BELTANE FESTIVAL UPDATE

Beltane, April 14 - 17, 2011 - Song of Spring

Important News Regarding the Upcoming Festival

Reminder to any that have selected to send a check to us or requested Delayed payment, your check must be in Fort Worth by April 11, 2011. If a check arrives after that time a $ 10 fee will be added to cover our courier costs. You may also pay via PayPal, credit/debit or Google Checkout.

We cannot accept payment at the gate and payments must be complete to enter the event.

Burn Ban Information:

"Each festival comes with its own unique set of challenges. The two challenges facing us this festival are the Burn Ban and the limitation on gray water (showers). As I write this, Fayette County is in an Extreme Fire Danger zone and has issued a strict county-wide burn ban. What this means for us is that we can not permit ANY burning of vegetative matter (wood, paper, etc.), nor allow any unattended open flames or ignition sources.

Ground fires are not permitted under any circumstances. Cooking fires utilizing propane, camp-gas, or charcoal on an approved, enclosed, above-ground BBQ grill, are allowed. However, these must be attended at all times and have a bucket (or two) of water nearby in case of emergencies. Mesquite or other flavoring chips used in conjunction with charcoal is permitted if used in small amounts and do not cause sparks. Candles are permitted so long as they are inside a glass (or other non-flammable) container, are not left unattended, and also have a bucket of water nearby in case of emergency.

Screen-topped chimineas properly insulated from the surrounding grass and utilizing a moderate amount of charcoal only for cooking is permitted, but once again – ensure they are attended and have a bucket of water handy. We ask each of you to exercise extreme caution and “err on the side of caution” when it comes to anything dealing with fire during this event. For those who choose to smoke tobacco, smoke responsibly! Do not indiscriminately discard lit cigarettes or cigars – ensure they are fully extinguished before disposing of the butts properly. Tiki torches will not be permitted this festival as they pose an extreme danger if spilled. Propane lanterns are permitted so long as they are attended and have a bucket of water nearby. We love and appreciate our local Volunteer Fire Department – we just do not want to see them arrive in an official capacity to exercise their duty.

You are responsible for your own behavior and violation of the above policy will be dealt with quickly, sternly, and, if necessary, legally. If you have any questions about whether or not your cooking source is permitted, please contact the Safety Staff, Land Manager, or any Board member.

The temporary limitation on our gray water is due to the extreme cost of emptying our holding tank. Limiting your shower time (at the shower house) to getting wet, lathering up, then rinsing off, will greatly help us. Please turn off the water when you are finished. Personal camp showers are not affected by this. A long-term solution is currently in development by our ESCC Team and their progress will be announced during the event.

Campsite Leases:

New leases will be required at Beltane for all leased campsites. Existing campsite lease payments are due at the Beltane upon signing of your lease.

Your campsite will be measured at the event and the cost determined. Lease cost is $ 60 per (maximum) 3000 square feet and and additional $ 20 for each additional 1000 square feet added to the initial space. There is no discount for sites under 3000 square feet in actual or usable size.
We cannot take payments or write leases until the Beltane event. Leases will be renewed and new leases written at Beltane each year.

This is a prime time to select a campsite for lease!

If a lease is refused or not renewed for what ever reason, the existing lease site may be leased to another party. Only leased sites may build or erect structures or store equipment between events on a leased site.
No structure, building, awning, deck or other construction is permitted until a plan is submitted for review and permitting. The County Flood plain order now in effect requires permitting of any structure or construction at Spirit Haven. Please visit the ESCC team meetings on Friday or Saturday for information on the permitting and how it works.

If you are not able to attend the Beltane event to secure a lease, contact leasing@magickal-arts.org and we will assist you.