Vending stands such as "The Collective Underground", "Mi Casa", "Little Hippie" and Mountain Mama from Maine" "Dye the Sky" and many others offer distinct and special merchandise at reasonable prices. Cute summer dresses offered by several stands priced at no more than 28 dollars had me tempted to shop. What you will basically see as you walk past most of the vendors are concert tee shirt, hoodies (Grateful Dead that is) tye dyed versions of tank tops, skirts, both long and short, cotton capris, and halter tops. Also available are handbags, back packs, patches, beaded lighter cases, hats, and tobacco paraphernalia (wink wink). Also available is Vintage Dead memorabealia, henna painting and incense.
I speak with Rich from "Worm Town Trading" who for the last 10 years has been working festivals. His merchandise ranges from many different styles of jewelry to cd's. A music enthusiast, after receiving his degree in fine arts, toured with the Grateful Dead with various vendor stands. Rich refers to himself as a 'jack of all trades, master of none' and is light hearted about his experience as an aritst/vendor.
Also gracious enough to speak with me today is visual artist, Phil Kutno of "Phil Kutno Studios". Hailing from Berkeley, C.A. kutno admits he's become 'addicted to the road' after 20 years of vending he appreciates and needs the stimulation of the external influences he experiences. Currently in the midst of a six concert tour, Kutno and his richly detailed body of work will soon arrive in Philly, Nashville and Florida. Kutno's works includes pencil sketches to portrait paintings of just to name a few, Jerry Garcia to Neil Young, to Stevie Nicks.
Food vendors range from festival favorites such as fresh cut french fries, pizza, funnel cakes, freshly squeezed lemonade. Also offered this year is Chinese food, Mexican food, and crepes at "the Thin Pancake". "Taste Buds" offer a variety of Gourmet desserts and coffees. Magic Hat Beer stands can be found on the grounds promising, 'a performance in every bottle'. Walking along the path of vendors, both food and craft offer enough variety to satisfy even the most pickiest of shoppers and eaters.
Within the VIP guest tent I encounter, Matt, a young guy who helped my boyfriend rip a towel into smaller pieces to help with maintaining sweat and all. I learn that Matt is a chiropractor, (my 2nd encounter with a chiropractor here at the vibes in the last 24 hours). When I question Dr. Cucolo about his presence here at Vibes he tells me he has a booth set up offering chiropractic and acupuncture services for free. Over his last three years at the vibes Cucolo says many people have offered him tips and small tokens of appreciations to which he declines. He remarks that it is his 'gift of giving back'.
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