The AFP made its way from the deep south lands of rural Georgia to the welcoming city that we like to call home: Charlottesville, VA. It’s been a long three months out there on the road. What adventures we’ve had. Despite two major truck repairs, being towed out of mud and ice twice, and arriving at almost every destination at least three hours late, we NEVER missed one festival or event! For this we are very grateful (and proud). Our return to home-base is three-fold. For one, Andrew must dig in deep and return to the duties of his job for LOOK3/ Festival of the Photograph. Secondly, the funds are drying up quicker than a lake in Ethiopia. Lastly, there were no events on the calendar that interested us. I don’t know what it is about the Spring, but maybe people are so glad to get outside that there is no time or desire to plan festivals. We’re not complaining though–we were worn out!
Now, this does not mean that The American Festivals Project is over! No, no! In fact, we are planning another three month leg from June until the end of September. Yes folks, that means more photos, more videos, and more posts from the great open road. In fact, we have a few surprise events to photograph in the next two months–one of which takes place in our very own, picturesque town of C-ville. The other, which we will announce later, will bring one AFP member to the wild state of ALASKA. If you are a true AFP fan, and want to prepare yourself for this event, we suggest you stop shaving and grow your facial hair as long and decorative as possible. Ladies, we ask that you opt out. Additionally, we have some exciting publicity in store for the next few months, at which time we will certainly share with you.
The AFP will also be making some changes to its ways of transportation. We regret to inform you that the better half of the Dodge Lodge has retired. The 1964 camper could not live up to the endless travel on the open road, let alone the discomfort of being covered in vegetable oil. It found a new home on a farm near Richmond, and most likely its body parts will be dissected and shared amongst other campers around the state. Who knew that the lodge was an organ donor? This sudden departure might mean the end of the Dodge as well. We are discussing whether or not to keep the veggie-oil-powered truck and instead settle for a compact car with excellent gas mileage. A camper is rarely needed because we end up staying with so many people on the road. If we don’t need a big camper, we don’t need a big truck. Besides, the time and stress that goes into finding veggie oil and maintaining the system is exhausting. Less time worrying about getting places leads to actually being places, which in turn leads to more time for shooting.
So friends, herein begins another break for The American Festivals Project. It’s a break to rest, plan, and prepare to continue documenting the best that America has to offer. We’ll keep the website active. Stop by often, leave comments, and suggest events to photograph this summer. It’s going to be a good one.
Here are some pictures from the past week:
Ross gathering some stock material at America’s smallest church (there are actually thirteen churches that claim to be the smallest in the U.S.)
Andrew was so excited to hit the beach in Florida that he forgot to lotion up those sexy legs.
SAVANNAH, GA:
In Savannah, we were joined by fellow road warriors. Chelsea and Ruth are making music and making friends.
