Meat Smoke Letter to the Editors

Dear Reed Friends,

I’d like to share my perspective about some of the recent discourse concerning this year’s Renn Fayre. By way of background, I’m a Reed alum who's attended nearly every Renn Fayre since most current students have been alive and I've volunteered thousands of hours over the years to make each year's Renn Fayre exceptional by co-leading an alumni group called Meat Smoke. We return to Renn Fayre every year to lovingly prepare hundreds of pounds of food for the student Feast and to support alumni and students on campus during the event. We do this hard work because Renn Fayre holds a very special place in our hearts and has touched all of our lives for the better.

My humble suggestion is to not worry too much about questions of traditions or institutional memory. All Renn Fayre needs to be great is for you to show up with genuine excitement and enthusiasm on display. At its best, Renn Fayre is a spirit, an attitude, and a determination to exult and find joy in a difficult job well done. It is a celebration of youth, connection, and the free and creative essence of incredibly vibrant, intelligent, and talented people. Renn Fayre never hinges on any one activity or ritual, but is instead animated by the collective passion to revel in what you have in common: hard work, intellectual community, and the boundless energy within each of you.

There’s a very simple way to make this year the greatest Renn Fayre ever. Have the courage to turn your back on detachment and cynicism and instead find ways to externalize the incredible creative spark and deep love of fellow community members you have within you. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive— pull together an eye-catching costume, make heart-felt gifts or personally meaningful art to share, volunteer, engage others in lighthearted activities, organize games, sing songs, play on the grass, be silly, or even just look other Reedies in the eye and tell them how effin’ amazing you think they really are. That’s the true spirit of Renn Fayre. Create the beauty you wish to see in your universe. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

I hope all of you have the best Renn Fayre ever, and I hope you all come by Meat Smoke’s camp near the Dorothy Johansen house in the East Library lot for a visit. I’m always up for a fist bump or a celebratory hug. Congratulations to all and have a wonderful, safe time.

Best,

J. “Moose” Price (’03)

Reed Meat Smoke co-captain (2004-2024)