My loyal photographer, Shane, has been chronicling the tarp run each morning. The tarp run is a big deal here. By the time the gates open in the morning, hundreds of people are in line ready for the great land rush to claim their spots for the day. The folks in the front of the line have been in line for twelve hours or more—they ate dinner and slept in line. The payoff is sweet, though, a prime spot in front of the stage, and it’s a good feeling putting the tarp down and knowing your place is secure for the full day and night. I used to be one of these tarp warriors—rising at 4am to sit and shiver in line—and probably will be again someday. However, this year, thanks to this assignment, I’ve been sleeping until a luxuriant 8am and strolling into the festival grounds long before the general crowd and just watching the big scrimmage from a safe distance. Yesterday, Shane went up on stage and took some shots from that perspective. Here are some pics of before, during, and after the run.
