Tarp Situation

[ok01]

I probably won't be participating in the tarp run but should I still bring a tarp to set up wherever we end up getting a spot or is it just pointless to try at that point?

[dgott2000]

Definitely bring a tarp... there will be plenty of space farther away from the stage and you'll want to establish a spot to call your own.  The tarp run is only for those who are really ambitious and want to get as close to the stage as possible, but there really isn't a bad spot in the house :-)

[ok01]

Do you leave your tarp there for all four days or do you have to "re-establish" the homestead daily?

[Lisa Delia]

Re-establish each day.   

[gapple]

Being a newbie, and not being in an organized commune, is there anyway I can get an invite to lounge with some group that has a dedicated tarp runner who secures a spot near the front?

 Listening to: Everyone inviting me to share their tarp

[hipchc]

Being a newbie, and not being in an organized commune, is there anyway I can get an invite to lounge with some group that has a dedicated tarp runner who secures a spot near the front?

Basically, the general rule of thumb is this: If you see free space on a tarp, your are welcome to occupy the tarp until the owners come back. IF they ask you to leave, kindly move along.. Chances are you'll just make a bunch of friends, especially if you come bearing 'gifts' 

[gapple]

Being a newbie, and not being in an organized commune, is there anyway I can get an invite to lounge with some group that has a dedicated tarp runner who secures a spot near the front?

Basically, the general rule of thumb is this: If you see free space on a tarp, your are welcome to occupy the tarp until the owners come back. IF they ask you to leave, kindly move along.. Chances are you'll just make a bunch of friends, especially if you come bearing 'gifts' 

Quantify "gifts"

[TellurideTom]

Quantify "gifts"

A beer or two would suffice.

[ok01]

Got another ? on the tarp thing.  Is there a size restriction or anything.  I'm not rolling in with a baseball diamond rain tarp or anything but I'm curious if there's a space restriction we should try to adhere to?

[zack_adcock]

Not sure if there's a technical limit here, but I'd say it's all about respect for the space and the space you take up more than likely depends on how many folks are in your party, and also (possibly) on how close you plan to set up, since the closer spots will be more "prime real estate" I guess.

We're coming with 10 people and usually set up at least two tarps, though we sit further back.

Any way you look at it, though, a large percentage of the people at TBF are friendly and will share space nicely (whether "theirs" or "yours"). 

In short, to me it's all about using what you need and leaving the rest for others.

[ok01]

Thanks!

[hornsfan]

so, if is just my wife and i checking out TBF for the first time just roll up with a compliant festival chair and hop on the edge of an open tarp?  buying brews for accommodating folks is the least i can do.  thanks to you guys for all the info. on this board.

[Dewstar]

Being a newbie, and not being in an organized commune, is there anyway I can get an invite to lounge with some group that has a dedicated tarp runner who secures a spot near the front?

Basically, the general rule of thumb is this: If you see free space on a tarp, your are welcome to occupy the tarp until the owners come back. IF they ask you to leave, kindly move along.. Chances are you'll just make a bunch of friends, especially if you come bearing 'gifts' 

Well that is so true! Sometimes these tarp meet n greets make long lasting friendships. Sometimes short term...

[zack_adcock]

In theory, yes -- though I would probably ask before I just sat down on someone else's tarp  :-)

Seriously, though: All I'd recommend is that you remember that a lot of people who attend the festival are not members of this board and/or don't wish to share the space they've staked for themselves; though the "tarp sharing" mentality would be a nice universal to have, I think it's important to respect everyone's wishes as such.

In other words, there could be any number of reasons that the space you see empty is not "extra" (e.g., I intend to ensure there is always space for my pregnant wife to lay down on our tarp if she'd like to; I know reserving that space as such is not totally in the Festivarian spirit, and I'm happy to let anyone sit there so long as they understand I might ask them to move at any minute, but I think it's important to respect a balance of personal/communal space there!)

Perhaps this is an unfavorable attitude to take into the festival, but I think it's relatively realistic!


Modification: If the tarp is completely empty of folks, its definitely in the Festivarian spirit to keep their seats warm, etc. -- my above post was more about sharing space when people are already sitting there!

[Dewstar]

Being a newbie, and not being in an organized commune, is there anyway I can get an invite to lounge with some group that has a dedicated tarp runner who secures a spot near the front?

As for tarp running, yes, alliances are almost aways formed. I saw a kid on Craigslist who would be your tarp beeatch for $200 for the whole weekend. Now if we were a large party, say more than 16 of us (like years past) that would be sooooo worth it. But not to worry, you will get the hang of things early on. You could also volunteer to run for a groupo tarpet too. We really like people to volunteer  to sit and run. Of course we bring them coffee, hot chocolate and breakfast burritos, bloody mary's. Its kind of like their 'last meal' whatever they want, we bring it to our tarp-icon. One things for certain, you must be awake and present when the lotto official brings you a chit. The release of adrenaline happens simultaneously and all lines are allowed to enter slowly but surely, and then you have the annoying walk/run under their thumb, then finally all hell breaks loose and its neck and neck to the finish line.

You may want to learn the roll/fold one handed wrist snap hand off by practicing at home till you get the feel for it. Not much different from learning fly casting. But if you are known for this skill, peeple will ax you to run for their lives in the tarpeteria. And you will be treated like a sultan!