Frequently Asked Questions

Festival Hours:
Friday July 31, 2009 12:00pm - Sunday August 2, 4pm

Gate Arrival Hours:
Please arrive during the following entry times.
Friday July 31, 2009: 12:00pm - 1:00am (13 total hours)
Saturday August 1, 2009: 10:00am - 1:00am (15 total hours)
The front gate will close to entry after 1am each night to ensure maximum safety and efficiency. Festival goers will be able to leave the grounds at any time.

Re-Entry Policy:
You will receive a wristband at your point of entry that will allow you to come and go from the festival grounds as needed while your band is secured around your wrist and not tampered with. Please endeavor to minimize your exits and entries. If you must leave to get something, see it as an opportunity to ask your neighbors if you can get anything for them. Good neighbors will help keep the gate running smoothly and efficiently for all.

Carpool and Tenting Policy:
The Oracle Gatherings have long strived to harmonize with our natural location. To promote the reduction of fuels and energy used in transport and to create the least amount of impact on the land, we have implemented the following guidelines.

IDEAL SCENARIO
You carpool with three or more attendees in your vehicle.
(kids under 16 included)
Park in the vehicle lot, and set your tent up in one of the tent camping areas.
Your ticket covers this low impact experience.

CARPOOL AND CAR CAMPING GREEN FEES
Arriving with fewer than three in your vehicle - $20
Camping next to your car - $30
each addition charged upon arrival
non-refundable
(Max fees in addition to ticket = $50)

You may choose to take either alternative or both as your situation requires. Your increased impact will carry a fee that will be applied to the costs of maintaining the property for this festival. If this event breaks even or better ALL GREEN FEES will purchase carbon offsets for this festival.

Alcohol Policy:
No alcohol will be allowed on the festival grounds. If you are found with alcohol you will be asked to turn it over to security. Participants who do not comply may be asked to leave.

Pets Policy:
No pets of any kind are allowed on the festival grounds. If you have a documented assistance animal and require its services for mobility, please contact us via our contact form at http://www.oraclegatherings.com/contact and let us know about your situation.

Trash Policy - Leave No Trace:
Please help us minimize impact to the site by packing-out your own trash, recycling and compost, and picking up litter if you find it. You will be given a garbage bag upon arrival, so you can take your trash with you when you leave.

I lost my ticket. What should I do?
Bring your ID. We will have a list with the names of people who purchased tickets from Brown Paper Tickets. Just let the gate staff know what your situation is.

I purchased my ticket early and has the original date in June printed on it. Will it be accepted?
Your ticket is still valid and will be accepted at the gate.

Do I need to buy tickets for my kids?
Kids under 16 are free with a paying adult. Everyone 16 and older needs a ticket. See http://www.oraclegatherings.com/tickets for more info.

What is the weather supposed to be like in Randle?
The predicted weather for the festival weekend has changed dramatically from day to day, so the best thing you can do is look at the forecast closer to the event. You can see what they are saying today here: www.weather.com. Be prepared for weather ranging from sunny and hot up to 90˚F down to the 50s at night. Rain and wind are always a possibility in the NW so be prepared for anything.

What types of clothes should I bring?
We suggest bringing light summer clothes for the sunny days and layers for the night. Long sleeves are critical for dusk when the mosquitos are out in force. Rain gear may also be handy. Hiking boots and good socks will work best in the medium length grass and sandals will be nice in the more used areas where the grass has been matted down. Contumes are always encouraged and appreciated, but are not required. Come as you are and bring what you need to be comfortable in a variety of situations.

How much food and water should I bring?
In a festival setting, most people find they do best on about two meals a day with snacks in between. Food vendors will be offering a variety of meals and snacks, but bring plenty of your favorite yummies just in case. It is always nice to have enough to share with new friends and old. Bring enough water for the drives to and from the site. Potable water will be available to refill your containers from several water stations. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING REFILLABLE CONTAINERS.

Should I bring my own eating utensils and dishes?
Yes. We have asked our food vendors to provide compostable utensils and plates, but bringing your own reusables is always better and created minimal waste.

I have a bicycle that can handle off-road terrain. Can I bring it to get around the festival?
YES! This is a fantastic idea and *highly* recommended. Please be aware that anything you bring is at your own risk and The Oracle Gatherings can not guarantee the safety of your bike. At this time we are not planning a bike repair shop, so bring your own patches and tire pump.

Can I bring my drums or another musical instrument?
YES! There will be plenty of opportunities for drum circles and spontaneous jam sessions. We do ask that you keep the volume low in the camping areas after dark. There are many spaces in the main festival grounds that are well suited for music making. If you want to play along with the amplified musicians and DJs, it is important that you make sure you have their permission to be near them. DJs especially need clear sound from the monitors to keep their beats matched; even the most accurate drummer can make mixing difficult. It is usually a great idea to drum away from the DJ booth to make sure that everyone has what they need to create the best sound experience.

I have a sound system. Can I set up a small stage near my camp?
Absolutely not. We are aware that many other festivals such as Burning Man allow and encourage this, but The Oracle Gatherings are different. We have a large group of artists and designers who have carefully crafted a complete intentional experience, and surprise stages are not a part of the vision of this event. If you attempt to set up any amplified sound, our security make sure it is turned off and packed away. If you are unwilling to comply, you may be asked to leave the festival grounds.

Should I bring firewood for camp fires?
Camp fires are not allowed on this property. There will be two communal fires. One is outside The Wishing Well hall, and another is in the center of The Village. Your firewood is appreciated, but there is already plenty of wood on site for our needs.

Can I arrive before or stay after the official festival hours?
No. Early arrival is for staff and prearranged volunteers only.

Can I leave in my car and return during the festival?
See re-entry policy.

What will happen if I bring my dog?
If you have not prearranged and had your service animal approved, you will be refused entry to the event and will be given directions to a nearby state park.

Are motorcycles and Smart Cars subject to the fees for low occupancy vehicles?
No fees for occupancy will be charged to Smart Cars or motorcycles because they have a small carbon footprint and physical footprint.

Why are you charging for car camping and low vehicle occupancy?
Part of the Oracle Gatherings mission is to strive for sustainability. There are many ways for us to encourage people to create a minimal impact on the festival grounds and our larger issues of climate change, resource consumption, and environmental pollution. We chose an economic incentive rather than enforce hard and fast rules. This allows for a maximum level of choice while directly offsetting the financial impact that our presence will have on the property. It does this by placing the financial burden directly on those who choose not to follow our guidelines, rather than increasing ticket prices for everyone. This plan facilitates a high degree of freedom with a high level of responsibility for each participant's individual impact on the environment.

Is it possible to be charged for car camping AND having less than three in my vehicle?
Yes. If a party arrives with less than three in their vehicle AND they want to car camp, they will be charged $50 at the gate.

Is there anything I can do to make my time waiting at the gate shorter?
Yes. You can:

• Be ready to tell the gate staff you need to purchase tickets or that you already have tickets (in hand or will call).
• If you are purchasing, have $100 cash for each person in hand.
• Know if you want to car camp or not and if you are car camping, have the fee in hand.
• Have NO ALCOHOL in your vehicle.

When is the best time to arrive and set up camp?
Friday afternoon between 1 and 3pm.
Opening ceremony starts at 4pm, immediately followed by Communiversity workshops and music.

Can I save camping space for my friends who are arriving later?
Yes. There is plenty of space for camping and a reasonable amount of space can be saved by placing some of your stuff on the ground. Camping is largely self regulating. If saving space is really important, you may want to consider leaving someone at camp to wait for the rest of your group.

Can I make a camp fire?
No. The only fires allowed on site are the large community fires outside of The Wishing Well Hall and in the middle of The Village.

Can I bring and use my camp stove?
Propane or gas powered stoves are OK, but make sure you are vigilantly watching any open flames.

Is there shaded space in the camping area?
Not really. The camping area is a large flat grass area with very few trees. This means almost everyone will be very exposed to full sun all day. Those who are familiar should think of it like Burning Man with grass.

Can I set up a large shade structure for me and my camp mates?
YES! Please do and invite others to set up camp in or near it. Shady places will be essential in the afternoon.

How far is car camping from tent camping?
These areas are right next to each other with a narrow stream and a fence separating them. There is a bridge and gate, so going back and forth is convenient.

How far is the camping area from the main festival?
Very close to The Village and approx. 1/8 mile. from the The Fountian Main Stage. Close, but not too close.

Is there a quiet place to camp?
Yes, but camping goes on a first come, first served basis. If you have special needs, make sure you tell our camping volunteers and arrive early.
Should I be prepared for biting insects?
YES! At dusk you should be prepared for mosquitos. Long sleeves are essential during the peak times. They are mostly gone a couple of hours after dark.

Is water freely available and can we drink it?
Yes and yes. There are several water stations throughout the festival grounds. All water is fresh well water from mountain runoff. It is tested and safe for drinking. It is quite tasty too!

Are there showers available on site?
We are building very basic showers. If you plan to use them, you will only be allowed to use the soap we have provided because it will be safe and biodegradable. This means no shampoos, conditioners, or other cleaning products that are not attached to the showers.

Can I have access to power?
All power is reserved for festival facilities. We are having to bring in generators to fulfill our power needs and in order to minimize the fuel burned to produce this power we will not be making it available to participants. In you have a true emergency or special need and want to ask us about it, please use our contact form at http://www.oraclegatherings.com/contact .

How many toilets will there be and how often will they be cleaned?
We will have a large supply of port-o-potties on site and will have a minimum of 13. We will add more as needed. These will be cleaned once a day in the mornings.

What kind of the terrain should I expect on site?
The terrain is mostly grassy fields with grass between 6 and 16 inches tall. Good shoes and socks will make trekking around much easier. There are a few wooded trails and hills on the edges of the property.

Will I get cell phone reception on the festival grounds?
We have tested several carriers and have found that Verizon has good reception in most areas while Sprint and AT&T have spotty reception in some areas.

Where do I find first aid at the festival?
On the North side of the The Wishing Well Hall (largest wooden structure on the property) you will see a large red plus sign for first aid. This area will have staff ready to help with all kinds of emergencies.

Who will be helping the injured and sick?
We have hired several medics (EMTs) who will be either at the first aid station or available by radio at all times. We also have on ER doctor and 1 ER nurse. Again, you can find First Aid on the North side of the wooden hall.

What do I do if I am or see someone who is hurt/sick or in emotional distress?
If you can get to the First Aid station, that is the best option because a skilled medic will either be there or nearby. If moving is not an option, you can look for one of our security staff if they are handy. They have a radio and can call the medic on call. Even if it seems minor, it is a good idea to at least let us know and have someone assess your situation.

I am a trained Medic. How can I volunteer to help?
After you arrive and set up your camp, check in at the First Aid station and let us know where you are camping. Be alert and help notify us that something is going on. We appreciate your support.

Can I bring my kids?
YES! Oracle Gatherings have always been for all ages and we are welcoming to families.

Do I need to buy tickets for my kids?
Kids under 16 are free with a paying adult. Everyone 16 and older needs a ticket. See http://www.oraclegatherings.com/tickets for more info.

What activities are available for my kids?
This event features Communiveristy workshops geared toward kids, the Squid Room where kids can play and relax, and an art and crafts area. Parents often collaborate to create additional fun experiences on site. Check out the Mother Earth event photos to see the fun the kids were having.

May I go for a swim in the river?
We *strongly discourage* anyone from swimming in the river. The Cowlitz River has a strong and steady current, and swimmers would quickly find themselves moving downstream away from the festival. Boats often travel down the river and will not necessarily be looking out for swimmers. If you do decide to get in the river, you are doing so at your own risk. THERE ARE NO LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY. You will be signing a waver as you arrive that releases the Oracle Gatherings and Dragon Sphere Recreation Park from any liability from occurrences in the river.

Can I drink the river water?
Drinking river water is not recommended. We have not tested this water for drinking and we can assume it contains runoff from area ranches and farms which may be harmful if consumed. Please get your water from several water stations located throughout the festival grounds.

Can I dump liquid waste in the river?
Absolutely not. Liquid waste is your responsibility along with your trash. Bring a container for waste water and pack out when you leave.

Will there be security on site?
Yes. Several event security team members will be on duty at all times. One will be at the front gate with more roaming through the festival. Please be respectful and courteous to our security team. They are there to serve us and make sure we are as safe and secure as possible.

What do I do if I see someone acting inappropriately or being offensive?
If you are bothered by the behavior of another participant it is a good idea to let them know that you are being affected. A festival like this tends to produce an environment of freedom where people feel comfortable to express themselves in ways they may not in regular society. Please keep an open mind and heart while feeling safe enough to share how you feel. If communication is not possible or is not well recieved, you may always find a security person by going to the First Aid station on the North side of the large wooden hall.

What do I do if I hear about or see someone being violent to another participant or doing something illegal?
Please notify security right away. You can find a security team member at the front gate and at the First Aid station on the North side of the large wooden hall. We do not recommend intervening yourself in most cases. Our security team is there to serve in this capacity, and there is no reason to put yourself at risk unless there are no other options.

Will my car be secure in the parking area?
There will be a security guard at the front gate at all times which is near the lot. Additionally, an occasional roaming security team member will be walking through. Please keep your car locked and secure at all times. We would prefer that car alarms be turned off because the thump of the loud music may set them off often enough to become a nuisance. The Oracle Gatherings and Dragon Sphere Recreation park do not guarantee the safety of your vehicle and belongings.

Will my valuables be safe in my tent?
This depends on your tent, but most likely no. Please keep all valuables on your person or in a locked vehicle at all times.

Will the The Oracle Gatherings and/or Dragon Sphere Recreation Park guarantee my personal safety and the safety of my belongings?
Absolutely not. Please treat this festival as you would any public place. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of your belongings. The Oracle Gatherings and Dragon Sphere Recreation park do not guarantee your personal safety or the safety of your vehicle and belongings.

Do I need to have money to have a good time?
No. If you bring enough food, clothing, and camping gear you can have a complete Oracle Gathering experience. All Communiversity workshops are included with the price of the ticket. You may want to bring an energy exchange (fancy term for a gift of value) if you want to get a massage or reading from one of the diviners. The only things you can purchase at the event are food and wares from the vendors and possibly ice.

Can I bring my art/crafts to trade or barter? Do I need to sign up to barter?
Yes, you can bring some of your art or crafts to barter with other participants. Some vendors may be open to a trade if they like what you are offering. We do not have an official location or time for bartering, but you may offer your creations when it seems appropriate. You may not sell your goods for money without signing up as a vendor. At this point we are not accepting new vendors. If you beleive you are a special case, you can try to contact Isaac, our vending coordinator, via our contact form at www.oraclegatherings.com/contact

Will I be able to make it on vended food alone, or do I need to bring my own meals?
It is possible, but the variety available will be a bit limited depending on your tastes. We are encouraging vendors to have food available most times during the festival. It may be a good idea to bring some food and browse the vendors to see how much you want to "eat out" after you arrive. Having extra food may allow you to share with your friends and neighbors!