JazzFest Weekend!

Image courtesy of http://www.artssiouxfalls.org/

JazzFest in Sioux Falls is one of my favorite weekends, but who REALLY loves JazzFest is my assistant Samantha and her family.  For this post, since the event starts Thursday and goes through Saturday, I asked her to create a list of Tips and Tricks to survive JazzFest and have a great time.  Here are her tips:

Tip #1: Mark your territory.

Make sure to set up camp strategically.  One way my family sets up our area is by making sure we can see the screens and the stage fairly well.  We also set up camp by some sort of easy-to-find marker.  There are many JazzFest go-ers that bring a flag or windsock, so we set our stuff down near one of those so we can find our spot back easily.   We should probably invest in a flag of our own, but until then, we will just borrow someone else’s.  🙂

Tip #2: Don’t drive to JazzFest!

We take our bikes every year to JazzFest, which can be quite a challenge trying to carry all of our essentials AND our chairs, but it is so convenient.  They actually offer free (and secure) valet through Spoke-N-Sport for bikes right at JazzFest, so it’s perfect.  When we didn’t have the luxury of my parents living close to the bike trail, we would take the shuttle service, which is also very easy and less stressful.  The shuttle services pick up and drop off at different schools and cost $4 (roundtrip) for each rider.  The times and locations are available here at the JazzFest website.

Tip#3: Pack accordingly!

There are some obvious things to pack for JazzFest, such as a sunscreen, bug spray and money, but we have some other things that we try to bring every year.  First, make sure to bring plenty of wet wipes!  Those things work for EVERYTHING, from cleaning up food to cooling down on the very hot afternoons.  Next, check the weather to make sure you dress accordingly.  Last year it was so warm that we brought little spray bottles, but this year it might be good to bring raincoats.  Third, if you are bringing kids especially, make sure to pack small snacks and games.  They have TONS of amazing food vendors, but sometimes its nice to have a fruit snack or apple available for them.  There are quite a few kids activities at JazzFest, but also have something entertaining for them while enjoying the live music.  My last necessity for JazzFest is a blanket and/or lawn chair.

Tip#4: Give back.

Ready for a reason to get a beverage and some great food at the event?  JazzFest is FREE event, but depends on sponsors, volunteers and donations to make the weekend a success.  The link above explains how to volunteer and become a sponsor, but a very easy way to give back to JazzFest is through the purchase of food and beverages at the event, so please go get yourself something to drink and some great food.  🙂

Live music, amazing food, great company and tons of fun…. Is there anything better?

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