An Alien Experience

A Day at Electric Forest

Story and photos by Mark Pitzer

Electric Forest!
The annual youth dominated event that annually engulfs the Rothbury area is often the subject of conversation around these parts  as well as a source of consternation among those who are affected by the voluminous traffic that often accompanies the happening.
 Our friend Mark Pitzer had the opportunity to get a close up view of the Double J doings and we asked him to contribute his take on this year’s version.

​An incredible number of young people have paid to experience the Electric Forest Festival in rural Oceana County this weekend.The massive influx of people is both well planned and highly congested.  The operators of the Double J Ranch work miracles with festival planners, state and local authorities to control the impact of 45,000 plus visitors.

Festival participants enjoy camping, concerts and displaying a wide variety of colorful costumes in a highly developed artistic environment.  Months of planning with years of experience have paid great dividends for festival goers. Campers fill a multitude of fields with cars,colorful tents and banners in tightly organized areas with porta-johns and essential services available.

​The real draw is the very colorful music festival with five stages and circus tents with the never to be forgotten Electric Forest area hosting an incredible array of artwork, magnificent lighting and people watching. 

This is a highly visual experience and concert festival for younger members of the "alternative culture".  High regard is bestowed for unusual costumes and body art.
​
 It was an alien experience I will always remember and cherish.