Like everyone else, SO STOKED about our first TBF, and a little nervous about the crowds and unknown factors. We’re pros regarding Folks Fest, but would love details on the set-up at Mary Ilium…namely, water availability, bathroom type, where to shower, etc. We’ll be getting there good and early on Monday. Thanks!!
Good and early Monday means you’ll probably have your pick for a campsite, fire ring and all. Water is kept in a big tank near the entrance, so bring a big refillable container to keep at your site. The entrance is about a 5 minute walk from the furthest point.
Bathroom type = port-a-potties. They’re cleaner than most festival port-a-potties, but it’s still a festival. Bring your own toilet paper, as they ran out often last year.
Showers are offered at the high school, which the shuttles stop at on their way to TP. They cost about $3. The high school is a 10 minute walk or so to TP.
Re: Crowds:
The Festivarian Nation is 10,100 strong any given year at TBF. We’re a peaceful, fun loving bunch. Morning and afternoon sets are very chill then things ramp up a bit later in the afternoon and into the evening. By ramp up I mean everyone becomes more excited for the bigger acts taking the stage or waiting on them to come on stage. At that point many of the tarps come up and there’s more standing that chill sitting during the shows. It’s all good! :thumbsup
I also remember a Yonder set being all standing and then the chill came upon us again, once Yonder had finished their set. Then there was the year, 2008 I think, that Bela and Toumani Diabate were on stage and you could hear a pin drop on the grass. Yes, it was that respectful a crowd. It was truly amazing to be a part of that crowd! :clap
Remember this…
Festivarians are, for the most part, musicians or life students of music. WE go to TBF to learn about the music so we can share the music after our so sad departure each year. Yeah, prepare yourself for that part also. It’s a life high just being there, but the “Post Festival Depression”, well… you never see it coming, no matter how many times you’ve attended TBF. It’s just part of the deal, sadly. To combat this all we can do is start planning FOR NEXT YEAR!!!
Hope that helps. :flower
Auntie Hope :festivarian2 :green
We are staying at Mary as well… what’s TP?
The Place, The Party, Total Paradise… Town Park!
Remember … it’s also nice to EFTP (Escape From Town Park)!
Ilium is adjacent to Sunshine Mesa which has a trailhead to incredible trails & scenic areas of the Lizard Head Wilderness Area which can give you a break from the masses. Not sure how they work parking for Mary E., but if you still have access to a vehicle, the Sunshine Mesa Road (623) turn off is closeby & about a 15 minute ride to the actual trail head (you’ll know you’re there when you just past “the old dairy farm ghost town” with a big clearing on the right). You don’t need 4x4, but high clearance is recommended. From that trailhead, it’s about a 40 minutes gentle hike to the mouth of Bilk Creek … and another 1.5 hours to the saddle just below the Lizard Head rock formation. From that point you could go anywhere, but a 20 minute traverse to the west (black face) offers great views. If you’re an early riser & like to hike, I’d suggest picking up a real trail map in town & check it out!
another question about mary e… where do you park after unloading? in telluride? we were wondering if it would be feasible to keep things in our vehicle during the week and be able to access it relatively easily. or is this kind of out of the question?
The volunteers will direct you to the parking area. It’s really just a dirt road where you’ll park on the side. I don’t like to make the trip too often, but it’s not too far away.
The parking was on the side of the road that leads to the campground (unless they changed it). The earlier you get there, the closer to camp you park. Like Hot Sugar said, not something you want to do often. Also, make sure the stuff you need is on the driver’s side of the car, you won’t want to mess with the passenger side off the edge of that road.