I live in a small redneck town and im really good friends with the chairman of events and festivals soon to be mayor of the town and i asked her if i got permission from the local bluegrass camp, which is litterly a camp that once a month has a blue grass festival which lasts 3 days, if i could have a festival with more of a "hippie" vibe she said if i could get it set up and gave the town x amount of money then its all good. i was thinking of just telling mr. b this and letting him set it up cause i have no idea how to go about this. if he says no ' i think he will say yes ' i will need land which will not be hard to find seein how i have 85 flat acres and all. but i guess the real question is does any one know how to go about starting a festival?
talk to your bg guy and see what sorts of arrangements get made for privvies and such, as well as extra trash pick up (A green crew can do so much but a hauler will be needed.) security, people handling the gate, taking care of the artists. It's potentially daunting, but obviously people do it. woudl you be using the BG site? Could you perhaps piggy back on it once as a test? is there really a call for jammy music where you are/ resonable travel to a jam-oriented populace? I know that council permission is always needed. I'm curious about the x amt to the town: is that a kickback or a permit fee? Make sure the land you want to use is in city limits. You might need to deal with the county. think about paying artists, lights and sound people. you'll need food and drink vendors, so see it you can get a list/contact from other events that have been in your town. other vendors would be helpful (they kind of pay for everything.) Mike E is involved in Davis' Whole Earth, hopefully he has some insight. But, look at a shorter fest to start, and build up to three days. and see if you can blend the BG (which obviously draws) with Jam Nation. some kids focus will really help get folks in the gate. What's your time line (next summer/ spring is best)?
