The Little Things
An aspect of festivals that often get more complaints than recognition, the little things around Shambhala help make it the best festival on the planet. The people and the atmosphere are easy to enjoy, as is the music. But, time spent waiting in lines, whether it’s for showers, food, testing at the ANKORS tent, or even to get into the festival is often a time for negativity.
This year at Shambhala, we were treated to some of the quickest wait-times entering the festival in recent memory, with a much quicker, steadier flow of cars entering the campgrounds than in year’s past. The increased presence of alert, aware, and friendly personnel throughout the festival, from start to finish, is likely a big reason why.
Grouping together dozens of volunteers, many of which are strangers to each other, and working together to put on a festival like Shambhala is no easy task. Lapses in communication are expected, as are some mistakes. But with some patience and understanding, everything works a bit smoother. We noticed the crew working throughout Shambhala this summer was on-point, and seemingly everywhere, at all times. We also enjoyed a reasonable wait for showers, the ANKORS tent, and various vendors throughout the festival. Often greeted with smiles, the service we received throughout the weekend fit right-in with the always-lovely Shambhala-vibe.
Photo Credit: Joffrey Middleton-Hope
Our Canadian crew also appreciated the improvements in cell service, with coverage throughout the majority of the festival. The water lines, for the majority of the festival, were also never out of hand. Once the spigots near the Pagoda were open, and vendors were selling water bottles at full-force, there were generally short waits for much-needed hydration.
The increased camping space created in Metta was useful, and although space is at a premium come Friday evening, the campground felt less-crowded than in year’s past. The cleanliness and upkeep of the porta-pottys throughout the festival was fantastic, as usual, and we greatly appreciate the consistent quality of what could very easily become a trouble-spot at a festival the size of Shambhala.
Another potential trouble-spot, rain, became something to consider on Sunday, the final day of the festival. Heavy rain poured throughout the festival grounds for much of the afternoon. Apart from some puddles and a few slick surfaces, the festival held up remarkably well, with little-to-no issues with mother nature’s hello to the festival. By nightfall, the rain became an afterthought, and Shambhala had once again flexed their festival muscles.
Photo Credit: Joffrey Middleton-Hope
Overall, we noticed an improved flow within the festival, quick waits, and quality service from all Shambhala-related staff and crew. They helped contribute to the incredible atmosphere throughout the festival all weekend long, and as recent news stories show, this isn’t something to take for granted. These are all great signs from our favorite festival, with an important weekend coming up next year for Shambhala’s 20th anniversary.
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