Preparing For Wakarusa
Wakarusa is right around the corner! 2013 marks the festivals 10th anniversary, and they show no signs of slowing down. With all the excitement, many are already packing up the car and getting ready for a wild weekend. A little preparation can ensure a wonderful time, so here’s a little information to get you Waka ready.
Mulberry Mountain is a beautiful location for a festival! The scenic views and Mountainous terrain provides plenty of sights to gaze upon while raging out all weekend. You can also get back to nature by hopping on a shuttle to the river. Canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes are all available for rental on site. If you like a change of scenery, this can be a fun little excursion to check out.
The weather can be a little hard to predict, so come prepared! Anyone who attended Wakarusa the past few years can attest to the fact that swings in temperature can occur . It’s best to bring some warm layers in addition to the shorts, bathing suit tops, and crazy costumes you have already planned on packing. No matter the weather situation, it is always important to remember water, sun-block, water, and more sun-block!
Wakarusa has become a beloved festival for many reasons, but one that I really find important is that Wakarusa allows you to be very comfortable in the venue. For example, you can bring large umbrellas, Sunbrellas, etc. to block the sun or protect you from the elements. Blankets, tapestries, and chairs are also permitted and can provide some comfort during a marathon day of shows.
Another reason that Wakarusa is such an epic festival is of course the lineup. For yet another year Waka has brought a schedule full of diversity and unbelievable talent. A lot of festivals boast “something for everyone” but Waka truly delivers. You can shoot from stage to stage all day long and be sure to find something that gets your foot stompin’ or booty shaking. Fans are already on the edge of their Microbuses to check out well known artists such as Widespread Panic, The Black Crowes, and Snoop Lion, which are sure to kill it, but the variety of other eclectic artists filling in the weekend are what sets Wakarusa apart from other festival destinations. For example, if you like some gritty, down home, Arkansas bluegrass, stop by and see the hot drunken messes known as Mountain Sprout. They will be performing two sets over the weekend, so maybe take a big slug of Whiskey to blend in. Nic Cowan is making his Wakarusa debut, playing a late afternoon set on Friday. This soulful songwriter has a unique and original sound that will surely set the mood for the fabulous night of music that follows. Do yourself a big favor and check out Quixotic Fusion for something truly amazing. This performance group brings a show the likes of which will leave you in tears. The beautiful music paired with unbelievable feats of acrobatics and lights is not to be missed!
Wakarusa will also be bringing you a ton of awesome activities! For those early risers and joiners, you can attend daily yoga classes, didgeridoo workshops, hoop and flow workshops, and World Music workshops. Get some instant good Karma by dropping off some non-perishable food items at the Conscious Alliance Art That Feeds Food drive. You will score a sick poster while feeding those in need. You can also get your jam on with the folks on the Music Bus, or enter the Disc Golf Tournament. Hop on the water slide to cool down or the Ferris Wheel for an aerial view of Waka. Make your mark on the Interactive Art Installations, and get yourself all gussied up for the costume contest and parade. These are just some of the ways to fill your days, which proves that if you are not entertained at Wakarusa, you’re not trying hard enough!
The countdown is on! Mark your calendars, pack up the car, and don’t forget to bring the good vibes! This is going to be one anniversary we will never forget, Waka waka!
