Spectacular photos and description of the elation and jubilation, followed by the pause - was I really there? Was life really that lovely for that whole weekend? Did we just spend a weekend laughing at the silly songs and gobsmacked by over-the-top talent that should be on every radio station but i can't find at all, anywhere here in California? This past year of social turmoil and personal sorrow faded away for that glorious weekend. Sigh. Living this year in quiet anticipation of another great PFF weekend in 2026.
Beautifully said, Carol. The amount of undiscovered talent on those festival grounds is hard to grasp sometimes. And it’s always sad going back to a world where the words “Happy fest!” mean nothing at all. Thanks for reading!
This year I started to work on the annual program and Gene Shay Awards program, as a volunteer again after many, many years (Reserved seating, 1968 through 1978). Love your photos. At some point if I want to grab one for use in a program (the Fest Babies and the dusk campground are magnificent) may I use those and give you credit for them? None of the photographers are paid for their work in the programs but they do get credit when possible. Wish i could pay for a subscription with you right now - your writing is wonderful - but I will keep looking and hopefully start up soon.
You’re more than welcome to them! That others in the community can enjoy them is an end in itself. I’m not concerned about whether I’m paid. Credit is plenty. I had enough fun taking them.
I can relate. What you describe sounds very much like Pridefest each year. We may have even talked about this recently; at least, I discussed it with someone. Haha
Spectacular photos and description of the elation and jubilation, followed by the pause - was I really there? Was life really that lovely for that whole weekend? Did we just spend a weekend laughing at the silly songs and gobsmacked by over-the-top talent that should be on every radio station but i can't find at all, anywhere here in California? This past year of social turmoil and personal sorrow faded away for that glorious weekend. Sigh. Living this year in quiet anticipation of another great PFF weekend in 2026.
Beautifully said, Carol. The amount of undiscovered talent on those festival grounds is hard to grasp sometimes. And it’s always sad going back to a world where the words “Happy fest!” mean nothing at all. Thanks for reading!
This year I started to work on the annual program and Gene Shay Awards program, as a volunteer again after many, many years (Reserved seating, 1968 through 1978). Love your photos. At some point if I want to grab one for use in a program (the Fest Babies and the dusk campground are magnificent) may I use those and give you credit for them? None of the photographers are paid for their work in the programs but they do get credit when possible. Wish i could pay for a subscription with you right now - your writing is wonderful - but I will keep looking and hopefully start up soon.
You’re more than welcome to them! That others in the community can enjoy them is an end in itself. I’m not concerned about whether I’m paid. Credit is plenty. I had enough fun taking them.
Thanks again for the kind words!!
I can relate. What you describe sounds very much like Pridefest each year. We may have even talked about this recently; at least, I discussed it with someone. Haha
Yep, we did briefly talk about that! I’m sure there must be a totally comparable dysphoria after all the jubilation of pridefest. Thanks for reading!