One way to break a drought is to have a family camp out. And with a
happy farmer and his happy vegetables, we had happy campers despite
the Saturday afternoon downpour. The Long Hungry creek rose a bit,
enough for two kayaks to shot down the Grissom Holler and into
it. Everyone was wet and smiling.
Many folks donated time and energy in early June to make the 31st
summer solstice celebration an amazing event. A permanent stage roof
was erected, with plans for a floor next year. How we got it wedged in
between the sycamore trees, with inches to spare, is beyond me.
By finally convincing me last year to charge admission, we have
created great changes. Hiring security, a gate crew and high quality
sound folks has vastly improved our party. The money brought in was
close enough to the expenses to call it even, a great relief to the
organizers.
Although a ticket was $30.00, we maintain it is not a commercial
event. We accept no corporate sponsors and keep the vending low
key. Consequently, our musicians perform for a fraction of what they
might normally get, and many play for free.
The music and the drumming were phenomenal. Whether enjoying the
Nashville Bluegrass Band picking acoustically on steps of a hundred
year old building, rocking out with Jamie Hartford and Dave Pomeroy,
or listening to any of the other twenty performances, you were bound
to hear something you will always remember. Songs filled the air, and
both nights turned into morning with music around the bonfires and
impromptu jamming with the many diverse and talented players.
Free pizzas and other foods kept coming out of the community kitchen,
and the farm donated beef and lettuce for free hamburgers. Kids played
in the water all weekend, from the pond to the creek and back again,
and then in the puddles after the rain. Event organizers dread a
rainstorm, but this event is different. We're here to share time with
friends and family, and although a few bands were disappointed when
the electric stage shut down at 3:00, they got to play acoustically
and no one seemed to mind. No electric meant more acoustic, which
suites us just fine.
I can't thank everyone enough for helping to turn this get together
into what it is. Jim and Deborah and Ian and Gabrielle put in hundreds
of hours with no compensation. The cooks also donated their energy,
and the gate, security and sound folks all worked overtime. The
musicians, from pros to those just learning, were so appreciated by
everyone.
So, to all of them and all my friends, thank you and come back next
1st day of summer, God willing and even if the creeks do rise.
Jeff Poppen
