FAQ ~ 13th Annual NY Harvest Festival & Freedom Fair 2007

How does the ticket price work?

The weekend ticket price includes tent camping in an open environment (not individual marked campsites), entertainment and festivities. You can get in and out all weekend. Cabin rentals do not include admission to the event.

Can I have a camp fire?

NO.

Is there car camping?

No. Van shuttles to carry your things, and fest-a-cabs (free of charge golf cart rides) are available to help you get to and fro your vehicles.

Are children allowed?

Yes, but only with a parent or guardian. Harvest Festival is 18 and up.

What if it rains?

Then you'll get wet, so bring plenty of gear. It's rain or shine.

Can I leave the site?

Yes. But we hope you don't, because the less traffic, the better.

What is the food situation?

We have several food vendors that serve a range of food from vegan to sausage, but it is always a good idea to bring some with you. Bring your hibachi, your grills and your gear.

Can I volunteer?

A limited number of volunteer slots are available. Please contact us and will get back to you.

Can I bring my pet?

NO ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED other than party animals. Service animals with proper paperwork are allowed.

What is the bathroom situation?

There are clean portable toilets (cleaned 2 times daily).

There are several camping festivals out there with almost the same name--in NY! What is the deal?

This is the famous Harvest Festival which is a benefit for, and meant to raise awareness about, reforming cannabis laws. It began in the apple orchards around Lembo Lake (Murphy's Law, Disco Biscuits, Col. Bruce and more) in Modena, NY in 1995. In 1997 we moved to Earlton Hill Family Campground, in Earlton, NY (which featured Max Creek, Vassar Clements, Buddy Cage, and the Ominous Seapods among others) In 1998 the festival was held at the Logging Camp (Pine Mountain Reserve - Garth Hudson, Buddy Cage) in Johnsburg, NY and finally landed in 1999 at Echo Lake (David Nelson Band, Merl Saunders, Deep Banana Blackout). We called Echo Lake home for five years and went on the move again. 2004, our 10th annual was held at the Moose River Park, in Lyonsdale and featured Richie Havens, The Persuasions, Melvin Seals and was an amazing time! 2005 was no different with the New Riders of the Purple Sage, Project Object, Tony Vacca and more! 2006 brought us to the amazing location, Camp Minglewood in Hancock, NY. Jen Durkin, Tony Vacca, Particle, Vince Herman and all of you helped bring the event to another level.

Why is Damn Sam different from most other production companies who put on festivals and concerts?

Damn Sam Productions was founded to raise money for pro-freedom activism in NY and beyond. Harvest Fest and other Damn Sam ventures fund several organizations in NY that focus on a variety of issues, mostly regarding the War on Drugs and its impact on our physical and social environments; in particular regarding changing the hemp/ marijuana laws. We are proud to have helped change our congressperson's views on it, and Maurice Hinchey has since made headway by introducing legislation to support patients on a federal level. We have helped with the effort to protect patients in NY, which is bound to happen in the near future. Our goal by holding events is to raise money and awareness so that the full potential of the hemp plant for recreational, medicinal, and industrial uses is realized once again.

What is the deal with searching cars as they enter?

We hire liscenced and bonded security that check cars upon entry for weapons and dangerous things, such as a big stash of fireworks, for the safety of the crowd. Security is one of the necessary things to enjoying a safe and healthy event. Vehicles will be searched every time you enter the site. Please leave your chainsaws, weapons and knives at home!

What should I bring?

• Blankets
• Tent and sleeping bag
• Tarps to put underneath camping equipment and over your tent
• Rain gear
• Warm clothing
• Extra clothing
• Waterproof footwear
• Socks, more socks, and some extra socks.
• Sun Screen
• Flashlight, Lantern, and/or Candles
• Hat

What should I NOT bring?

• NO ATVs OR PERSONAL MOTORIZED VEHICLES ALLOWED.
• NO DOGS ALLOWED
• NO ILLEGAL DRUGS
• NO Weapons or dangerous objects, including chain saws, machetes, etc.
• No underage drinking.
• No fireworks.
• Under 18 year-olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• NO Bad attitudes.

Take care of each other. We would like to be able to do this again! How about you?!

Any other rules?

• Please respect the area surrounding the festival by being courteous to anyone you meet, by driving carefully and keeping the celebration on site.

• Please respect the festival site by picking up your garbage and recycling as appropriate.

• Please respect yourselves by taking care of your bodies.

• Please respect your friends and everyone attending the NY Harvest Fest by cooperating and having fun together, and by looking out for one another.

• No Thursday arrivals.

Does this event really make any difference in the world?

We believe it does, otherwise we wouldn't do it any more. It is a fundraiser for activism that is making a difference in our laws and society. It gets more people interested in activism through the speakers, organizations and messages of the musicians throughout the weekend. It also creates a powerful gathering of like-minded people experiencing community and freedom together, which can go a long way to inspire and influence hearts and minds.