Season of the Schwag

Yes, kids, it's that time again. It's Schwagstock season. The season kicks off this weekend at beautiful Camp Zoe (see below - Echo Bluff). Click on the frog above for the complete schedule compliments of The Schwag. The site contains all the info. a virgin Schwagster needs as far as basic survival. NO DOGS ALLOWED this year, which is a good thing. If every owner was a responsible adult and respected everyone at the event, then there wouldn't be an issue. However, there were at least two biting incidents last summer not to mention the lumps of poo left all over the campground. The infamous Pink Floyd tribute band, Think Floyd, will be performing Saturday night at 9pm on the main stage, which is kinda cool. Now I'm not a big tribute band person because it's rather unoriginal for one. However, it's nice musak whilst camping in the sticks of Missourah. FYI - The Schwag are a Grateful Dead tribute band, and they've been doing this for quite a while now. They generally play two lengthy sets both nights but will perform a 3rd this weekend since it's a holiday weekend.

My posse and I have been attending various Schwagstock events since roughly the summer of 2002. However, Schwagstock has been in existence since the late 90s so we are by no means veterans. We have witnessed the event grow from say 2,000-3,000 people per weekend to 4,000 and beyond over the past few years. It is a complete distortion of reality and everyday society. But I recommend it for the learning experience.

Here's what you need to know if you're curious about Schwag(stock) and perhaps debating whether to go for it...

• Leave all your ego and prejudices at the gate. You will see sh*t you have probably never seen and may never see again. Just go with the flow...unless someone's dying or something drastic is going down. That I have yet to see. Don't gawk at the abnormal behaviors and lifestyles. Excess gawking at the wrong time may get your ass kicked.
• Come prepared....i.e. tent/blankets/water/food/sunblock/etc. This particular weekend is going to be hot. Don't be a hero and think you can drink beer in the hot sun all day and still have a great time. This is a grand illusion. Use common sense for f*ck's sake.
• You will be tent to tent with the other campers....unless you get there early and defend your territory all weekend. People will wander around and through your campsite off & on throughout the event. Get used to it. This is part of what makes Schwagstock...well, Schwagstock.
• Get there early. The earlier the arrival....the more campsite options to choose from.
• Be respectful to EVERYONE in attendance. It's supposed to be a mirror image of the 60s love-in/jamfests fueled by peace, love, and whatever toots your taters. No one appreciates a public jackass.
• Meet people. Check out the drum circle. This one of the more social activities of the event. The older hippies have some phenomenal stories. You never know who or what you're going to see until you see it for yourself.
• Have fun. Be safe....all that crap they print on festival and rave flyers. Just use your head.
  
  We will be in full force Friday morning. I believe the gates open Thursday, but the crowd surge will hit Friday night thru Sat. morning. Everyone have a safe trip (2-3hrs. from the city) and drive safely. We will see you there.

Echo Bluff - Camp Zoe