Are we thinking about IT already?
You bet we are. Yes ….Father’s Day 2017 is only a little over 5 months away. I know, it is like advertising Christmas in June! But really, it is never too early to talk about the best festival this side of the Pecos is it? Didn’t think so….
In addition to a world class lineup that we have all grown accustomed to, we will again present the internationally re-known Music Camp, the Youth Academy (music camp for kids 8-16), Kids on Bluegrass featuring Frank Solivan’s super talented young people, Kathleen Rushing’s Fun Grass for the kids who aren’t quite ready (or willing) to pick just yet, late night Hot Dogs under the street light with the hot pickers, Vern’s Stage, the Pioneer Stage, the Old Time Gathering with Square Dances …jamming, jamming, and more jamming. Who would want to miss this?
Well, we are getting ready and so should you. Go check the RV, change the oil, check the tires, fix that awning that ripped last year, clean up the tent, air out the musty old sleeping bag, and buy tickets before the early bird deadline ….Feb 28. If you need electricity, and didn’t get the full hook-up site you wanted, go to http://cbaweb.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=920995 and get your site. The Electric Only Hookup (EOH) spaces are 18’ x 40’ and will have electricity from Sunday noon 6/11 to Sunday noon 6/18. If you have friends, you can buy spaces next to each other and rearrange your rigs to better suit your needs; just stay within the lines.
We will again allow dogs, but please remember this program will only last as long as people respect the festival and keep their dogs on a leash or tethered, or in the RV,… and PICK UP after the four legged friends. DOGS are NOT ALLOWED in the “Tent Only” camping area. If you really don’t need to bring your dog, please leave them at home. This program was really designed for those people that travel with their pets, and not for a dog playground. Remember, no dog (or people) swimming in the lake or water ditches. A complete set of rules are outlined in our festival brochure.
One more item that has come up is the use of private golf cars during festival week. As it stands now, the CBA has 15 golf cars that are used during the week. The festival has grown exponentially over the last 41 years with more and more programs, stages, camping, etc., whereas the need for staff transportation has greatly increased. And, golf cars bring dust and noise…..and liability. At the November meeting, the Board of Directors decided against the use of private golf cars. In addition to our concerns, the fairgrounds has advised us that their requirements of insurance, licenses, and the overall general liability outside of the CBA staff, are not worth the risks involved. However, single passenger mobility devices, i.e. “Rascals” are allowed. Keep in mind we have several means of transportation at the festival; from the “People Mover”, the “Handicap Taxi”, and in many cases an empty seat on a passing staff golf cart.
Again, check our brochure inside the program that is handed out when you enter the festival. The rule are pretty simple, but they are rules. If we can abide by them, we will ensure another banner year at Grass Valley. I can’t wait!!!
Tim Edes