[nabs-l] Questions About Navigating Festivals

[Ashley Bramlett]

Hi Kerri,
I think something like this would be more enjoyable with a friend.  But if 
you still think you'd enjoy yourself alone, then go.  I've not done 
something like this alone yet.  I'd treat it though like any large area with 
crowds for mobility.
You said there is a website
for the festival.  I'd look up on line for the information. What types of 
food?  What type of music?  Particular music you may want to listen to? 
This way you can go at a time when you'll get what you want.  Generally 
festivals don't have performers all the time so planning ahead would allow 
you to get what you want from it.

Yes I'd call ahead if it were me.  I'd
ask them about the setup such as where the different vendors are.
You said
" Is it possible/proper for someone to assist me to get food and tell me
 what all the food vendors are and help me to the Coal Bucket Saloon to
 a seat? Then, I figure if I want more food or to go back down to the> 
bottom of the hill I can figure it out or ask."

In my opinion this is fine and certainly reasonable.  This is a large place 
that is crowded and you don't want to inconvenience yourself or others by 
constantly asking where is the pizza stand?  Is this the right  way and is 
this the right line?
If it were me I'd request assistance.  Typically Kerri festivals have 
volunteers or information tables.  Go to one of these tables and ask for 
assistance. Then you can walk with them to the food vendor areas
and they can tell you what all the food vendors are and read you the options 
and pricing.
Then yes they could direct you to a seat.
If you ask for assistance and they cannot help you because they're too busy 
manning the table or something, use your sense of smell to locate the food 
area. Then ask someone where the appropriate line is for your food of 
choice.

I think if you're going alone its best to have as much information as 
possible before hand.  You can't walk around and explore what is there 
easily in a crowded area.  Auditory sounds will not be as reliable in a 
crowd.  But if you know what you want to do ahead of time, you can ask the 
appropriate questions and get there.


Good luck.
Ashley

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Kerri Kosten" <kerrik2006 at gmail.com>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, July 23, 2010 2:28 PM
Subject: [nabs-l] Questions About Navigating Festivals


> Hi All!
>
> I have a few questions about going to/navigating large, loud festivals
> as a blind person.
>
> There is a festival going on here called Mountain Fest. It is a
> festival for motor cyclists/bikers but it is also a regular festival
> with live music, food, games, contests, socialization, and people. I
> am not really into biking/motor cycling, but I really want to go for
> the food, socialization, music, people, and just to get out of the
> house. However, I as of yet can not find anyone to go with me. So, I
> was wondering...what is the best way to do this as a blind person?
>
> The festival is at a huge park called Milan Park. From what I've read,
> Milan Park has a huge huge hill which is very hard to walk up. The
> food and live music are at the bottom of the hill and it will be very
> crowded and there isn't much space to really sit anywhere. However,
> after you get the food you want, you can take a shuttle bus up to the
> top of the hill to a place called the Coal Bucket Saloon where they
> have drinks (I'm assuming both alcahol and non-alcahol) and there is
> more room to sit. So, unfortunately, as you can see this is not just a
> little thing where you can just walk around everywhere...I guess you
> have to get your food, then take the bus to the top of the hill.
> However, from what I've been told the food is very good...they have
> funnel cake, turkey legs, and this pork barbeque where you can get
> three different types of barbeque sauce on it...and who knows what
> else...that's just like two items of many.
>
> Also, I don't know if this is at the top or the bottom of the hill,
> but they have a stage for the live music, several motor cycle shows,
> tents where sponsors for the festival are set up, a kids corner, a
> vendor mall (I'm assuming sort of like the exhibit hall) where they
> will be selling motor cycle stuff, as well as Mountain Fest T-shirts
> and merchandise. I don't know where all the food vendors are but I
> know that there are several...all I know is the food is at the bottom
> of the hill and the Coal Bucket Saloon which has places to sit is at
> the top and you have to take a shuttle bus to get up to it.
>
> Should I just walk around and ask every person I hear for
> assistance/to point me in the right direction?
>
> The festival does have a website with contact info and Milan Park has
> a phone number...should I call ahead? If so, what should I tell them?
> Is it possible/proper for someone to assist me to get food and tell me
> what all the food vendors are and help me to the Coal Bucket Saloon to
> a seat? Then, I figure if I want more food or to go back down to the
> bottom of the hill I can figure it out or ask.
>
> I know there will be many people around...but I know many of them will
> be drinking.
>
> It will also be very loud.
>
> Are people at festivals usually nice? What about bikers?
>
> If I can not find anybody to go with, should I just not go? I know not
> going would be easier, but I have missed out on a couple of events
> that have gone on here in the past couple of months because of just
> not going.
>
> Is anyone on the list from Morgantown, W.VA or familiar with it,
> Mountain Fest, or Milan Park?
>
> I'd really like to go to this...even just for a couple of hours.
>
>
> Thanks for all info/help you can give!
> Kerri
>
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