recommendations/questions on shade structures in festival

[dawnceleste]

Hey all,
I'm considering getting some kind of shade structure for inside the show. I know it's ok to hang out in an empty one until the owners return, but it might be time to invest in one for me and all my hillbilly friends.  So, I have a couple of questions. 1) Are there any restrictions: such as, must it be open on all four sides (I don't remember, although I've hung out in a few of them over the years, in a drunken stupor apparently)? Are ones with poles allowed or just the ones with rope and stakes? Size restrictions? 2) Can someone recommend a decent one that won't break the bank? I'd prefer something under $100, but am open to any and all suggestions, past experiences, ideas....Thanks much!

 Listening to: Bela

[zack_adcock]

There are several posts about this that someone may be able to find/revive for you (I don't have time right this sec) but after a good amount of research I got this one from REI:

http://m.rei.com/product/794290/rei-alcove-shelter

It does the trick: is easy to set up, light weight, and provided us shade. We had an almost-two year old last TBF and this was great to have. I understand completely the folks who really push the more expensive, heavy ones, but this is more efficient for the uses I purchased it for (camping, being at the beach, etc).

[AnythingAtAll]

Don't know of restrictions.  Most are 3-4 legged variety. Don't know about cabanas, but would only consider them proper in far back. Ones with poles, frame, etc. are allowed.

No definitive answer as to decent. Ideally, it should shade, ventilate and withstand gale-force winds    Finding that, in combination with cheap, would be the holy grail of shade structures.

Keltys are by far the most common and very good if you're not vying for one of the first row shade spots.  If you are, the downside is you block the view of anyone behind you as their fabric comes down to the legs. Personally, I don't like that and the fact they don't ventilate very well.

EZ UPs are great for view and ventilation, but are: heavy, bulky, pricey.

Personally, I like EZ UPs and old Coleman GeoSport Shades (which have been discontinued). Places to drive in stakes, anchors and tie-downs are good things, as you don't want it to become an IFO (identified flying object.)

Bad things to stay away from IMO are the cheap Walmart EZ-UP-wanna-be shades with fiberglass poles that form the canopy. Telluride winds will shake those poles down and up again real hard and suddenly you have no canopy, just frame.

Trolling local garage sales and CL has been very good to me...good luck.

[Hot Sugar]

I would say avoid the Kelty. They may give great shade, but they block the view for everyone behind you, and that's not the festivarian way. My rule of festival is to have as much fun as you would like while helping others have as much fun as you're having. Be kind to those you love and be kind to those you don't, but for god's sake, you've got to be kind and respectful because we're all one soul. Be the best f@*#&$g human that you can be. 10 points to anyone who knows the band those lyrics come from.

Go for an EZ Up. You may have to spend more than $100 (I don't know as I have not been in the market for one at any point in time), but they'll be your best bet.

 Listening to: Mickey Hart Band

[dawnceleste]

Thanks all! I really appreciate your input.  We'll start looking on Craigslist for a used EZ up.  I'd rather buy something used anyway.  I wondered about those Kelty's (although I couldn't remember the name when I posted), they look great but yes, they do indeed block the view. 
Happy festi-anticipating!

 Listening to: the ceiling fan whir and refrigerator hum