Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

April 17, 2008 issue

MerleFest Survival Items
—Don’t Leave Home Without Them

Story by David Brewer

By the time you get to the campus of Wilkes Community College and realize you’ve left your sunscreen at home, you know you’re going to pay for it—literally. Attending a festival can be a spur-of-the-moment decision, but if you’re already planning to head to MerleFest, there’s no reason not to be prepared for the weekend. Here’s a list of handy items you won’t want to be without, most of which you can carry in a backpack.

Sunscreen
It’s hard to enjoy any performance when you know your skin is cooking. Don’t forget to put some on the tops of your ears.

Sunglasses
After a long day or two of squinting, you’ll be wishing you grabbed those shades off your dresser before you dashed out the door.

Water Bottle
Buying flimsy water bottles is pointless and wasteful, especially considering you can bring your own and fill up for free in open WCC buildings.

Instrument
Whether you’re looking for signatures to adorn your axe or want to be prepared for those impromptu jams that break out day and night, you’ll be wishing you brought your instrument.

Blanket
Sit on it during the day and cover up with it at night. A cozy blanket is crucial and easy to carry. Just don’t take a precious heirloom quilt.

Old Comfy Shoes
Unless you’re planning to plant yourself in front of the Watson Stage for the whole weekend, wear shoes that your feet will thank you for. And make sure they aren’t brand spanking new. If it rains, they’re going to get covered in mud. 

Rain Gear
Speaking of rain—be sure to pack a lightweight poncho, umbrella or both. Even if it doesn’t pour, it pays to be prepared for a shower.

Hat
Whether you prefer a ball cap, a fedora or a ten-gallon hat, it pays to keep your dome cool during long days in the sun.

Layers
If you’re planning to hit the festival grounds early in the morning or plan to stay late into the evening, you’ll need more than shorts and a t-shirt to keep your teeth from chattering.

Camera
The photo opportunities are as numerous as the performers. Don’t be caught without your digital camera to document the experience.

Cash
From the MerleFest Mall to the tent full of food vendors, don’t be caught without some cash. Yes, there are ATMs, but you can count on paying those lovely transaction fees.

Autograph Pen
Stick that Sharpie in your backpack just in case you bump into Bruce Hornsby or Tift Merritt or Jerry Douglas or Ralph Stanley or The Carolina Chocolate Drops.