I’ve been doing a lot of reading up on the history of TBF, but I have yet to come across information on how some of the Town Park camps got started. Since Telluride is as much about the people you meet as it is about the music, I’m interested in hearing about how some of the Town Park camps got their start.
Those of you who are associated with camps: what is your camp name, when and how did you start up and what events/themes are you known for?
If this info is posted in another thread please do share! :flower
It would also be interesting to know how they manage to keep them going. I mean it is a lottery right?
Where do I start?
This will be my 37th year for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival (TBF for short) and I wasn’t in Town Park until my fourth year.
Not too many camps had names back then, and even some of the regulars didn’t give their camp a name until much later in the game.
The first named camps I can remember were “Fishbone”, “MASH tent” (because their original tent was a huge green canvas military style tent), and “Arizona Bowl” now called “Camp Billy” after the death of it’s founder.
Then came “Camp DUK Tape”, “Camp Happy”, “Steamboat Crossroads”, “The Herd”, “Camp Tiki”, “Camp Wander-In”, “Camp Flamingo” and “Camp Run-a-muck”.
We have developed quite the community over the years and have a system of dedicated family that puts in for the lottery each year so that we all can have a reunion in June.
It was back in the 90’s when I was nominated Mayor of Town Park, and I was honored by Planet Bluegrass in 2003 with a lifetime pass so that I can continue my reign as mayor for as long as I wish.
I continue to do what I can for my constituents every year to make their stay in Town Park a memorable one.
For the last three years I have provided picnic tables by the food vendors so people can sit down to eat.
We continue to hold traditional events before the festival starts such as “Bloody Mary Monday”, The birthday party at Smuggler’s where we celebrate everyone’s birthday, “Tropical Tuesday” and of course the big kickoff for the festival, “Rum-balls” on Wednesday afternoon.
I’ll rest for now, and let some of the other veterans speak up. :thumbsup
We’re so good at organizing events that we served Eggs Benedict for everyone in Town Park before the festival one year.
:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup
Wow! I didn’t know these were your doing, Tom! I’ve used them many times. Thank You, Sir!
The camps work because we all apply in the lottery and help out people together. It is definitely a lottery, no one cheats
Agreed, I had no idea Tom! That is fantastic to know. I will remember this in 6 months when I sit down to eat some of those amazing dumplings I only get once a year. Thanks for being so involved behind-the-scenes! :medal