More than hens and roosters

It was April 7. Not all of the patches of snowdrifts and snowbanks had disappeared yet. The garden was too wet to step foot in, especially after the previous night's thunderstorm, but peeking through the fence I saw it. One spring green shoot, barely an inch out of the ground - my Canadian rhubarb. It appears to have survived its first brutal winter, unending cold and snow, willing now to peek at the sun. My major purchase at Carlton's Chicken Swap last April was worth the price.

My husband and I moved just south of Carlton in March of 2017. Soon after our arrival we saw the huge sandwich board sign by the railroad tracks in Carlton advertising the "Original Home of the Carlton Chicken Swap" the last Saturday in April. We both grew up in farming communities and lived in northern Wisconsin for more than 40 years and had never heard of a chicken swap. Scheduling conflicts kept us from attending the event that first year, both in the spring and the fall.

However, last year the same sign appeared again, and we knew we had to check it out. My husband asked a neighbor about the swap, and he said that some people bring their spring chickens and other folks bring their old chickens in hopes of ridding themselves of their less than ideal critters. We still had to see for ourselves and build on our effort to be good citizens and support our local community. I also had some hope that there might be irresistible free kittens looking for a new home.

The morning dawned cool but sunny. Arriving at the Four Seasons Sports Complex parking lot mid-morning, we were greeted with a veritable hive of activity. Awash in an atmosphere part flea market, part craft sale, and part 4-H event, we wandered past vendors with lambs, goats, piglets, bunnies, ducks and, of course, chickens of all ages and various breeds.

But there was more. Food sales included honey, maple syrup and home-baked goodies along with ready-to-eat treats. As we approached the final row of vendors, my attention was drawn to an area with several leafy green rhubarb plants. It was surprising to see how large the leaves were already, since the rhubarb I had planted at our new home was not even up yet. The seller approached and said, "This is red Canadian rhubarb. It's good," but did not offer any details about it. Fearful that my other rhubarb had failed, I assessed the crimson red stems and healthy green leaves and bought it. Given its own corner of the garden, it grew vigorously all summer. Nevertheless, in the back of my mind was the question, "Will it come up in the spring?" That question is answered.

The sandwich board signs announcing the Chicken Swap are up in Carlton again. This unique community event was previously sponsored by the Carlton Feed Mill, which closed several years ago. Not wanting to lose the opportunity to especially support local farmers and others who dabble in agriculture, two women (who want to remain anonymous) have stepped in to organize the event each spring and fall. One of them puts out the signs and the other directs the vendors where to set up on the morning of the swap. If you wish to participate, they ask that you bring animal- and plant-based items to sell. It is not meant to be a rummage sale or a flea market per se, but an agriculturally focused event. Items sold may vary from year to year, so if possible, try not to miss a single swap. You may find lambs as three young lasses did last year, or wonderful Canadian red rhubarb.

Writer Francy Chammings is a retired English teacher and clinical psychologist who loves living in Carlton County.