- Joined
- Jan 15, 2011
- Messages
- 13,171
As I have said earlier. Maybe in the beginning that's what is was all about. The last 15 years or so it's more mainstream. I live 30 minutes from that hole and although I would never go there to camp yet alone pay $350 to I have been told by many people if you seek a chill crowd and just want to get meet some new people and have some casual beers like any campsite in the US you can easily find that. Yes if you seek out the orgy hardcore drug crowd you can find it but it's behind closed doors not in view.
I view it as many things that originally stood for something like art or freedom that has turned commercial. $350 a ticket is outrageous and every year the local news runs stories about how much money it brings into the area at grocery stores, rentals, etc. Hell event the county tried to deny there permit a few years ago until the burning man corporation ponied up a lot of cash to secure it and magically the county has now allowed it. That's why the cops and emergency medical services are even so tolerant of it because of all the extra overtime they get paid to patrol and hang out at the event.
The festival culminates on the last Saturday (before labor day) by burning the big sculpture whatever it is for that year. Years ago a burner was whacked out on something and he actually lit it up a few days before. His mugshot was priceless as he had paint on his face and a big smile. Clearly high on something.
Can't believe you actually wasted all this time responding to him