O Positive Festival returns to Kingston this weekend
A century or two ago, country doctors were likely to take a good portion of their pay in things like chickens and vegetables.
Today, the idea of bartering for healthcare is alive and well in our own backyard -- and attracting a lot of attention, thanks to the artists, musicians, healthcare providers and other folks behind Kingston's O+ festival, now in its second year. The festival starts Friday, October 7, and continues through Sunday, October 9.
The concept of O+ is simple: Get a bunch of local healthcare providers to agree to barter their services for art and music, find artists who want to participate, and throw a massive citywide party. Last year, the idea proved to be a smashing success, and the festival attracted plenty of attention from local and national press.
This year's festival is "better, not bigger," said co-organizer Alexandra Marvar, who said the festival organizers had more applicants than one weekend could cram in, both performers and local healthcare providers.
"There are more doctors than we can even put to use in our weekend clinic," she said.
