First published in  Lonely Goat Print Magazine Volume II - #4

Mama K's Festival Tips
by Karen Pepe-Delage (April, 1999)

Festival time is just around the corner. Time for all brothers and sisters to shake those winter blues and get together for some great music and comradeship. I'd like to share some tips I've learned on my many excursions to make your camping experience more pleasant and hassle-free...

First, and probably most talked about, is the dismal chore of having to use the "facilities" or the dreaded Port-O-Potty. If you are a die-hard festival goer, I suggest you invest in a camping toilet (about $50). You can buy these wherever camping supplies are sold. You say your budget or space does not allow for this luxury? Then here are a few suggestions to make the venture less offensive:

· Bring along some Baby-Wipes (refill packs work best). Portos are notorious for running out of paper and these leave you feeling a bit cleaner.

· A waterless hand sanitizer is a good idea since you may accidentally touch the inside of the Porto anywhere. YuCk!

· Don't forget your flashlight! It's mighty dark in there after the sun goes down and you don't want to grope your way out. (Ed: The camping light sticks work really well for night vision. Buy one for each night and tie a short string through it so you can wear it around your neck. They are also fun to spin in circles with the looped string).

· May I suggest a bucket with a little water to keep by your tent in case of emergencies?

If the shower facilities are less than kind, crowded or non-existent, try bringing a camping solar shower (about $10). These work well. A second alternative is to bring several gallon jugs of tap water from home (because sometimes water is scarce) and a large plastic mixing bowl and a sponge. This way you can wash up in your tent or car easily and quickly.

Remember to bring clothing for all kinds of weather, including a rain poncho. You may be sweating during the day and freezing come nightfall. I suggest light layers that can be added or disregarded as needed. Shoes. While a lot of people like to go barefoot or in sandals, I recommend a good pair of boots with ankle support at least for evening when you may not be able to see where you are walking.

Call the venue ahead of time to find out when the gates open and schedule your arrival accordingly. A lot of festivals fill up fast and you want to try and get a shady spot next to your vehicle if possible.

Try to go with a group if your can, but don't be discouraged if this doesn't work out. Make friends with those around you so you can look out for each other.

Have fun and be safe. Secure your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight if you are away from camp for a period of time. Crime is rare at festivals but thieves can be anywhere.

Always remember to take care of your body by keeping plenty of convenient nutritional snacks and lots of fluids, especially water, on hand. Some venues are excellent about having lost of food vendors available with a variety of tasty, hot food. Others, however, may make you feel like you are waiting in a bread line with disappointing results. Here again, call ahead to plan what food to bring.

I hope all of you are as excited about the upcoming festival season as I am. Have a high time, living the good life!

Peace and Love,

Mama K