Two weekends ago, I finally had the opportunity to attend a popular music festival called Electric Forest that takes place right in my own backyard every summer.
On a whim, I decided to purchase two wristbands from people who couldn't attend EF so my boyfriend and I could go. At first I had contemplated the idea of going, then I decided I wanted to go, which took my boyfriend by surprise. He was a little upset that I had spent money on him, but I insisted it was for us and EF was an event that I've wanted to attend since it's debut in 2011.
This year, EF decided to expand from one weekend to two weekends because of the increase in attendance every year. I decided that it was best for us to go the second weekend because we would be closer to the festival with my boyfriend's family living less than 20 minutes away from the site; we would already be up there for Independence Day.
Plus, I knew the first weekend was going to be PACKED (it was sold out) and the second weekend seemed more mellow, so with both of us being introverts and not big fans of being in crowds for long periods of time, the second weekend was the better option.
We made our way north and we went there for the first time on a Friday evening. We were both a little nervous. I was far more excited than my boyfriend. Once we arrived, we started having a great time.
^This is us when we went on the Ferris Wheel, which was going at an awfully high speed, but we still enjoyed it!
We explored the festival site that evening, checking out the food and drink options and vendors. I do have to mention that food and drinks are expensive, as I expected. A beer or a mixed drink with Vodka was a whopping $13. A slice of pizza was $10. None of this surprising though - we made sure we brought an adequate amount of cash.
Aside from the expensive food and drinks, the Forest is an incredible place. It is beautiful and the people are beautiful. Everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful. If we had questions, someone was more than happy to give us answers.
What I love most about the Forest is how accepting everyone is. You can just be yourself without judgment; nobody is going to give you grief for what you're wearing or how you express yourself. You are allowed to be you. Electric Forest is its own little, wonderful world of beauty, kindness and love.
It is a magical place. Sherwood Forest is incredible at night. It is a place of wonder. People of all ages from all over the country come to escape the harsh realities of life. In the forest, you feel..at home. That's how I felt. There were beautiful displays and people in gorgeous costumes putting on entertaining shows.
Unfortunately, a lot of the locals in the community and surrounding areas judge Electric Forest because of the amount of drugs, destruction and chaos that can ensue. It's frustrating to get a look of judgment when you tell someone you're going to Electric Forest for the weekend. I won't disagree that there are some bad apples, which is going to happen when there's a festival with more than 80,000 people attending. I am sad to say that a friend of mine who lives in Rothbury had her peace sign vandalized in her yard by festival-goers. However, the amount of good people outweighs the number of bad people.
For those who judge Electric Forest without attending it: Stop. It brings money to local businesses in the community. Oceana County, the county it takes place in is one of the poorest counties in Michigan. The money is needed.
I am happy to welcome fellow Forest-goers. I love getting to know new people and sharing such a fun and happy experience.
^This was my favorite totem pole. I love me some Rick and Morty.
The only negative aspect about attending Electric Forest for the first time this year was an issue out of anyone's control: the weather. It rained both the first and second weekend. At the start of the second weekend, attendees weren't allowed on the campsite for early entry because of the lightning. Throughout the entire weekend, the campsites and parking lots were pure mud. Michael (my boyfriend) and I helped pull an attendee out who was stuck. Unfortunately, the inclement weather cut our time short too.
Rain or shine, Forest is still a hell of a good time. I am stoked (and more prepared) for next year. It is more fun if you go with a group of people, which is what Michael and I plan on doing so we can enjoy it a lot more than we did.
I am grateful I made the last minute decision to attend Electric Forest 2017. See you in 2018!
Happy Forest.