several tribal member actors, were included along with a Round Dance performed by Nkwusm students. Founder of the garden Tulku Sangngag Rinpoche was also in attendance.
“Peace is an active process,” Philippa Crawford of Arlee said. Crawford attended the festival for the first time last year and supported its message so much she decided to volunteer this year.
“The festival creates community by bringing community together,” Crawford said. “It doesn’t have a big agenda, it’s about striving for peace, and I support that.
Hicks said 50 volunteers and 30 vendors were at the festival this year.
“With such a large group of people everything just ran like clockwork,” Hicks said. “We are grateful for the community’s support of this type of event.”
