Festival Etiquette and Responsibilities

By choosing a spiritual path, we make the statement that we are always responsible for our own actions. Here are a few guidelines to make sure everyone has a safe and happy festival:

1. It truly takes a village. To help build and sustain our village, we require every able adult and mature young adult to assist with one volunteer shift. A sign-up sheet is available at check-in.

2. Camping locations are on the main lawn at and down by the fire circles. In order to preserve the beauty and safety of this site, no individual campfires are allowed. You may bring a camp stove or grill if you wish to cook at your campsite, however please do not leave cooking materials unattended.

3. Due to limited trash facilities, campers should pack out their trash and bring their own trash bags.

4. No pets or familiars are allowed on site during this festival, except for Service Animals.

5. No firearms or other weapons are allowed on site. Ritual tools are not considered weapons.

6. No illegal drugs are permitted.

7. Responsible alcohol use is permitted for adults age 21 and over. Public drunkenness, endangerment, or distribution to minors is not permitted and may be grounds for expulsion without a refund.

8. In order to maintain the spiritual atmosphere of this event, we require responsible and respectful interaction between attendees.

9. This is not a clothing-optional event. Please check with MayFest staff if you have questions or concerns.

10. Tobacco use is permitted outdoors except in the area of the fire circles, however you are responsible for the safe disposal of cigarette butts. Littering or leaving smoking materials unattended is grounds for expulsion without a refund. Please use available smokers' buckets or bring your own ashtray. NO SMOKING is permitted in any of the buildings.

11. This festival is held at a historical site. Treat the land, buildings, and gardens with respect.

12.Parents/guardians are responsible for the behavior of and providing care for their children at all times. A responsible adult or legal guardian must accompany all minors under the age of 16. You may be asked to leave if your children are not properly supervised and create a disruption or safety issue.

13. Please park only in designated areas. Parking information will be available at the registration desk at check-in.

14. No open or enclosed flame of any kind in any buildings, including but not limited to: candles, incense, lanterns, lamps, cigarettes, pipes, cigars, cooking flames.

15. Participants will be held personally and financially responsible for any and all damage done by themselves or minors in their care at the festival facilities.

16. The wristband received at check-in is your admission ticket and must be worn by all attendees at all times.

17. All adults must sign a liability waiver at check-in. NO EXCEPTIONS. Adults must sign the liability waiver for their children.

18. We cannot provide any medication to participants. If you require medications, please bring an adequate supply.

19. From the start of the opening ritual to the end of the closing ritual, the MayFest village is a place of sacred space. For all rituals, remember that what you bring to the event is what you will get from the event. We highly encourage you to meet people, participate in rituals, attend workshops, and bring your best in all you do.

20. For the Mulligan Stew, each festival attendee should bring one cup of ingredient (vegetables, meat, etc.) or 1 tsp. of spices to include in the stew. As this is a magickal working, please think carefully about what you choose to bring. Bring something that energetically represents a blessing that you wish to encourage in the community for the upcoming year.

21. Our ritual fires are sites of reverence. From the time when the Ancestral Fire is lit until the end of the event when only the Balefire is burning, there will be a fire burning day and night at all time. Please be respectful of the fire and if you are scheduled for a fire watch, make sure that you show up at your designated time. This is an exceptionally important ritual role.

22. Flashlights are suggested for navigating the paths around the property after dark, however please be mindful that bright flashlights in people's eyes when they are in meditation or trance can be harmful to the individual. If you need to use a flashlight, please be careful to keep it pointed at the ground. Laser pointers are not permitted.

23. Remember, not all participants are out of the Broom Closet! Please use good judgment when taking photographs. When in doubt whether it is okay to take someone's photograph, err on the side of caution or ask MayFest staff for guidance. Video or audio taping of rituals is not allowed without express permission from MayFest staff. Video or audiotaping of workshops is left to the discretion of the presenter. NO FLASH PICTURES are permitted during rituals.

24. The Web and Fire Circles are sacred sites. Please treat these locations with reverence. Watch how you speak around these sites and what you say. (Remember, magick amplifies what you express.) Please refrain from horseplay or games (including the use of video games) around these ritual locations.

25. Ritual tools (including drums) and jewelry are magickal implements. Please ask before touching these sacred objects.

26. Take care of each other. We are all one village, and we come together in the spirit of family.

27. Check the board for updates to the schedule.

28. Kitchen facilities are for staff use only.

29. Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are located in the hallways of the buildings.

30. Towels are available outside of the bathrooms for guests using the showers. Please be mindful of towel usage.

31. For safety reasons, please limit the relocation of furniture in the buildings. Should you move furniture around during the weekend, ensure that it is returned to its original location before you leave on Sunday.

32. At the end of the event, guests in the buildings please strip the sheets and pillowcases from the bed and leave them in the hallway, and leave the blankets on or near the bed.

33. Please do not shower one hour before scheduled meal times to allow for hot water for cooking.

34. When coming to MayFest, remember to include a sense of humor and pack your patience. Bring extra love and a healthy supply of kindness, so you have plenty to share. Dress yourselves in reverence, and carry joy wherever you go.

35. Have a great time!

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