Been There Done That: Minnesota Yacht Club Festival
In the land of lakes and summer breeze,
I’m with my soulmate feeling at ease.
Music festival vibes, our hearts to light,
Singing and dancing with friends, what a perfect night.
Swaying to melodies under starlit skies,
Laughter and joy reflected in our eyes,
Best friends by our side, hearts aglow,
In the moment pure happiness we show.
Together we sing, dance, and sway,
In this magical moment, we drink and play.\
Memories made, forever to keep,
In this moment, our souls did leap.
As a self-proclaimed "geriatric millennial" (is 37 considered geriatric yet?), I've always believed in the saying "try everything once." When I saw the musical lineup for the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival music festival, I didn’t hesitate, the allure of live music and a weekend of fun won me over. I also purchased my tickets when it was listed as early bird pricing so the price of tickets were a steal. On the weekend of the festival, I packed my lipbalm, a hat that made me look vaguely like Indiana Jones, and a healthy dose of skepticism, and set off for a weekend of music, crowds, and overpriced beverages.
Driving up to the music festival and seeing the crowds of people walking towards Harriet Island Regional Park was overwhelming. As someone who generally prefers a quiet evening at home with a good book, the sea of humanity was a bit difficult to digest. Navigating through the crowds to reach the various stages was a challenge, and the lines for food and drinks were enough to make me reconsider my life choices. Seriously, $15 for a margarita in a tiny cup? I hate capitalism!
Once we found a spot to settle in and the music started, it was hard not to get swept up in the energy of the crowd, especially once we found our friends, the atmosphere of a music festival was an amazing experience, and singing along with thousands of other fans was a definite highlight. We even managed to stake out a little patch of grass to call our own, where we could relax, chat, and people-watch between sets.
While the festival had its moments, overall, it wasn't my scene. The crowds, the lines, and the exorbitant prices were enough to make me long for the comfort of my couch. I'm glad I tried it, and I'll cherish the memories of singing along to my favorite songs under the summer sun, but I can confidently say that I won't be rushing back to another music festival anytime soon.
So, to my fellow geriatric millennials who might be considering a festival adventure, I say go for it! You might have the time of your life, or you might discover that it's not quite your cup of tea. Either way, you'll have a story to tell and a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasures of a quiet night at home. As for me, I’ll stick to concerts and leave the festivals to the youngins.
