Welcome to the PorcFest Prickler! Every couple of weeks, we’ll post updates on the Free State Project’s upcoming PorcFest XI, which is shaping up to yet again be the liberty festival of the year. For daily updates, be sure to check this blog, and RSVP on the Facebook PorcFest event.
PorcFest Registration is Booming
Although it’s still almost two months away, Porcupines all across the land are excitedly making plans for PorcFest XI. In fact, registrations are exceeding expectations. As of April 26th, over 700 people had registered. This includes over 100 kids! Check out the many kid-friendly activities being planned by clicking on the “Family” filter on the right side of the schedule.
If you weren’t able to take advantage of the early-bird pricing, tickets are still available for $60 for the full week… but only through midnight on May 17th. Don’t delay; register today! While you’re at it, pre-order a PorcFest XI T-shirt or hoodie (pro-tip: the hoodies are running small this year; we recommend ordering the size above your usual size). Day passes will be available at Roger’s for $45/day.
If you haven’t booked lodging yet, now’s the time! Although Rogers “tent” sites are sold out, there are still “RV” sites available which are perfectly suitable for camping. If you’d prefer a hotel, there are still rooms available at nearby local hotels. More info here. A quick note on Rogers: there was a management change between last summer and now; while they’re working as fast as they can to process reservation requests, please try to cut them some slack if anything falls through the cracks. Both the Rogers staff and the PorcFest organizing team are working like gangbusters to ensure that PorcFest continues to be an amazing and inspiring experience for all attendees!
Speaking of the PorcFest organizing team, I can honestly say it is impressive. Led by the dynamic duo of Dave and Christine Butler, the team is organized, motivated, creative, and not afraid to shake things up a bit, while retaining all the aspects of PorcFest that past attendees know and love (for example, the Bardo Farm Pig Roast and Buzz’ Big Gay Dance Party). Curious about these lunatics hearty souls willing to brave the obligatory slings and arrows of online libertarian kvetching to bring you PorcFest XI? Check out the team bios. And when you run into any of these people at PorcFest, don’t forget to say “thanks”. Or offer bacon; bacon works, too.
DIY
The theme of this year’s festival is DIY (Do It Yourself). Dozens of classes and workshops are being offered so you can get hands-on experience learning valuable new skills. There’s something for just about everyone: making your own makeup, tie dying, shooting (MACHINE GUNS), dancing, making cheese, beekeeping… Seriously, take the time to look at the schedule and check out the mind-boggling array of offerings! And please register for the classes you plan to take, so that the instructors can plan ahead and have the right quantity of supplies on hand. Also, there is a fee for a few of the classes; see the registration page for details.
It wouldn’t be PorcFest without Agora Valley, and this year’s AV is going to be bigger than ever, with more than 50 vendors already signed up. A wide assortment of food will be available, so if you’re staying in a motel, or campsite cooking isn’t your thing, you will be able to eat well without ever leaving Roger’s. Please note that most vendors won’t be set up for credit card payments; cash, silver and Bitcoin are the preferred methods of exchange.
The extremely popular Liberty Ladies One Pot Cook-Off is returning on Thursday June 26th from 5:00PM to 8:00PM, and, like just about everything else, is shaping up to be bigger than ever, with a record-breaking number of participants. This event *will* sell out, so snag your ticket now.
PorcFest is a family reunion of sorts for many attendees, a time when FSP participants and friends reunite from all over the world for one magical week in the Great North Woods. But even if it’s your first time, you won’t be lonely because we’re throwing a party every night, just for you! No matter what day you arrive, you can expect an evening themed party hosted by a volunteer. Consult the “Social” filter on the schedule for more details. What with all the parties, dancing, live music, and bonfires, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow Porcupines and make new friends. Next thing you know, you’ll want to sign up and move!
Can’t wait to see you there!