Sunday July 8 2007 ~ 1pm until 6pm ~ Or later ~ Woodland Park Shelter #5
Is this your first time going to Burning Man?
Come to the Newbie Picnic!
Have you been before, but you're new to Seattle?
Come to the Newbie Picnic!
Have you seen everything there is to see, done everything there is to do, said everything there is to say, kissed everyone there is to kiss?
Come to the Newbie Picnic!
What is This?
Print this flyer for handy directions you can take with you!
The Newbie Picnic is a wonderful event (now in it's FIFTH smash year!) designed to draw Burning Man first-timers into the Seattle community. If you are about to make your inaugural trip to the playa, this is a great opportunity to meet some seasoned vets who can share all sorts of tips and tricks. If you're one of those seasoned vets, here is a great chance to help out some new folks... wouldn't it have been great if someone had done this for you a few years ago?
So as you can see, the Newbie Picnic is for everyone, whether they have zero or a dozen burns under their belt. Besides, it's a picnic and everyone loves picnics so just shut up and come.
Important! It can sometimes be a bit intimidating for new people to come to local events, so it's up to all of us to make sure the picnic is a warm and welcoming experience. Newbies are hereby authorized to walk up and join any conversation that may already be in progress; they may sit down and join any group of pre-congregated people; they may ask anything of anyone. All non-newbies are required to watch out for wide-eyed newbies standing off to the side and periodically check on them to make sure they're fed, hydrated and informed.
Gimme More Picnic Details!
The Newbie Picnic will happen on Sunday, July 8, from 1pm until 6pm. Weather permitting, it wouldn't be too surprising if folks stuck around into the night, too.
Picnic food and beverages will be provide at no charge to you, so there is no need for you to bring anything. If you simply can't help yourself and you do bring something, you must take the leftovers home with you! Also, in keeping with the Leave No Trace ethic, please plan to leave with whatever garbage you happen to generate. And please note that alcohol is not permitted in Seattle parks.
The location is picnic shelter #5 in Woodland Park, just south of Green Lake. Detailed directions will be added to this site at a later date.
Oh, and as you might expect, costumes are strongly encouraged! Why the hell not dress up and impart some great fashion tips to the new folks?
Note: Last-minute changes will be posted here if possible, but a more reliable way to get the news will be through the Seattle Announce list. Details on how to sign up are on this page.
What Will This Cost Me?
Your participation is your admission... the picnic and food are free.
More! More! More!
The charming and effervescent Moonshine has been plotting a couple other activities to enhance the picnic. First up, she tells us about one way to help with greening the man:
"One of the most common violations of Leave No Trace is dumping gray water on the playa because your evap pond didn't work according to plan. I'll set up a sample shower and grey water system for instructional purposes. No showering in the park no matter how dirty Peterman makes you feel!"
Hmmm... if I do make any of you feel dirty, then perhaps we should discuss it in private. But let's move on! The picnic is a great opportunity to have another costume swap! Moonshine continues:
"What to wear!?! Is your closet full of thrift store purchases that just didn't work out for you? Bring them to the Newbie Picnic Costume Swap! Gift your wings, boots, goggles, hats, skirts, jewelry, fur, and any non-Moopy clothing to newbies and veterans! This Costume Swap must be a Leave No Trace event, so take back your contribution if no one wants it. I can only take about a trunk full of unwanted stuff to Goodwill before my little car is overwhelmed with your lame-ass glitter chaps."
Volunteer Opportunities
It looks like our main volunteer spots have been filled (thanks, everyone!), but we can always use people roaming around the site making sure things are tidy. On the day of the picnic ask if you can help out... we'll probably find something for you.
Directions
Here's how to get to where you gotta go. Because I'm so sweet, I also prepared this handy flyer (PDF) that you can print out and bring with you!
From I-5:
* Take the exit for NE 50th Street (#169) and head west.
* Turn north on E. Green Lake Way (this is the intersection with Kidd Valley).
* Turn left onto W. Green Lake Way (right before the little golf course)
* Take the first left and head up the hill past the tennis courts and the dog park. Shelter # 5 is at the top of the hill, off to your right.
From Aurora / 99 northbound:
* The most direct route is to turn right onto N. 59th St., which pretty much dumps you right into the parking lot by the shelter. Careful, this street comes up pretty fast as you’re cruising up 99.
* If you overshoot 59th, take the next exit, turn right onto W. Green Lake Way N, then take the first right and go up the hill.
* Or, you could take the Green Lake N exit, turn left onto E. Green Lake Way N, left again onto W. Green Lake Way N, left again up the hill and to the shelter.
From Aurora / 99 southbound:
* As you are passing the lake, turn right onto 66th.
* Make the first left and follow this road as it passes under 99 and connects with W. Green Lake Way N.
* Right before you reach the golf course, turn right up and head up the hill.
