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 9th 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 run on the last two weekends of January?
No. In fact, of the 9 gatherings (as of Sept 2023) only 2020 and 2022 were scheduled for the last two weekends of January. The first Ungathering of 2023 had its dates published in early 2022 by the original organizers (Nick and Russ). To avoid confusion we decided not to change them. Now that the first Ungathering has finished, we know that 7 days is long enough and we have no plants to 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 form 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.
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?
Ungatherings are non-events, there is no registration or tickets required. However, those that wish to register may receive swag and access to super-secret encrypted chat channels to always be in the know (yes this is silly). 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 wish to continue to build a positive and productive community around Skooliepalooza. This is an inclusive community that follows a 3 basic principles:
- Be Nice and Courteous
- Leave no trace
- Pay it forward