We're Back-festalo!

So we took a one-year hiatus. Did that seem like a short time or a long time? It shouldn’t seem like that long ago, but it somehow feels like it was waaay too long ago. So many things have happened! We need to catch up. Under some stars. With maybe a band or two. And fireworks. And a film fest. And river rafting. And beers. Ah, hell, if you’re reading this, you know the drill, and you know what’s been missing from our lives. We need this, guys. Let’s get this thing going again. Some day we’ll be too old for this nonsense, but I assure you – that day is not here yet! So let’s eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow…we will be too old!

The Usual

Rock and Roll - Okay, so we’re planning on a lot of things you’ve come to know and expect. We’ll have bands. The Statutes of Liberty and The Penthouse Sweets are still rocking, willing, and able and they are both confirmed for Buffestalo 2014! I’m in discussion with several other bands as well, some of whom have never been to Buffestalo and some of whom have been and possibly played in various other configurations. Anyway, don’t worry about there being enough rock. We’re on it. If anything you should be worried about there being too much rock for your sorry ass.

Movies – We all love Filmfestalo, right? I know I love Filmfestalo. Filmfestalo requires engagement though. Have you ever made a film? Have you ever had an idea for a film? Well….what are you waiting for? Seriously, just make that thing. Don’t worry about how hard it is or whether or not you know what you’re doing…make it on your phone. YOU CAN MAKE A MOVIE WITH YOUR PHONE. Don’t forget that’s the world we live in now. Go make something. Once you get started it will take on a life of it’s own, and you wil be glad you made it, I promise. If no one makes films, it'll be a pretty lame Filmfestalo.

River rafting / tubing – Everyone’s into this, right? We thought it was a pretty awesome addition last time around, so we’ll assume everyone else feels the same and plan to set it up again. Takeaways from last time: 1) Hydrate! Man, that double calf cramp mid river was the worst (thanks again bro for the double mermanssage)! 2) Sunscreen. See Joe Chap for further details. 3) Canned beverages – we’ll plan to provide beverages for the party of course, but coolers with canned beverages are key to a successful river trip. Plan accordingly and bring what you need.

Dates – The 4^th of July is on a Friday this year.  The official dates of Buffestalo will be Friday, July 4^th through Sunday, July 6^th. Bands & fireworks on Friday, river trip and Filmfestalo on Saturday, aftermath and cleanup on Sunday. We’ll be up there for most of the week prior and people are welcome to show up early as long as they’re willing to be put to work.

Food and drink – We haven’t gotten to work on this in earnest yet, but the plan will be to do what we’ve done in the past – we’ll provide keg beer (and probably some cider this year – try and stop me!) and plan for one communal meal on Saturday between the river and the film fest. This will probably be a pig and turkey roast.  Everything beyond that is on a BYO-basis. There will be grills available, but don’t count on refrigerator/freezer space. We do have a ton of coolers up there, but best to plan to store and cool whatever you need for yourself.

The New

Kidfestalo – The time has come for us to introduce Avery to this event. I know people have brought kids to Buffestalo every year, but this year we plan to go a step further in accommodating the next generation. We’ll be working with Jeff to build some playground equipment inside tent city, look into renting a bouncy house, and we’re open to any other ideas and suggestions. Let us know if you plan to bring kids and have any other ideas on how to make this easy on parents and fun for the kids.

Surprises – It wouldn’t be Buffestalo if we didn’t come up with some new ideas, would it? We’re working on some. What’ve you got?

More to come...