This summer was my first trip to Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. Between the positivity and the incredible live music, this is an event you can't miss! Here is a list of the five things I learned at my first Roo.
1. High Five Friday lasts all festival long!
No matter where you were or what you smelled like, if you passed another Bonnaroovian this summer, chances are you exchanged a hearty high five! The camaraderie among folks at Roo is one like no other. Between high five chains and the occasional "Happy Roo" from a smelly, yet kind stranger, you're sure to feel more than welcome to the family.
2. Clothing is always optional.
If you have ever experienced Roo, you know just how hot and sweaty it can get out there on the farm! Most people turn to bathing suits and bras as tops, but a select few brave women (of all ages) go all out and ditch the top altogether! And, we love them even better for it!
3. Radiate positivity on and off the farm.
Everything at Bonnaroo is art; whether it be the "Before I die..." wall or the people painted head to toe. The most popular tag and the golden rule at Roo is "Radiate Positivity". Attitude itself is an art form on the farm. People at Roo, no matter their eloquence (or stench) will shoot you a smile and a kind word in passing, and that quickly causes a chain reaction of happiness throughout the crowd. This is definitely a good take home from the festival, if nothing else.
4. Being weird is the best way to be.
People at Roo work all year long to collect crazy costumes, hats, wigs, makeup and camping equipment. Everyone on the farm stands out for their own quirks, and that's a big part of what makes this festival so special. Coachella is all about festival fashion; Roo is all about making a huge statement. Folks build statues of their favorite movie characters, make flags 25 feet high to mark their territory, and always remember to pack their tutus.
5. No matter how hard you try to prevent it, ice melts in the summer.
There is no special hack to this platinum rule of life. If you bring a cooler to Roo, you will most definitely be restocking on ice at least once per day! You can salt it, put it in the shade, cover it up, set up a fan and sing "Let it go", and that ice will still be a pool of lukewarm hamburger water by the end of each sweltering day. So, don't sweat the small stuff! Just splurge a little, and buy yourself some ice because you're gonna need it!
This is how I 'Roo it. Bonnaroo is an experience of a lifetime, and I firmly believe it can be whatever you make it. Just remember to bring water and not to take yourself too seriously. Have fun, and Happy Roo!
