Hippies are the New Old Retro Progressives

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of folk music, I’m not a supporter of communism, and I don’t own a single piece of tie-dyed clothing. So what does a folk music festival have to offer that keeps me coming back? Progressive thought.

A few summers ago one of my best friends begged me to camp out for 4 days with her at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. I reluctantly agreed at the time, but this summer I’m really hoping that I can make it back for my 4th consecutive year.

My first time I was excited to camp out at a festival. It was going to be a great bonding experience for me and my friends and I liked the idea of spending a few nights out under the stars. But I was wary about fitting in with the kind of people I imagined would be at a folk festival.

I had no reason to be nervous. I have never met a group of people more friendly, more helpful, or more accepting than the people I met at Falcon Ridge. Thousands of us put up our tents that summer, and not once did I come across someone who was unhappy or mean-spirited. Our “next-door neighbors” gave us the very helpful tip to set up our tent so our heads would be uphill from our feet. The guards at the main stage told us the way to get the best seats for the evening. Volunteers at the water station provided endless buckets of “bug-juice” to keep us from dehydrating in the July heat.

We spent most of our days at the dance tent. It was amazing to see people so fundamentally different from one another form lines that seemed to stretch for miles along across the dance floor. We danced square dances, contras, zydeco, and waltzes. And not once did anyone refuse to take hands with their new partner. Everyone smiled and laughed, missteps were lovingly corrected, and novices mingled with masters. There was no race limitation, no age separation, no gender definition, no anger or hate anywhere. People danced from 10am to 2am and were lined up to dance again the next day.

The dance tent wasn’t the only progressive area. The vendors were incredible too. There were stands with delicious organic foods, stands with information about government programs, and stands selling handmade crafts. There was even a bus powered entirely by vegetable oil and sunshine that sold the most amazing crepes. Ideas were shared and goods sold.

But the most progressive moment came during my 2nd time camping. It was Friday night and everyone was out on their blankets listening to the music at the main stage. Dar Williams was performing and had almost finished her set. She asked the audience to turn out all their lights, but get ready to turn them back on. Then she brought out her young son who was able to come to the festival for the first time. On the count of three the entire field lit up with flashlights, lanterns, cell phones, and lighters. After her son went off stage her voice shook as she thanked us for making the world such a magical place for a 2-year-old.

And Falcon Ridge Folk Festival is just that for me. A magical place that materializes in the sultry July heat to show me how wonderfully progressive people can be if they have open minds and big hearts.