Hi Deb, I'll try to answer as best I can.
The venue is a awesome amphitheater with a nice large covered section with seats provided, behind that there is a grass hillside well suited for blankets and such, it gets flat near the top. I havn't noticed anyone bringing sunshades inside. They may or may not be permitted for all i know BUT there is alot of shaded space and seating provided, thought it does fill in.
Last year cars were permitted at the campsites. The distance between camping and the venue is about as far as say, from your campsite in TP to the front edge of the telluride stage. They provide shuttles but even my fat lazy butt never bothered to use one.
Not sure about the food situation though i do remember at least one vendor on site. beer is available but not cheap.
here is a link to the official rules
http://pickininthepines.org/rules.htmlHope it helps