Free Again, Inc. began in 1988 by Beverly Shofstall, while working as a veterinary technician at Central Hospital for Animals in Herrin. The facility has since grown and now takes in over 400 hundred animals annually.

The purposes of Free Again are:

• to rehabilitate orphaned and injured wildlife for return to their natural environment
• to study the behavior and diseases of wildlife
• to educate the public on the importance of all wildlife in our environment.

Some animals, primarily non-releasable birds of prey, are kept for educational programs in order for Free Again to continue educating children and adults around the region.

• There are 20 organizations in the fair this year, along with fair trade coffee/chocolate sales.
• Silent Auction will be set up again this year, in the commons area.
• We will be blessed with a great deal of music again this year, most of it instrumental. The music will be playing in the commons area, not the Fellowship hall, which is where organizations will be set up. Music will not be amplified.
• Those attending the fair are asked to bring a canned good donation for local pantries. This is entirely optional, but if you'd like to bring canned goods too, they are welcome. This canned good collection has been named "Margie's Basket", in memory of longtime Alternative Gift Fair organizer (among so many volunteer activities) Margie Parker

November 16, 2011