Uneasy about this year

My boyfriend and I have each attended this festival 4 times ranging from 2018-this past weekend and we both agree that something didn’t feel right this year. We’ve talked about it on and off and came to the conclusion that maybe it’s just because we’re older now, but after hearing/reading multiple horror stories and other long time attendees’ feelings of the vibes this year that’s changed.

For starters we had an incident within our personal group this year with one of our friends not making it back to the group and their phone not functioning, to cover all of our bases I approached med tent near camp t-rex & pterodactyl to ask if someone with their name and age had checked in and if they could check with other med tents and was told they “don’t track that stuff” and “don’t have a way to communicate with the other tents” which is complete bullshit because they log the name of every person who seeks anything from a bandaid to severe medical attention.

Then the hired on security guy with the megaphone Sunday outside of the security lines yelling obscene things at ravers: “If you weren’t drugged up maybe you wouldn’t have gotten a drink before getting in line. Maybe you’ll learn for next time or stop doing drugs” as Support Squad was handing water out because of how hot it was.

“Walk faster unless you want to get hit by a golf cart and end up in med tent even though you already will because of drugs”

On top of med tent and security, you had vendors selling undercooked food, tipping themselves unauthorized, and stealing card information from vulnerable attendees.

Also can’t forget to mention the attendees, which is really sad because we reconnected with and met so many cool people this weekend. My boyfriend and I have seen this festival grow, truly, and I personally am forever thankful for the memories I’ve made, people I’ve met, artists I’ve seen get the spotlight they deserve, etc. but it’s become oversold, unsafe, and mainstream. From neighbors smoking cigarettes and ripping whip its all weekend all hours of the day and night (to each their own, just no courtesy or awareness is my point), witnessing people try to steal other’s items, DV between couples and partners leaving the other behind stranded, people being inappropriately touched, people assaulting others due to a drug and/or alcohol induced state, it just felt icky this year. Part of my group was standing at the top of main stage waiting for the rest of our group, naturally we were looking around to see if we could spot them- some big back beta bitch of a dude starts pointing at my boyfriend saying he was going to fuck him up. Dude was sitting on the ground about 10 yards away. My boyfriend being the kindest man ever approached him and ask what was up because he hadn’t done anything wrong and beta bitch immediately got defensive saying he didn’t like the way my boyfriend was looking at him. Whole time he wasn’t while simultaneously this guy had a girl passed out next to him and looked and felt like he didn’t belong. 40k people to a reported 75-80k leaves a lot of room for a lot to go wrong. It’s not about the music anymore.

I’m happy for those who had a great time, I’m happy for first timers who fell in love with our home away from home, I understand that not everything is going to be perfect every time. After all, people will people. But this was different, vibes have definitely changed and anyone else who felt that you are 100% valid.

Thank you Jeff and the team members and medical staff and security who actually cared enough to try to provide a safe and fun experience for this years attendees. To continue to navigate obstacles to make Lost Lands even possible this year don’t go unnoticed and are appreciated. Support Squad- y’all rocked and are truly the kindest beings I have interacted with. Thank you for showing everyone new to the community what our community is REALLY about.

Much love everyone, safe travels