New Jammer

[headjamzz]

Good afternoon! This is my first time on the Mountain this year, and I have a few questions about the Jam. First some background- My name is Bonnie and I'm 21 years of age as is the rest of my jam crew. We've heard horror stories about police checkpoints outside the festival- and crazy security in the festival. We are a little worried about the initial search of getting in to the festival - for obvious reasons. Is it super uptight? Is it the type of atmosphere at most festivals? I was guessing not as much since the festival is so kid friendly (not saying that's a problem- i love the kiddies)- I've been to quite a few festivals and I've heard this one is different when it comes to raging. Regardless of the case- my boyfriend and I are super excited for Umphrey's and Bobby- and I'm sure it's going to be a great time. Don't get me wrong, we love to rage- but it won't be the end of the world if it's not that type of atmosphere. All I care about is the good vibes

[Nate]

I ride up route 23a to Hunter, last year was my first jam and i didn't see any checkpoints nor go through any. I have heard of a route (maybe 32?) that sets up a check point each year. The initial search wasn't that extreme for us but I guess it depends on who searches it. Once I got into the fest last year, after i hearing all the stories of undercovers and cops roaming the fest and busting jammers for a little bit of green on them, i was a little skeptical. But it ended up being a free for all once I got in. Security was really laid back with partying, but not as great with the more serious issues like the robbing of a section of the mountain on saturday or sunday night. I saw very few cops throughout the weekend

[sparkdog]

Security can be hit or miss. More miss if you're not smart. My experience with security when you first enter the campground is they are mostly looking for glass and tanks. Besides that, as long as you're smart about driving into town (i.e. Don't break any traffic laws, make sure your lights are all working, registration is up to date, etc) and entering the camp, you should be fine.

As for raging, you'll find Mt. Jam is a very accepting environment. People are great and really don't get into a whole lot of judgment. There's all sorts at Mt. Jam - from families to ragers to familes of ragers. I find it to be a pretty typical festival environment.

Now, if by raging you mean throwing up all over the guy next to you, wigging out and getting violent, being a dick about space, and not bringing the love, then someone may have issues. But I don't think that describes you.

Trust us - you're going to have a great weekend. I go to a lot of festivals but Mt. Jam is by far my favorite.

[headjamzz]

That's great to hear!! We are all super duper excited to rage and listen to wonderful music . And as for arriving, my boyfriend and I have been in an ongoing argument about what time to leave. We are coming from NH and it's about a 6 hr drive. he insists we leave at 7am- i insist on leaving at 4am to get a good spot. how are the lines?

[kenski]

I recommend that If you are coming in from the north via the NY Thruway ( I 87 ) get off at exit 21 take rte 23 west to rte 296 south to rte 23a east . Most of the police presence seems to be concentrated at the Thruway Exit 20 where you get a large contingent of people coming from NYC & points south .

[sparkdog]

Here's a thread on when is the best time to arrive. It contains a lot of our useless blather (though I note the absence of llama talk in this thread, which is a plus) but has some useful info.

mountainjam.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=1&action=display&thread=135

[bmutt]

I posted this on a different festival site and it seemed to get positive responses. To be clear, I'm a first time Jammer too, but have been to enough of these things to know whats what.

Here's some simple pointers about security...

1. Don't be an idiot, don't be an ass, just use common sense.
2. Don't decorate your car with MOUNTAIN JAM BOUND!!!!!... this = unwanted attention
3. Strategic Packing. (pause for affect). Strategic Packing will make your check in so much easier. What does this mean? I'm happy you asked. It means to understand they want to see in your cooler for glass. They want to see how much booze you brought. They want to know how you are cooking your food. Make it easy for them. Make your cooler, your booze, your grill and your propane the easiest things to get to. When you get out of the car so they can search it... lead them to where these things are.
4. Don't bring fireworks, if you do, you're an ass*$#@. Seriously.
5. Your bags shouldn't get searched. they will want to see what I've listed above. They'll want to know you didn't bring glass, fireworks, charcoal, weapons or illegal items.
6. Be smart. you have four days to come unglued and have a good time. Wait till you get in and set up.
7. Be kind to those checking you in. They are volunteering their time. Offer them water. Wish them a happy festival. Be nice.
8. things that shouldn't be visible, make sure they are not visible.
9. Glove box and center council are fair game for them to search.

Read more: rothburyfest.proboards.com/thread/5313/?page=7#ixzz333PKmdjF

[headjamzz]

Yess!! Thank you all for the useful info!! Been a huge help Only 8 more days!!!!!!!!!!

[misterbrow]

Totally in agreement with the be nice part. We tend to be overly nice. It makes for a memorable experience for them too. We typically get to know a guard or two to the point where by Sunday we are taking pictures with them. Upon leaving to make a Grand Union run a few years back we stop at the checkpoint to say we were coming back that way in about a half an hour and they said OK bring back breakfast. We handed off a box of doughnuts. Good times. Although, two years ago we got a guard reassigned as he let us take over his post. Hysterical. 

[crewfan]

Great post BMutt.

This is my second Mtn. Jam and I found the environment pretty chilled last year and a great place to simple relax on the hill and listen to the music or stand in the pit and rage. It has become my favorite festival.

Take the time to ride the chair lift up the hill and to make unpacking easier pay the tav/golf cart folks money to haul you and your gear to your spot.