Clarification on the line procedure

[FtFunFan]

I'm obviously a newb and am trying to understand exactly how the line works each morning.  Apologies if this is already covered in another thread, but I couldn't quickly find it.  On the PB site, it says:

This is a general admission festival.  Your tarps do not change that. Festivarians who see empty tarp space are encouraged to have a seat until the owner returns.
Numbers will be handed out each morning prior to the gates opening.
Even after receiving your number, you must stay in line - reasonable bathroom/coffee breaks aside.
You must be physically present in line - no empty chairs!
You may not camp in line - this means no tents, no cooking, and no sleeping.
One number, one person, one tarp.
Festivarians with numbers will be admitted into the Festival in order, one at a time, after going through the standard Customs procedure.


My questions:

1) At what time will the numbers be handed out?
2) Is it a lottery, such that the first person in line could get number 47, 305, or 1 (for example)?
3) Does everyone in line at that hour get a number, or only the first [insert number] people in line?
4) After getting your number, does the line re-organize itself in the order of the numbers that were given out?
5) After entering, is it okay to put down a tarp and a low-backed chair on the tarp, or are the chairs not permitted in certain sections?

Thanks!

[SageT]

Not 100% sure about your other questions, but it is NOT a lottery. You get a number based on what position you are in line (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc...).

[FtFunFan]

OK, thanks.  That leads to one more question:

6) at what time does the first person in line usually get there?  The previous evening during the shows?

[FaceOnMars]

I'm obviously a newb and am trying to understand exactly how the line works each morning. 

Well, you might consider yourself a "newb"; however, you were quick to pick up on how a lottery might be applied to remove the more competitive elements from the equation.



I think a lot of people, myself included, would vote for a lottery.

[FtFunFan]

I just found this thread http://www.festivarian.com/index.php/topic,17869.0.html which I think answers everything I wanted to know, except the question about whether the low-backed chairs can be placed on the tarp, or are chairs allowed only in certain areas?

[headlight]

Low back chairs on tarps permissable...

As far as strategy goes, in many cases, the tarp runner in unencumbered with anthing but Tarp and perhaps a blankie and subsequent reiforcements bring the chairs etc...

 Listening to: Yet another CC

[Yard Gnome]

Some people really seem to have given this festival a lot of thought.

I'm planning on buying a lawn chair once I get to Colorado.  I can take that to the festival right? 

[SageT]

Low back chairs on tarps permissable...

As far as strategy goes, in many cases, the tarp runner in unencumbered with anthing but Tarp and perhaps a blankie and subsequent reiforcements bring the chairs etc...

Ha. A blankie? Nice...

[yojo]

They need to get on track with the line. Last year there was no order once numbers were handed out, unlike previous years. As far as when people get in line. I believe it's after the first set of the day the line can start for the next day. So.... about noon the day before it begins! 

[Greg RR]

SO PUMPED for the fest -- I have a question about access -- I walk with a cane and have a really hard time standing for long periods of time.  My brothers and I sit in the back half, so we don't do the tarp run; we just saunter in and set up somewhere. But I was wondering if there's any handicapped access entrance where I could go in without standing in line.

Having perused around the forum for a few years now, I never really see handicapped access brought up, but it's got to be an issue for many.

Any info would be welcome.

 Listening to: my heart thumping in anticipation!

[headlight]

If there's not there certainly should be, in fact I would expect this type of access is mandated by the Americans with disabilities act...

 Listening to: A nice thunderstorm and gently faling rain

[completejohn]

They need to get on track with the line. Last year there was no order once numbers were handed out, unlike previous years. As far as when people get in line. I believe it's after the first set of the day the line can start for the next day. So.... about noon the day before it begins! 

If I remember correctly from last year, the line actually starts with the first note of the FINAL act of the day.  So when you hear the first note of Steve Martin, you can move your chair into line along the fence.  Prior to that, you can leave a chair ACROSS from the fence, not along it.  This procedure was instigated to allow people  to actually ATTEND the festival (what a concept!).

[yojo]

They need to get on track with the line. Last year there was no order once numbers were handed out, unlike previous years. As far as when people get in line. I believe it's after the first set of the day the line can start for the next day. So.... about noon the day before it begins! 

If I remember correctly from last year, the line actually starts with the first note of the FINAL act of the day.  So when you hear the first note of Steve Martin, you can move your chair into line along the fence.  Prior to that, you can leave a chair ACROSS from the fence, not along it.  This procedure was instigated to allow people  to actually ATTEND the festival (what a concept!).

You may be right here, I just hop in an hour before doors and always get a great spot

[yonderphreak]

Some people really seem to have given this festival a lot of thought.

I'm planning on buying a lawn chair once I get to Colorado.  I can take that to the festival right? 

if a basketball can roll under it you will have a problem. if not, play on.

[FtFunFan]

They need to get on track with the line. Last year there was no order once numbers were handed out, unlike previous years.

I'm confused by this....do you mean after the people holding numbers were let in, it was a complete free-for-all for everyone else in "line"?  Or do you mean that people without numbers were cutting in line among the people with numbers just before the gates opened?