I had never been to a place where everyone was so friendly. Genuinely friendly.... until Hillside. Saturday was mother-lovin' hot and Regan needed a hat. Some man on the bus beside us offered us his, right out of his bag (unfortunately it was too small... but), people were THAT nice.
The band line-up was stellar, the weather was awesome (even on Sunday, so THERE Clemens), and the camping was great. I had a comfortable, relaxing, enlightening weekend with some of the nicest strangers I've ever rubbed up against.
Going on 22 years now, the Hillside folk really know what they're doing. The totem message board impressed me, along with the need a ride/offer a ride board. Even more fantastic was the Information Booth loaded with free stuff and lost and found items that people had kindly turned in. Available for the taking were (chilled!) condoms, lube, garbage bags, diapers, pads, tampons, etc. plus there was a suggestion book. I suggested that Plaskett play at next year's Hillside. mmmmmmmmmmmmm Plakett.
Perhaps the best part about Hillside were the surprises. Meeting Stirling and Julie was a great surprise. Finding out that what I thought would be a packed weekend festival was really a community and family-focused, appropriately sized festival, was better still. Stumbling across the hilarious "Hammel on Trial" and escaping the one bout of rain for the day on Sunday was possibly best of all.
I really think Hillside is a festival you can grow with and I'm really excited about going next year.
Hillside taught me three great things that I will never forget:
1) You are never too old/young/married/pregnant to enjoy great music and rock out
2) Tie-Dye isn't dead, it's living in the witness protection program in Guelph
3) The Sun can power bands and make me pink, it is not my friend
For anyone who loves music and the outdoors and wants to have a great time, but only gets one weekend off a summer (like me), I highly recommend investing in some Hillside tickets.
It's like a freakin' country bear jamberoo around there!
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3 comments:
I've seen Hammel twice and he is indeed awesome and hilarious.
Yeah, community my ass! I called today and all the fucking Hippies have booked Guelph Lake SOLID for next year already. Clearly they don't want any "others" from outside the community to partake of the sweet sweet camping.
I am very sad (and angry). :(
I saw Hammel when he opened up for Ani two years ago at Massey Hall. "I hate your Kid" is possibly one of my favourite songs ever. So delicious and lacking in all nutrients, like sweet, sweet coffee. Mmmmmm, Hammel and Coffee. My mouth and ears applaude the notion.
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