Another successful and magical year on "The Farm" comes to a close. As the thousands upon thousands of high fives cease and the little world of Manchester Tennessee slowly grows quiet, many "Bonnaroovians" are already just counting down the days until they can return to their true home on The Farm. For those of you who already have the "Bonnaroo Blues," here are some of the reasons why we call this magical music festival our home away from home.
1. Bonnaroo Blues
If you thought post-concert depression was bad, just wait until you leave Bonnaroo. You know it's your home when the "Bonnaroo Blues" start kicking in and you truly struggle walking under the arch for that very last time.
2. The Ferris Wheel.
Whether you are terrified of heights or not, you ride the ferris wheel no matter what because you just love being on top of the farm and seeing the positivity around you.
3. Radiating Positivity.
Rain/storm/lightning delay? Still radiating positivity. 100 degrees outside and you feel like you're melting? Yeah, you guessed it. Everyone is still radiating positivity. The positivity all around is the reason why you just never want to leave. It's unexplainable. Something you just have to experience yourself to truly understand.4. The Stages.
Or should I say the straight up confusion. What Stage? Which Stage? Who Stage?This Tent. That Tent. The Other Tent. Somehow the mass chaos of stage names just makes sense to us Bonnaroovians.
5. The Food.
Two words. Spicy Pie... Well I guess also Amish donuts, BaconLand, frozen lemonades, smoothies, and practically every food you can ever imagine. You realize on The Farm that you don't mind spending $7 on a slice of pizza when it is actually a slice of heaven. You'll never go hungry at Bonnaroo.
6. The Music.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot. This is a music festival. Walking from The Other Tent to What Stage and discovering some amazing sound coming from That Tent along the way. Stopping to give everything a listen. You will always discover new artists and fall in love even more with some of your favorites on The Farm.
7. The Totem Poles.
Was that #EllenAtBonnaroo? Yep. Giant head of John Cena? Mhm. Wait was that a photo of Hilary Clinton and the lead singer of Skrillex morphed together to say Skrillary? Oh yes, that's a thing. Name it and a Bonnaroovian was probably carrying it around on a giant pole. Bonnaroo doesn't mess around when it comes to their totems.
8. The Dialogue.
One doe not just simply say "Bonnaroo." One screams on the top of their lungs, "Bonnaroooooooo" and the entire festival echoes. It's the Bonnaroo way of life.
9. The Art.
From artists and song lyrics to obscure graffitti and cartoon characters. You never know what will be plastered all over the colorful walls of Bonnaroo.
10. The Environment.
From The Jesus Tent to the RooChute you never know what beautiful hidden treasures you'll find in the environment on the Farm. You might find yourself napping in a hammock in The Grove or jamming in the Silent Disco. Maybe even taking a quick shower in the fountain. It's much more than simply seeing your favorite artists and bands; it's taking in the entire atmosphere and appreciating everything around you.
Bonnaroo is your home away from home. It's something that all Bonnaroovians look forward to every year. A way to let go, branch out, and high five people just like yourself.
From the outside looking in you can't understand it, and from the inside looking out you just can't explain it.
Until next year Bonnaroo. Thanks for the memories, the laughs, the good music, the high fives, and the endless good vibes and positivity.
