Live your own way
\n\nFrom off-grid to underground\, tiny homes to truck conversions\, homebuilding to homesteading - SwVAL has you covered.
\nWith a focus on information\, building connections\, and creating community- join us to celebrate all the ways we can live differently.
Ferrum\, VA &ndash\; The Southwest Virginia Alternative Living Expo (SWVAL) is proud to announce the details for its highly anticipated event\, bringing together experts\, innovators\, and alternative living enthusiasts for a day of learning\, connection\, and inspiration. The event will be held on Saturday\, May 31\, 2025\, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Ferrum Park\, located at 10884 Franklin St.\, Ferrum\, VA 24088.
\nThis year&rsquo\;s expo promises a diverse range of keynote speakers\, hands-on demonstrations\, and a vibrant marketplace\, all aimed at empowering attendees with the knowledge and tools to lead more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyles.
Keynote Speakers:
\n\nJoshua Dusci: DIY Aquaponics - Explore the world of aquaponics and learn how to create your own sustainable food system.
\n\nMark Hanson: REEVA DIY Solar - Discover the power of solar energy and learn how to build your own DIY solar setup.
\n\nScott McStacy: Building With Hempcrete - Learn about the benefits and techniques of building with hempcrete\, a sustainable and eco-friendly building material.
\n\nJim Bordwine: "\;The Salt Maker"\; - Explore the art of finding salt veins and distilling water into salt anywhere in Appalachia.
\n\nSahara Hetland: Heirloom Seed Saving - Discover the importance and techniques of preserving heirloom seeds.
\n\nNate Miller: Edible Native Landscaping - Learn how to create beautiful and functional landscapes using edible native plants.
\n\nStephen Kaplan: Foraging Edible Mushrooms - Explore the world of wild mushrooms and learn how to safely forage for edible species.
\n\nEmma Churchman: Author\, "\;Thriving In An Off-grid World"\; - Emma will share what she learned living off-grid for months after Hurricane Helene.
\n\nDaniel Edwards: Building with Compressed Earth - Learn about the benefits and techniques of building with compressed earth blocks\, a sustainable and eco-friendly building material.
\n\nFeatured Demonstrations:
\n\nBill Champney: DIY Chicken Processing - Learn the basics of chicken processing and how to do it yourself.
\n\nJakob Raven: Ammunition Reloading - Discover the art of reloading ammunition and learn how to do it safely and efficiently.
\n\nStacy Young: DIY Mushroom Log Farming - Learn how to grow delicious mushrooms at home.
\n\nWinona &\; Donnie Chittum: Building with Cordwood - Explore the benefits and techniques of building with cordwood\, a sustainable and eco-friendly building material.
\n\nJarrett Barksdale: Beekeeping 101 - Learn the basics of beekeeping and how to get started with your own beehive.
\n\nAdditional Attractions:
\n\nAmbulance\, Van\, and Bus Conversions: Tour unique and creative conversions and learn how to turn your vehicle into a home on wheels.
\n\nOver 40 vendors: Browse a wide range of vendors offering sustainable living products\, and unique homesteading provisions\, plus connect with services and solutions for living differently.
\n\nEvent Details:
\n\nDate: Saturday\, May 31\, 2025
\n\nTime: 8am-5pm
\n\nLocation: Ferrum Park - 10884 Franklin St. Ferrum\, Va. 24088
\n\nTickets $20.00 in advance on SWVAL.com or $25.00 on site. Kids under 18 are free.
\n\nContact Information:
\n\nFor more information\, please visit our website at www.swval.com or contact us at info@swval.com or 920-740-6360
\n LOCATION:Ferrum Park 10884 Franklin St. Ferrum\, VA 24088 UID:e.541.34007 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260624T175433Z URL:https://business.visitsmithmountainlake.com/events/details/southwest-virginia-alternative-living-expo-34007 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR