SolarFest - Porcupine Village

[jaqeboy]

A bunch of us are going over to SolarFest in Vermont this weekend - want to join in on the fun? Don't know the layout of the place and there may not be cell reception to reach each other, so we should work up a plan first if anyone wants to camp together at he PorcEnergy Village.

http://solarfest.org/index.php

Welcome to SolarFest! Celebrating the power of renewable energy, the arts, and community action to change the world. If we don't do it, who will?

On a beautiful July weekend, several thousand people come to SolarFest to join a weekend community. We are inspired by art and technology, by the talent and ability of all the diverse individuals who make the festival (many of the volunteers have been doing this for over a decade), to create a place where learning and fun thrive. Here are some of the reasons people come: Two stages of diverse music, bonfire art. Woodland art. The annual rain (and rainbow!). Dancing and singing late into the night. Discovery through world class workshops. Fabulous food. Meeting happy people. Networking. Communicating. Energizing.

[Caleb]

It's possible that I will go for a little while

[jaqeboy]

Got a tent? I'm trying to sell my camper and buy a little tent.

I'm also checking to see if there will be enough food concessions that one can not even pack camp cookware.

[Russell Kanning]

we have 3 tents ... maybe we can sell you 1

[jaqeboy]

we have 3 tents ... maybe we can sell you 1

I'll call you later about that. Thanks!

[jaqeboy]

It looks like we'll be grouping together with the Amherst, Mass. boys: Steve Goodale and Jonathan Mark. They'll be at the FlyByNews table during the day - can go by and ask them where they've set up their campsite.

Basic rules: no glass bottles, no pets. $25 weekend pass, $20 Saturday only, $15 Sunday only. There will be food vendors, so may not want to even bring camp cookware. Best to bring small cooler with liquids and fruits, etc.

It might rain, so a poncho and/or umbrella might be a good bet.

See you there!

[jaqeboy]

PS: Kat and Russell, I won't need that tent after all - thanks!

[jaqeboy]

SolarFest was a blast - over 100 vendors - lots of workshops - music concert with 5 or 6 bands, all through a solar-powered sound and lights system. Lots of good networking with good people. Camping was comfortable on a bed of ferns in the woods. Good natural foods in the food vendor area. - Tinmouth was about 15 miles from Rutland, and the Forget-Me-Not Farm was quite a nice place with a great view of the surrounding hills.

[jaqeboy]

[jaqeboy]

Little video about SolarFest:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4730795799805532320&hl=en

Fest villagers unite - let's get together a carpool and create our village up at Forget-Me-Not Farm

[dalebert]

Did you see the video about bio-reactors that Friday linked to in another thread? That seemed like a really smart way to capture and store solar energy to me. Solar panels are certainly getting better and more practical and affordable, but bio-reactors are my new energy obsession.

[dalebert]

BTW, if we can drum up some interest from a few people to split costs (including gas, ugh), I might be coaxed into this.

[jaqeboy]

I totally want to do a carpool or sumpin' to reduce travel costs. It's about 3+ hours from Manch, I think. Camping is free, but the wristband for all weekend is $25. You can bring food and cook there if you have camp cookware. I can't find my Coleman stove, though. There are also delicious food vendors there. You'll see where I got my idea for the coffee business there. The guy has people standing in line all weekend for $2 cups of coffee that he makes in a little trailer business, without electricity, no less.

[jaqeboy]

Oops, all weekend pass is $35. See ticket info here: http://www.solarfest.org/ticketinfo.htm

[Free libertarian]

Good possibility I will be going,  probably Saturday.
I will be incognito as an aging formerly handsome guy with a Grafton Gazette press pass around his neck, possibly self riteous smirk on face depending on morning caffeine consumption on drive over. Some of you I may recognize, but not put names with faces etc.  Would like the opportunity to know how many liberty
loving people are there and maybe find you and introduce myself.  Not sure what type of story will emerge, might just be pictures and rah rah Solar Fest, or possibly a few quotes if I interview attendees.

For anyone that likes this sort of thing, it's a pretty cool festival and even if there are alot of well meaning Socialist types there at least most of 'em have the disdain for GW Bush thing down...think Kuchinich atmosphere rather than Ron Paul or anarchist. Check out the bumper stickers in the parking lot it will probably validate my observation. Good to see Veggie oil conversions vehicles though.