In honor of all nomads worldwide, the anarchist, the hippy, the artist, the crafter, the private ones, the lost ones, the known ones and the loved ones we present: SkooliePalooza: Ungatherings .
What is an ungathering?
An ungathering is a non-event. The first ungathering of 2023 (and 7th Skooliepalooza) took place in Ehrenberg, AZ around JAN 23, 2023 AT 7 AM – JAN 29, 2023. It had an estimated 1000 vehicles and over 1500 community members.
Doesn’t Skooliepalooza usually have two weekends?
Yes SkooliePalooza historically had two weekends. The first Ungathering of 2023 had its dates published in the very beginning of 2022 by the original organizers. To avoid confusion they decided not to change them. Now that the first ungathering has finished, we know that 7 days is long enough and will not change that. However, feel free to come early and stay late. We call that the pre-party and the after party.
What is the cost?
This in an ungathering, non-event… admission is free. Each person is responsible for themselves and any permits required for access to the land. This is important as the location is often held on Arizona Trust Land which is not public land. The permits are quite affordable, are valid for a year and can be found here.
What is the catch?
If you attend you accept all responsibility and risk. There will be no official services, though some attendees do contribute on their own to have items such as potable water, porta potties and trash service. It is a non-event for those who prefer non-events and ungatherings. However, if you attend you attest that you will follow Leave No Trace principles.
I want to teach, how?
If you charge money you are legally required to have a permit from BLM and/or Arizona Trust Land. For those that are looking to teach workshops for free there will be an activity from which we turn into a public calendar to help let people know the what and where.
I want to vend, how?
If you charge money you are legally required to have a permit from BLM and/or Arizona Trust Land. However, you may request donations, trade and barter without a permit. For the first Ungathering of 2024 we are hoping to have a large and vibrant: Creators Row for those who wish to share their craft, whether food, clothing, jewelry or other.
I want to volunteer, how?
2023 was a raving success due in most part to the volunteers. We had free community meals from Nomadcommunitykitchen, a fantastic Sound Circus organised by NomadicIsaac and Wuzabus plus many others offered trash service, brought firewood etc.. It is the volunteers that make this happen. We will announce a call for volunteers for each ungathering.
What about Rangers?
This is a concern. They are aware of the ungathering. However, as this is a non-event and ungathering, if you practice Leave No Trace, keep the area clean and are responsible with your pets they may leave us alone. Or, they may disperse us like they did in 2022.
What about other organized (paid) events?
They are coming, we are actively working on Utah, PNW, NE and SE.
How do you register/attend?
This is a free ungathering and non-event. All are welcome, Skoolie or not. Just show up, be nice and enjoy. We even had a boat in 2023.
What is the end game?
We (@intrepidusvita) wish to continue to build a positive and productive community around Skooliepalooza and Gather Ye Nomad. This is an inclusive community that follows a 3 basic principles:
- Be Nice and Courteous
- Leave no trace
- Pay it forward