Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
You're right. Kids do need to play more outside, your absolutely right. Personally I just wouldn't take my kids to a festival well known for its d r u g use. That's just my opinion, though. I'm not saying parents who take their kids to festivals are irresponsible, I just know that I wouldn't be able to keep up with a kid there... that's all I'm saying...
How would being outside at Roo all day be any different than being outside all day at Six Flags or some other amsusment park? As long as the kids have plenty of hydration, sunblock, maybe a squirty fan, several trips to one of the places with AC, and of course the Shroom Fountain, they should be fine (assuming that the parents are responsible enough to not get wasted off their gourds).
I hope I don't wind up with any horror stories! This will be my first 'Roo, and I am paranoid that I won't be prepared enough! I am a little anxious about the stinky porta potties too! But I am still super excited about going!!!!
Go with an open mind and a carefree attitude, dont worry about too much packing, its only 4 days and you spend all your time having so much fun, you forget about the things you forgot at home....Water is very important, dont forget that! Other than that your golden!
As my Inebriated buddy walks out of the Porto, he yells out, "Dude...I love this place...bonnaroo thinks about everything...they even put beer holders next to the toilet!"
Had to break it to him that that was the urnal. Good times good times!
Personally I just wouldn't take my kids to a festival well known for its d r u g use.
Why shelter them. It's a reality. It's everywhere. I would rather have educated children when the time comes for them to make decisions rather than shelter them. Sheltered kids make bad decisions when they grow up.
I don't go around pointing out drug use to them. But I try to find an answer best suited for their questions without lying to them.
1karen1 and jenn....I am pretty sure you are missing the point of previous posters. These 'horror' stories happen when parents are NOT responsible.
But to say bonnaroo is just like going to six flags or another amusement park (which are geared directly to families and children) or spending a day outside playing in the backyard is crazy.
Personally I just wouldn't take my kids to a festival well known for its d r u g use.
Why shelter them. It's a reality. It's everywhere. I would rather have educated children when the time comes for them to make decisions rather than shelter them. Sheltered kids make bad decisions when they grow up.
I don't go around pointing out NO NO WORD!!! use to them. But I try to find an answer best suited for their questions without lying to them.
Crunchies for this...I was just thinking the same thing myself. I'm convinced that having an open and honest dialogue with my parents about booze and party favors (from a very young age) is what kept me from messing with either until I was old enough to do so responsibly.
"We're no longer called Sonic Death Monkey. We're on the verge of becoming Kathleen Turner Overdrive, but just for tonight, we are Barry Jive and his Uptown Five. "
is roo really that well known for its drug use? I don't know, maybe I'm just jaded but most people I know don't really associate roo with drugs, I mean there are a ton of fests I would put before roo that have a much more open use policy. I mean at starscape you can bump a line, take a dip and a pull all at the same time in front of a cop and as long as you don't punch anyone he'll leave you alone.
But to say bonnaroo is just like going to six flags or another amusement park (which are geared directly to families and children) or spending a day outside playing in the backyard is crazy.
Actually it is the same thing. Both are outdoor entertainment. The six flags by my house even has camp grounds. It's all the same. The kids are always with me no matter what environment.
Also my comments were not in response to the OP talking about bad experiences, it was to the person/people that say they think kids should not be at Bonnaroo period.
That is one thing I hear time and time again. NO KIDS AT FESTS. I just don't get it. I'm the parent. I'm in charge of the kids. So don't look down your nose at me. Not saying that any of you are this way but I have had people come up to me and say very rude things to me about having the kids with me. It's amazing.
Post by questionablesanity on May 19, 2009 7:01:15 GMT -5
I meant no disrespect to responsible parents who actually watch their kids. I, personally, would never take my child to a festival. But I am extremely over protective. The drug use wouldn't bother me, it's the elements. If it's hard on me, it's gonna be harder on my child. He wouldn't enjoy it, so I wouldn't take him. If he wants to go when he's a teenager, I would consider it.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
Post by autumnsredtears on May 19, 2009 7:10:11 GMT -5
No way in hell i would bring a kid 12 years old or younger... you don't need to be put in an environment such as roo's at a young age... just imagine.. "mommy what are doses?", "what's wrong with that guy".... there are simply things are bonnaroo that kids don't need to see, what if your kid happened to stumble upon some brownies or cookies and eat the hell out of them and pass out for 20 hours... i don't think that would be funny, but it's absolutely possible. You can't keep your eye on them for 4 days straight, it just isn't possible, quacked up or not.. just my 2 cents...
Last Edit: May 19, 2009 7:10:32 GMT -5 by autumnsredtears - Back to Top
^^^That is completely rediculous. Obviously I have kept "an eye" on my kids for more than 4 days. They are 5 and 6. I've kept them safe and happy for alot more than 4 days. 4 days is no big deal.
As far as eating brownies. That is the most rediculous thing I have ever heard. Nobody stubles upon that. Unless I give it to them they are not eating it. Hello, common sense.
As far as what they see and their questions, I have already answered that. I don't feel the need to again.
You my friend are obviously not a parent and have never taken the time to pay attention to all of the things your parents have done for you.
I'm sorry if I sound defensive or rude. But that statement is very ignorant and offensive.
EDIT and by the way. I see that you are 17. I was a mother and engaged by the time I was 18 so you age is no excuse for your ignorance and immaturity.
I am a parent of a 13 year old and a 5 year old, I have taken them to open air concerts, but personally I do not plan on taking my kids to a festival such as roo. I have been to Roo 2 years and have seen some things that I don't want to have to explain to my kids. As you said, responsible is the key element, and if you are responsible, unlike the mother who I saw let her kids play in the run off water from the wash areas or abandon your kid next to a passed out festival goer, then it is your choice to do so. That's whats great about roo we are all capable to make our choices, as long as we are responsible for those choices.
BTW my kids are not allowed to play inside until it is dark and they are both involved in Athletics, so in no way are they sheltered, they are raised by two individuals who want them to experience the world responsibly.
As my Inebriated buddy walks out of the Porto, he yells out, "Dude...I love this place...bonnaroo thinks about everything...they even put beer holders next to the toilet!"
Had to break it to him that that was the urnal. Good times good times!
^^^ And that's fine. I don't think that everyone with kids should bring them. But I think that I should't have to defend myself when I am out with my kids.
"You can't keep your eye on them for 4 days straight, it just isn't possible" saying things like that.
I have a 15, 11 and 4 year old - I have no desire to take them to Bonnaroo. The 15 year old wants to go. I choose not to expose her to the things that go on so blatently in the open there. She is by no means sheltered. We have talked about it all and continue to talk about it. But I feel no need to expose her to that. As for the other 2 - there is no way I could keep up with them. Bonnaroo is my vacation from the kids. If other parents can bring their kids and be responsible to care for them and make sure their needs are met - go for it. It's not for me.
As my Inebriated buddy walks out of the Porto, he yells out, "Dude...I love this place...bonnaroo thinks about everything...they even put beer holders next to the toilet!"
Had to break it to him that that was the urnal. Good times good times!
^^ This....Vacation...I cant wait till my wife finally cracks and comes!
Oh - for your sake - I hope she cracks and comes - it is great to have the time with Boz - no worried about the kids, bills, work or any of the realities of life. Just the two of us seeing shows that we want to see and enjoying ourselves with friends.
We go back to the "real world" much less stressed and better able to handle the responsibilities of adult life
I meant no disrespect to responsible parents who actually watch their kids. I, personally, would never take my child to a festival. But I am extremely over protective. The NO NO WORD!!! use wouldn't bother me, it's the elements. If it's hard on me, it's gonna be harder on my child. He wouldn't enjoy it, so I wouldn't take him. If he wants to go when he's a teenager, I would consider it.
^^exactly I cant wait to start taking my daughter to festivals, but Roo isnt one at the top of the list until shes about 13. It Isnt the environment in a sense its the elements. She doesnt know when shes dehydrated. Its not like theres alot of shade to sit under. I know how run down i feel at the end of the day. Going to six flags is different when you leave six flags you go home or to a hotel. You ride rides, where there is wind blowing to cool you down, you can shower when you leave there. I dont have to worry bout some drunk idiot falling on her at noon. The six flags/backyard analogy isnt workin for me.
^^^ And that's fine. I don't think that everyone with kids should bring them. But I think that I should't have to defend myself when I am out with my kids.
"You can't keep your eye on them for 4 days straight, it just isn't possible" saying things like that.
Stupidity makes me sad.
Oh you don't need to defend yourself, as I said its your choice. You are responsible for you kids, I know I just don't have to take care of them for you. I would love to take my kids to fests, but I know that the human factor and stupidity play a big role in my decision. I know I am a good parent, as I am sure you are as well, therefore, there is no need to argue with anyone over your choices, for your children. The same goes for people without kids, their choices should only affect themselves and not the ones around them.
I think that the original argument was over the mother who left her kids next to a person who was obviously under the influence, and felt that it was the responsible thing to do. Fortunately for her, a fight did not break out around the kid in the stroller and then the kid gets crushed. I also do not worry about the parent taking care of their kid, its the other idiots that may do something stupid or be unable to control themselves. Look at what happened at wood stock 1999, you never never know what the human factor has to do in the safety of children. As a kid I was caught in a riot with my family and it sucked, I was terrified, and luckily nothing happened.
As I said in the thread earlier, go with an open mind, and have fun.
As my Inebriated buddy walks out of the Porto, he yells out, "Dude...I love this place...bonnaroo thinks about everything...they even put beer holders next to the toilet!"
Had to break it to him that that was the urnal. Good times good times!
I've been going to festivals regularly for over 10 years now. I'm not counting the things I did with my parents when I was under 13. And I have been to all sorts of them. Trust me, Bonnaroo is one of the most organized and well run fests there is. It's clean. There is constant free water. There is food everywhere. It's easy to navigate. There are staff and volunteers everywhere to assist you if needed. It's actually close to civilization. I could go on and on.
I took the kids to one that didn't have real outhouses even. Just home made ones. Thank god they were still in diapers so it wasn't an issue.
I've been to ones that have had free breakfast lunch and dinner.
I've been to ones that are in the woods and the walkways are paths lit with glowsticks.
Bonnaroo is the most main stream festival there is now, and just fine for a family vacation.
Post by insidejoke on May 19, 2009 10:21:55 GMT -5
I think the moral of the story is...would your child benefit from the experience? What is he/she gaining from attending? Certainly an appreciate for music, nature, and culture. However, are you putting them under physical stress by having them exposed to 100 degree heat for four days straight? Are you putting them under mental stress by having them surrounded by 90,000 strangers without a truly "safe spot?" Or are you sharing a wonderful experience that will shape their world-view forever? Who knows...every child is different.
Everyone has their own parenting style, and that's one reason the world is an interesting place. I, personally, will take my girls to concerts, but not to a festival. They are 6 and 3 and not ready for it.
And I agree with malo...this discussion was started over the completely irresponsible acts of a parent who left their young child alone, in public, at night. That's inexcusable.
In Buffalo there are free concerts all summer long.
These are all free. Tuesday in the Park June 9th Reverend Horton Heat June 16th Blue Oyster Cult June 23rd America June 30th Blue Rodeo July 7th The Guess Who July 14th Grand Funk Railroad July 21st 54-40 July 28th Starship starring Mickey Thomas August 4th Chris Isaak August 11th The Machine performs the music of Pink Floyd August 18th The Outlaws August 25th Peter Frampton
Thursday at the Square May 28, 2009 - Gomez with special guest Steel Trai and Alberta Cross June 4, 2009 - An Evening with The Disco Biscuits June 11, 2009 - Robert Randolph & The Family Band with special guest The Dana Fuchs Band June 18, 2009 - Better Than Ezra with special guest Tyrone Wells June 25, 2009 - Los Lobos July 2, - Zappa Plays Zappa July 9 - Los Lonely Boys July 16 - George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic July 23 - Neko Case July 30 - The Avett Brothers with special guest Cornmeal
Buffalo Rocks the Harbor Friday, June 26th - Medeski Martin & Wood and Umphrey’s McGee Saturday, June 27th - Joan Osborne and Yonder Mountain String Band Saturday, July 18, The Robert Cray Band with special guests John Hammond Trio and Indigenous Sunday, July 19 - The Black Crowes
Saturday, August 1- Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers and Martin Sexton Sunday, August 2 - Gov’t Mule Friday, September 4, 2009 - The Wallflowers with special guests Tea Leaf Green Saturday, September 5, 2009 - Great Big Sea with special guests Kathleen Edwards and Jeremy Fisher
So summertime is music time. And since we live in Buffalo winter time is the time to travel to places like Disney World.
Bonnaroo really isn't the Batan Death March that we all make it out to be sometimes. Karen is right - all things considered it is a very well organized and family friendly festival. I mean good lord, they have an entire campsite devoted to FAMILY camping. I don' think it's any harder to manage hydration, nutrition and the elements at Bonnaroo than it it at say...a long weekend at the beach.
Contrary to popular sentiment there are LOTS of places to get out of the weather @ 'Roo - but not if you want to be watching a show every hour of every day. Granted that IS how I approach things, but I am a young man only responsible for myself. A family with a more relaxed and balanced plan for the day shouldn't have any problem staying happy and healthy on the Farm.
As to exposing your kids to the Bonnaroo "sub-culture" - unless you are wandering around Shakedown or letting your kids stop on the side of the road to talk to the unofficial party favor vendors, I'm not sure what the big deal is. Yea there is a lot of smoking @ 'Roo, but beyond that I don't see that many people in the ACT of indulging right there in the open. As to people acting funny...I mean how much you want to explain to your child about that is up to you, but I don't think a lot of detail beyond "they're just having fun" or "he/she is talking to someone we can't see" is really necessary.
Bottom line - Bonnaroo is about as family friendly festival as I can imagine, and I don't see any reason why a responsible parent couldn't or shouldn't bring their child of any age, as long as they come prepared.
"We're no longer called Sonic Death Monkey. We're on the verge of becoming Kathleen Turner Overdrive, but just for tonight, we are Barry Jive and his Uptown Five. "
As my Inebriated buddy walks out of the Porto, he yells out, "Dude...I love this place...bonnaroo thinks about everything...they even put beer holders next to the toilet!"
Had to break it to him that that was the urnal. Good times good times!
Post by satellitebob on May 19, 2009 10:52:46 GMT -5
back to horror stories. I may have, probably, tore my acl last week. Had the mri friday and my follow up with the doc tomorrow. If it is as me and the doc suspect I'll need to get a new acl, but plan on making the surgery for the week after bonnaroo. I'm gonna be a good lil' trooper and not let this ruin my good time. in theory.
back to horror stories. I may have, probably, tore my acl last week. Had the mri friday and my follow up with the doc tomorrow. If it is as me and the doc suspect I'll need to get a new acl, but plan on making the surgery for the week after bonnaroo. I'm gonna be a good lil' trooper and not let this ruin my good time. in theory.
Dang, sorry to hear that...but what a trooper!!! Hope you have a blast!
As my Inebriated buddy walks out of the Porto, he yells out, "Dude...I love this place...bonnaroo thinks about everything...they even put beer holders next to the toilet!"
Had to break it to him that that was the urnal. Good times good times!
