By Kristin Anderson
Hey my festival junkies. Although I am a seasoned professional when it comes to festivals (15 years and going strong), my mom still insists on reminding me how to get back home safe and in one peice. So in an effort to put all moms at ease, I have compiled Mama Maria's list of helpful hints for your festival security.
Thanks mom! ( see I was listening…)
Crowd surfing: What's better than a bunch of strangers holding you up for your favorite band to see. Ladies especially — but guys have junk too — please rememeber that crowd surfing is permission for a lot of strange hands to roam your body in the name of assisting you. This can backfire. In a party environment, people's decision making may be askew. Be careful who's got your back and make sure you have friends around.
Mama Maria says: "What if the people holding you up have dirty hands or pull up your shirt and your special parts end up on tv?"
Landmarks: With your fellow campers, designate a landmark by which to find your campsite or car. You will be distracted and possibly intoxicated. This will breadcrumb your drunk butt back to a safe place.
Mama Maria says: "How do you expect find your campsite when you were born with no sense of direction and you're drunk?"
Keys: If you came to the festival in one car and you wisely locked up your valuables, make sure more than one person has the key to that car. Your driver may be chillin' in some random tent with someone — somewhere you dont know — and in most cases, your cell phone will not help you. Festies are usually out of range and roaming.
Mama Maria says: "Please dont make me drive to timbucktoo to get you, and make sure you have extra keys."
Strangers: The same rule your mommy told you should apply in limited use. Use your judgment, and if you are lured to a new location by a new festie friend, bring a buddy.
Mama Maria says: "I know it's all fun and games, but use the buddy system!"
Pass it on: Festivals are great for groups of strangers who love to share their good time. Remember — if you are passed or offered a party favor, be careful of what you are accepting.
Mama Maria says: "Watch what you put in your mouth, no matter how silly your feelin'…and remember that if you're holdin' — it's called possession!"
Take care of each other: It's just you and a strange, secluded area without phones or electricity. All that you have is each other. Treat one another like you're on a desert island, and be mindful of each others' needs. Love is free.
Mama Maria says "I am counting on your friends to get you back to me in one piece!"
Broke: Don't blow all your money and hope you can drive home on fumes. Your reasoning when festie going may be less than stellar, and you may haphazardly spend the money you need to get home on party favors or other festie tidbits.
Mama Maria says: "Hand over some money to one of your carpooling buddies and have them hide it from you until the ride home. Your car won't run on tie-dye, glow braclets, or Blue Moon."
It may sound trivial, people, but these simple tips come from a reliable source and are sure to prevent unwanted "regret it in the morning" type scenarios that will throw a real wrench in your festival enjoyment. Remember, you get one shot a year at each of these fabulous parties, so don't waste it. Mama Maria knows what she's talkin' about!
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We had the same Mom? Cool.. very cool Guide