Town Park virgin? Get your answers here!

[Auntie Hope]

I apologize ahead of time for the WALL of text and if most of this stuff has already been covered. As someone who doesn't spend a ton of time online, I haven't been able to go back through all 70 pages.

1) I see that the general recommendation is that people try to make it to Town Park/Warner as close to the Saturday before the festival as is possible. If I arrive early, how do I go about finding a spot, setting up, paying for camping days past what's included in my four-day pass? Also, how much will I miss in terms of general festivities/spaces to camp if I can't arrive til Monday or Tuesday? Just not sure how the transition between regular camping and Planet Bluegrass camping works, despite diving through the forums. I want to get in early to find a great spot and enjoy the atmosphere but obviously don't want to step on any toes or break any rules in doing so!

2) Does the tarp run happen every night or this the type of festival where they get put down the first day and then left for the duration of the festival? I've been to festivals where you pretty much did a tarp run every single day (e.g. Sasquatch) and others where you were safe to leave your tarp/blanket for the duration of the festival (e.g. Pickathon). Again, just want to make sure I'm following proper etiquette.

3) If I'm one of those people who really likes being right up front, smack dab against the stage, what's the best way to go about this at the festival? If I want to be right up front for an act later in the day, will I need to get up there first thing and wait? Obviously, I don't and won't want to stand or be that close for the entire festival or every minute of every day but there are a couple acts that I've seen before, am always up front for, etc. and I don't want to miss out on that experience at Telluride.

4) Am I correct in understanding that if I don't have a vehicle pass, my best option is to drop my tarp/supplies and then park in Mountain Village and ride the gondola back?

5) Any can't miss activities/things to do during the time between arriving and the start of the festival? I'm a musician but unfortunately wouldn't feel safe bringing my upright bass as it's a rental and I only started in November, so I'm not sure how much I'll be able to participate in jams outside of singing or watching, but want to make sure I know what other things are not to be missed. I'm in my early twenties and will be attending with my father, who is definitely not as active or social as I am, but he's still down for most activities and late night shows, if that helps at all.

6) Any preferred method for me to thank all of you amazing people for taking the time to answer my questions and for keeping such an amazing vibe going at this festival. Seriously, y'all seem amazing and are making this "virgin" feel totally prepared for her first TBF, I wanna do something!

Saw only one issue not addressed here.
Town Park Camping must be cleared by NOON on Monday after fest. No exceptions.
If you plan to camp in Telluride after fest, everything must be packed out/up, then reset camp after registering and paying for camping withthe Town Park office (right by the pool).

[AshevilleCat]

FESTIVAL!!!

Cheers, BG Friends!

I have been itching to return to TBGF for 30 years.  I have so many excellent photos and memories of my first and only trip back in 1985.  Town Park wasn't that difficult to navigate back then.  My favorite uncle took me along with him that year as a HS graduation gift. (I ponder the thought of him simply needing a sidekick, but we sure partied like brothers.)  We flew into Montrose, rented a Subaru, and headed to Telluride. We parked and tent camped in TP without issue back then.  I got his money's worth out of the rental car on the road up to Tomboy Mine.  I wonder if that road is still open...  To this day, I get emotional every time I hear the song Telluride by NGDB.

TP picking memories were around campfires back then.  The Salmon Heads were very lively on stage, and mixed in with untold others in camp. Each time we have seen LOS in the past 20 years, my wife thinks I am full of prunes when I tell her I have photos of Drew and Vince picking around the campfire.  I plan to bring along the photos on our trip this year to have others verify the validity of said photos.

Late night shows were not so difficult back then either.  We saw excellent free shows. My primary memory of late nights were at Fly Me To The Moon Saloon.  I fell in love with Red Knuckles & TB at TBGF '85, and have seen them several times when they have performed in the South East.  Most recently was a couple years ago at BG Underground.  We were fortunate to get NG tix to see them this year.

I could reminisce for pages, but I need to get to the point. We drew TP camping this year after three years of entering.  Since this is the first time my wife has been out west, we are planning to visit Durango, Silverton, and a couple other towns while out there.  We will be arriving to stay in an Inn in Telluride on Friday night before festival. (Did somebody say FESTIVAL????)     Saturday morning, we will be there at 8:00 AM to locate a spot for our tent.  I hate to admit it, but once we get set up and figure out the neighborhood, we are doing a bit of traveling.  My sole question for this post:  If we return to Telluride On Weds. morning, with TP camping passes/wristbands, will we be allowed to drive past the barricades?  Since we are flying out there, we will likely pick up some additional camping gear while touring the region.  It would be nice to be able to drive back in to town in order to transfer our second load-in of gear.

Thanks much, and hope to meet many new friends this year.



   
   

 Listening to: Plant Your Fields - Newgrass Revival

[Hot Sugar]

You will be able to drive in and drop off your gear, then you will be directed to Mountain Village to park and take the free gondola back to town. You're going to miss out on a lot of the fun by leaving and not returning to Telluride on Wednesday, though. By all means, go do some sight seeing, but I suggest spending as much of prefest as you can in Telluride.

[KJColo]

  It's me and my hubs first time camping at TBF, and we didn't know to take enough time off to enjoy the week before! 

If we get in on Thursday morning and chat with some nice folks, will we be able to fit our tent and a couple of camp chairs?

Also what do you all recommend for BYO food and bevvies? Or are the wonderful vendors the best way to go?

Looking forward to TBF 2017!

[Skubes]

It's me and my hubs first time camping at TBF, and we didn't know to take enough time off to enjoy the week before! 

If we get in on Thursday morning and chat with some nice folks, will we be able to fit our tent and a couple of camp chairs?

Also what do you all recommend for BYO food and bevvies? Or are the wonderful vendors the best way to go?

Looking forward to TBF 2017!

It'll be cozy, but you'll have no trouble.  Just ask around and people will help you find a spot!

It's good to have your beverages of choice on hand for your time at camp and wandering around Town Park (the campground, not the venue).  Bring a solid refillable water bottle (free filtered water inside fest), and a reusable cup for camp.  Also recommend a a basic supply of food - stuff for sandwiches, chips, salsa, other easy snack foods, and do the rest in fest and/or in town.  That all depends on your needs and preferences, though.  There are a few must-hit vendors inside (dumplings!), but I like having a few of my staples when eating out gets old/hard on my stomach.

[buddy711]

I apologize in advance, because I'm sure this question has been answered a million times previously.  Will I be able to find a tent spot in TP if arriving on Tues or Wednesday at noon at latest? Sorry just short on time to find answer. Many thanks!!

 Listening to: PUNCH

[Pirate Looks at --]

Yep. Just be nice and ask if you can fit in with some other folks and you should be OK!

[Pass Port]

It will appear that there is not any room, tents or tarps will cover every square foot of available real estate. Do what the Pirate says, walk and talk to folks. You'll not only find a spot but probably also find some life long friends 

[SparkyGrass]

Hola Festivarians!! I have been watching the blog for answers to my Newbie questions. I scored TP camping tickets and will attending TBF for first time. We arrive Tuesday morning (2 of us). I'd like to walk/talk to campers before setting up. Will I have to park at Mountain village while I am doing this or can I park closer to drop off my gear before scouting about?
Thanks for all your input!!

 Listening to: Bryon Sutton

[TheLorax27]

Hola Festivarians!! I have been watching the blog for answers to my Newbie questions. I scored TP camping tickets and will attending TBF for first time. We arrive Tuesday morning (2 of us). I'd like to walk/talk to campers before setting up. Will I have to park at Mountain village while I am doing this or can I park closer to drop off my gear before scouting about?
Thanks for all your input!!

They give you about an hour to drop your gear off and get situated.  If you feel you need more time then that you could drop all your gear somewhere then take the car to mountain village prior to finding your spot.  Congrats on your first town park and TBF experience you will not be disappointed.

Happy Festivating!



 Listening to: Dusters

[SparkyGrass]

Thanks for that info. 

[Miltown]

First time at Town Park, and I'm very stoked. But just a quick question: how comfortable should I feel leaving instruments at my campsite? If I'm in the campground, I plan to be using them, but during the festival, I'm not going to have any option (that I can think of) other than leaving my guitar and mandolin in my tent. What do other people do with their valuables when away from their campsite? Should I not worry about it, and just trust in the good will of my fellow campers?

[Pass Port]

First time at Town Park, and I'm very stoked. But just a quick question: how comfortable should I feel leaving instruments at my campsite? If I'm in the campground, I plan to be using them, but during the festival, I'm not going to have any option (that I can think of) other than leaving my guitar and mandolin in my tent. What do other people do with their valuables when away from their campsite? Should I not worry about it, and just trust in the good will of my fellow campers?

You are correct!     There are hundreds of instruments in Town Park and I haven't heard of one going missing. Best bet is to put them out of sight. No wristband is required until Thursday morning to get into TP. Everyone is pretty good looking out after their neighbor's stuff ... so to speak.  I doubt you'd have any problem even leaving your instruments out in camp.

[ToddG]

First time at Town Park, and I'm very stoked. But just a quick question: how comfortable should I feel leaving instruments at my campsite? If I'm in the campground, I plan to be using them, but during the festival, I'm not going to have any option (that I can think of) other than leaving my guitar and mandolin in my tent. What do other people do with their valuables when away from their campsite? Should I not worry about it, and just trust in the good will of my fellow campers?

You are correct!     There are hundreds of instruments in Town Park and I haven't heard of one going missing. Best bet is to put them out of sight. No wristband is required until Thursday morning to get into TP. Everyone is pretty good looking out after their neighbor's stuff ... so to speak.  I doubt you'd have any problem even leaving your instruments out in camp.

Awesome! I've been wondering the same thing. Wasn't looking forward to keeping instruments in a hot car all day! Only 14.5 days till we leave!!!

 Listening to: Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks

[Hot Sugar]

First time at Town Park, and I'm very stoked. But just a quick question: how comfortable should I feel leaving instruments at my campsite? If I'm in the campground, I plan to be using them, but during the festival, I'm not going to have any option (that I can think of) other than leaving my guitar and mandolin in my tent. What do other people do with their valuables when away from their campsite? Should I not worry about it, and just trust in the good will of my fellow campers?

You are correct!     There are hundreds of instruments in Town Park and I haven't heard of one going missing. Best bet is to put them out of sight. No wristband is required until Thursday morning to get into TP. Everyone is pretty good looking out after their neighbor's stuff ... so to speak.  I doubt you'd have any problem even leaving your instruments out in camp.

To add to this, there is also a free instrument check available at the festival gates. I do still agree with Paul that you have no reason to worry, but if worry you must, you have other options.