campsite contest! I am so proud to be part of such a great group of people-
I know that coming to this festival would never be the same without FMC and all the people involved (I hope that never happens!!)
Landrush went off without a hitch this year- good weather and good organization helped the lines move quickly. By the time we arrived in Winfield (about 8:30 am) the line was completly gone and we were no. 369 of the "post-land rush" arrivals for the Walnut Grove. Steve P. and Sharon V. were already at their sites, and Fringe-frog Howard had just arrived also. Sharon suggested we park our camper under the big Cottonwood next to their camp and we gladly accepted. Camp seemed to shape up nicely as more people arrived and claimed their spaces. We were a little closer to the Fiasco Brothers camp this year, and it was great fun meeting and jamming with their campers- what nice people and great musicians!
BTW- congrats to Jimmy & Margo for their winning entries in the Songwriters contests (Jimmy won 1st place for his song "Creepin Ways" in the "Feeling Blue" catagory, and Margo won HM for her song "Roly Polys & Ladybugs" in the "Songs Suitable for Children" catagory.) Way to go!
It was also wonderful having Ron Christy & friends in our camp area this year- we jammed non-stop all week prior to the festivals beginning- thanks Ron for being such a good jam-leader (can't get enough of that great bluegrass-in-G!) We were so busy playing music all week that we even missed the band scramble this year. I read in the "Voice" that the theme for 2004 was "Extraterratstrials.....They're Out There" I'm sure it was great and was disappointed to miss it. We really didn't catch too many of the stage shows either once the festival started, but the ones we were able to see were great as always. Hot Club Of Cowtown was tight and impressive, I could have listened to them all night. Our favorite new group this year was "The Waybacks." I know there were some in our camp and throughout the festival who did not share a mutual liking- but I thought they were very unique and had a great sound. The "Men of Steel" were also very popular and great together as a group. The late night sets on Stage5 in the Pecan Grove were part of our nightly routines again, although we did stay out of the deep, dark, bowels this year ;-) I think I have to give the "song of the festival" award to "Cajun Billy" -- that song was in about every jam session we heard this year (I still hear it in my head when I think about the festival!)
I want to take a line or two here to thank all of our great FMC folk for an exceptionally great festival this year. A special thanks to:
- Jerry for all his assistance- fixing things, loaning things, trips to town and just helping anyone with everything.
- The FMC decorating crew (Andy, Jeramy, Heather, Bill J., and my husband Joe) and everyone who helped assemble and contribute "frog stuff!"
- Our camp cooks, I thought the meals were especially yummy this year!
- Don K, well for everything!
It's hard for me to summarize a whole, wonderful week in one short report like this, but I guess just jotting down some of the highlights makes me feel a little less sad about another festival being past and gone, and it helps me remember each festival as time passes and we are likely to forget.
I wish everyone the best during our time apart- please keep in touch as
you can!
Renee
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