View Full Version : Before the Gates open
Belle
04-11-2007, 12:35 AM
It appears that the crafts and food will open when the gates do but...are/is there anything outside the gates before they open? Tailgating, freestyle vendors and the such. Thanks in advance
rosetree
04-11-2007, 12:37 AM
It appears that the crafts and food will open when the gates do but...are/is there anything outside the gates before they open? Tailgating, freestyle vendors and the such. Thanks in advance
Would bloodies at Liuzza's be considered tailgating?
Lots of street commerce as you approach the gates. For pre-Fest beverages, try Liuzza's. Closest to tailgaiting is probably at Cabrini High, the Dad's there usually have a grill going and cheap food & soda. But don't fill up, the good food is inside.
Belle
04-11-2007, 12:44 AM
Would bloodies at Liuzza's be considered tailgating?
When do they open? I thought it was around gate time? Just learning, thanks for all the help along the way. By the way I am going to win that bowl!!!
rosetree
04-11-2007, 12:50 AM
By the way I am going to win that bowl!!!
I know that there will be at least one happy camper! :D ;)
festivalgirl
04-11-2007, 01:40 AM
When do they open?
I never knew they closed ;)
BigDag
04-11-2007, 08:18 AM
When do they open? I thought it was around gate time? Just learning, thanks for all the help along the way. By the way I am going to win that bowl!!!
For some reason, they were slow to open on the days I was there last year. I usually show up around 10:15 or so (OK, so I'm a morning person), and I can remember waiting for the doors to open. But in previous years, they were always in operation by the time I arrived.
stlbarb
04-11-2007, 09:00 AM
For some reason, they were slow to open on the days I was there last year. I usually show up around 10:15 or so (OK, so I'm a morning person), and I can remember waiting for the doors to open. But in previous years, they were always in operation by the time I arrived.
one of my remaining functional brain cells seems to think official 'gates open' time is 10:30-10:45. on certain days, if they are ready inside and its getting obscene outside I think they have opened them early (10:15).
if you are running for a spot, i suggest you be in line by 9:30.
BigDag
04-11-2007, 09:03 AM
one of my remaining functional brain cells seems to think official 'gates open' time is 10:30-10:45. on certain days, if they are ready inside and its getting obscene outside I think they have opened them early (10:15).
if you are running for a spot, i suggest you be in line by 9:30.
We're refering to the time that Liuzza's opens, Barb. Not the fest gates.
eat_mo_crawfish
04-11-2007, 10:12 AM
Pre-Thing, Liuzza's opened at 9:00 a.m. Last year, they had 10:00 a.m. as the official opening time, although it was delayed a couple of days (including first Friday) because of staffing issues.
rosetree
04-11-2007, 10:21 AM
one of my remaining functional brain cells seems to think official 'gates open' time is 10:30-10:45. on certain days, if they are ready inside and its getting obscene outside I think they have opened them early (10:15).
if you are running for a spot, i suggest you be in line by 9:30.
Barb: There is no way that the gates have ever been opened before 10:45, and that is only if there is a major line outside. The vendors all shoot to get ready by 10:45 - 11:00.
Orleansnj
04-11-2007, 11:09 AM
Barb: There is no way that the gates have ever been opened before 10:45, and that is only if there is a major line outside. The vendors all shoot to get ready by 10:45 - 11:00.
I think RT is having preparation anxiety...... (LOL). But he is right - we could cling to the gates and chant in unison - but the gates don't open before 11:00.....
PGKPS
04-13-2007, 12:17 AM
A few times I have been over at the gates by Luizzas and they have opened 10-15 minutes early but it isn't anything to count on.
Yeah the guys at Cabrini usually have something that you can grab early. I used to pop into Whole Foods but since they closed that location I think there is a pastry/coffee shop next door to where WF was.
Now one year about 20 or so years ago I got in an hour early because the guy that was running the gospel tent at that time was staying at the motel I was at and got me into the fest for free, just had to hang around the gospel tent for about 30 minutes before he said get on out there.
I want my CRAWFISH BREAD!!!!!!
stlbarb
04-13-2007, 12:56 AM
A few times I have been over at the gates by Luizzas and they have opened 10-15 minutes early but it isn't anything to count on.
Yeah the guys at Cabrini usually have something that you can grab early. I used to pop into Whole Foods but since they closed that location I think there is a pastry/coffee shop next door to where WF was.
Now one year about 20 or so years ago I got in an hour early because the guy that was running the gospel tent at that time was staying at the motel I was at and got me into the fest for free, just had to hang around the gospel tent for about 30 minutes before he said get on out there.
I want my CRAWFISH BREAD!!!!!!
and when there's a huge draw of loyal fans (dmb, buffett, etc) there can be a huge ealy crowd. i've seen them lined up the street still 30 minutes after gates open. this can impede with getting in to see an 11am band. but i dont foresee that problem this year.
festivalgirl
04-13-2007, 12:59 AM
one of my remaining functional brain cells seems to think official 'gates open' time is 10:30-10:45. on certain days, if they are ready inside and its getting obscene outside I think they have opened them early (10:15).
if you are running for a spot, i suggest you be in line by 9:30.
What time zone?
stlbarb
04-13-2007, 01:04 AM
Barb: There is no way that the gates have ever been opened before 10:45, and that is only if there is a major line outside. The vendors all shoot to get ready by 10:45 - 11:00.
how can they have a band starting at 11 am if they don't open the gates until 11 am? maybe they just open the outer gate to get folks thru security and up to the real gates early? or maybe the 10:45 is the early, and 11 is the regular?
and they used to start letting the cars in at 10:30.
i have friends that are always at the front of the pack, within the first 20 people to clear the sauvage gate. i know they have told me about the gates being early. and there are times the gates are late, very late - due to BW over night causing longer prep periods in the morning.
Rev Don - you used to run with the front of the herd - remember any entries before 10:45?
i don't think anyone who gets inside before 11 am is going straight to the vendors. they may head for food &/or drink, but that is probably after they set up their chairs/camp.
stlbarb
04-13-2007, 01:07 AM
What time zone?
central stoned times (CST)
rosetree
04-13-2007, 01:17 AM
how can they have a band starting at 11 am if they don't open the gates until 11 am? maybe they just open the outer gate to get folks thru security and up to the real gates early? or maybe the 10:45 is the early, and 11 is the regular?
and they used to start letting the cars in at 10:30.
i have friends that are always at the front of the pack, within the first 20 people to clear the sauvage gate. i know they have told me about the gates being early. and there are times the gates are late, very late - due to BW over night causing longer prep periods in the morning.
Rev Don - you used to run with the front of the herd - remember any entries before 10:45?
i don't think anyone who gets inside before 11 am is going straight to the vendors. they may head for food &/or drink, but that is probably after they set up their chairs/camp.
I have been watching the phenomenon of people running from the Sauvage St entrance to the stages for 25 years. The music does not start promptly at 11:00, more like 5 or 10 after. As I said, the gates do not open until 10:45 at the earliest. I don't know of an outer/inner gate thing. They might be able to fit a few 100 people in past the ticket booths before the car paths, but not a tremendous #.
That being said, I have never seen the length of the lines at opening, only the mad rush to the stages. If you feel that you have to be the first at the stage, get in line early, but expect to wait until 10:45 at the earliest.
festivalgirl
04-13-2007, 01:26 AM
central stoned times (CST)
Cool. Just checking.
Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)
04-13-2007, 05:01 PM
fyi: They open Sauvage, Parking & any other gates at the same time. Once word is given over their walkie talkies. Everyone gets the info at the same time.
funkkjunkie
04-13-2007, 05:24 PM
The earliest start time for music is 11:15. Last year they split us as we tried to enter the sauvage gate and we ended up going in the gentilly gate. The 2 lines met because the lines were so long. We stood in line forever that day. But we got to listen to PGF as we waited. Must've taken an hour to get in last year but that was very unusual.
pgh_girl
04-13-2007, 05:36 PM
Yeah - the gates open at 10:45 and last year there were long lines to get in first weekend, but I have never had to wait long before. Liuzza's is a must - crowded, but great fun and people watching before and after fest. Last year Sunpie did a show for tips after the fest. It was a blast. I can hardly wait :D
jonnygospeltent
04-13-2007, 05:40 PM
Friday seems to have the longest lines at opening time.By Sat and Sun people seem to stagger in a bit later.
stlbarb
04-13-2007, 06:50 PM
The earliest start time for music is 11:15. Last year they split us as we tried to enter the sauvage gate and we ended up going in the gentilly gate. The 2 lines met because the lines were so long. We stood in line forever that day. But we got to listen to PGF as we waited. Must've taken an hour to get in last year but that was very unusual.
i could have sworn the bluerunners were at 11 am (just checked & its 11:15) - because this is the one day we had a conflict getting there early.
i even thought it was odd for it to be that early. tiny print? or did they correct it? hmm. i have old printed copies somewhere.
senility is wasted on the old.
but i think we can all agree - the 'open gate' time varies to accomodate set-up as needed - all gates are opened, at the same time, when the word is given over the inhouse communication system.
so be there early and be prepared to wait. you can have beverages in line. there is a trash can right before the security tables.
and remember the rules are for our fun and safety.
FestNut
04-13-2007, 07:27 PM
stlbarb said:
but i think we can all agree - the 'open gate' time varies to accomodate set-up as needed - all gates are opened, at the same time, when the word is given over the inhouse communication system.
so be there early and be prepared to wait. you can have beverages in line. there is a trash can right before the security tables.
The gates are always scheduled to open at 11 and on happy days they open them as much as 15 minutes earlier. On unhappy days, when the dew is heavy or there's been some ra*n during the night, they have opened later because the vendors have problems getting their vehicles to the booths and have to unload on the paths and hand-carry in their supplies from there.
They had to designate a vehicle path one morning last year that all of them had to use because of soggy ground and it caused a traffic jam (we couldn't see). The NOPD folks in the car parking line are very chatty when they're bored and keep us informed -- of course we bring them goodies every morning while we tailgate with our alcohol. Can't bring it in, so you may as well drink it! HEE HEE!
Bon Fete!
jonnygospeltent
04-13-2007, 09:33 PM
All the more reason to volunteer with Ms. Lena and sneak in early
It was very unusual being inside before the gates opened, the day I worked at Ms. Lena's. There was plenty of activity as vendors and stagehands prepared for opening, but with such imense open spaces it was easy to ignore. My wife & I found only a couple of booths open early- the iced coffee and the posters. We had just enough time to buy posters and mail them at the Fest Post Office, grab an iced coffee and head back to Ms. Lena's to open.
Montana
04-14-2007, 12:54 AM
Brian.
You didn't.
Take advantage of early entry to scarf up a poster and a coffee?
Dude!
;)
One of the advantages of charity work!
anybody want to buy one of those impossible to get Fats posters?????
Howzit, Wade?!
Montana
04-14-2007, 01:03 AM
I'm improving!
Great! We'll miss you & your most excellent tequila this year...
Montana
04-14-2007, 01:10 AM
Bry
its good to be missed I guess...
yes. we will drink tequila in '08 together I promise.
unless of course that you get a wild hair and decide to come visit Glacier or Flathead Lake this summer.
That thought ever occur to you?...
Bry
its good to be missed I guess...
yes. we will drink tequila in '08 together I promise.
unless of course that you get a wild hair and decide to come visit Glacier or Flathead Lake this summer.
That thought ever occur to you?...
I dream of a day when I can spend the entire year festing and visiting the awesome places where so many threadheads live. But it won't be this year unfortunately. C'mon lotto!
ozzie
04-14-2007, 01:46 AM
Don't forget to add FNQ to your list. You can do the Blues and Roots festival in Byron Bay on your way up. :D
Amy Winette
04-14-2007, 02:30 PM
how can they have a band starting at 11 am if they don't open the gates until 11 am? maybe they just open the outer gate to get folks thru security and up to the real gates early? or maybe the 10:45 is the early, and 11 is the regular?
and they used to start letting the cars in at 10:30.
i have friends that are always at the front of the pack, within the first 20 people to clear the sauvage gate. i know they have told me about the gates being early. and there are times the gates are late, very late - due to BW over night causing longer prep periods in the morning.
Rev Don - you used to run with the front of the herd - remember any entries before 10:45?
i don't think anyone who gets inside before 11 am is going straight to the vendors. they may head for food &/or drink, but that is probably after they set up their chairs/camp.
1st Sunday last year I think it was, gates didn't open til about noon due to all the mositure inside I guess. We were all standing in line outside listening to the music start!
Amy Winette
04-14-2007, 02:31 PM
One of the advantages of charity work!
anybody want to buy one of those impossible to get Fats posters?????
Howzit, Wade?!
We have one in the raffle you all know, right?? :)
Amy Winette
04-14-2007, 02:33 PM
Bry
its good to be missed I guess...
yes. we will drink tequila in '08 together I promise.
unless of course that you get a wild hair and decide to come visit Glacier or Flathead Lake this summer.
That thought ever occur to you?...
Hey MT, we might just see ya in MT before NOLA :) In fact, we might be in Lakeside just after fest, Grandma's going through some of the stuff at her place for a big garage sale (she moved to Bozeman when Gramps died).
We have one in the raffle you all know, right?? :)shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Don't forget to add FNQ to your list. You can do the Blues and Roots festival in Byron Bay on your way up. :D
certainly!
NeenAtlanta
04-14-2007, 05:37 PM
It appears that the crafts and food will open when the gates do but...are/is there anything outside the gates before they open? Tailgating, freestyle vendors and the such. Thanks in advance
Belle - without a doubt, you need to go to Liuzza's. You'll get to meet lots of T-heads before fest even opens. Plus they have killer bloody mary's.
steeleye
04-14-2007, 06:49 PM
It appears that the crafts and food will open when the gates do but...are/is there anything outside the gates before they open? Tailgating, freestyle vendors and the such. Thanks in advance
Liuzza's is a must. Plus you can wave to all of your family and friends back home on the live cam they have set up there. Our kids got a big kick out of seeing us drinking bloody mary's at 10:30am. And make sure to have a bloody mary or three. They're awesome. I normally don't like bloody mary's as a rule but Liuzza's puts some kind of voodoo in theirs. A perfect start to your day at JF.
festivalgirl
04-14-2007, 07:10 PM
Liuzza's is a must. Plus you can wave to all of your family and friends back home on the live cam they have set up there. Our kids got a big kick out of seeing us drinking bloody mary's at 10:30am. And make sure to have a bloody mary or three. They're awesome. I normally don't like bloody mary's as a rule but Liuzza's puts some kind of voodoo in theirs. A perfect start to your day at JF.
It's all about the spicy green bean for me. Gotta get those veggies!!
So who's in for first Friday morning at Liuzza's?
Corona
04-15-2007, 09:23 PM
So who's in for first Friday morning at Liuzza's?
Ms.Lena's for us but we'll be there for 1st saturday!
saturn
04-15-2007, 09:25 PM
So who's in for first Friday morning at Liuzza's?
We don't get in to town until about noon, so not for us on the Friday -- but Saturday for sure!
pokerchick66
04-15-2007, 09:35 PM
Ms.Lena's for us but we'll be there for 1st saturday!
I'll be there for first Saturday, too! :D
This will be my first endeavor to Liuzza's. Corona, will you show me the ropes?
pokerchick66
04-15-2007, 09:37 PM
Oh, and does Liuzza's have parking?
Staxsun
04-15-2007, 09:40 PM
So who's in for first Friday morning at Liuzza's?
As things stand now, I'll be there.
rosetree
04-15-2007, 09:45 PM
This will be my first endeavor to Liuzza's. Corona, will you show me the ropes?
:eek:
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q98/rosetreeglass/toast.gif
Pace yourself sweetie!!!;)
Carolina Beadhead
04-15-2007, 09:50 PM
Ms.Lena's for us but we'll be there for 1st saturday!
Same for me. Although we usually stop by there on the way out at the end of the day...
funkkjunkie
04-15-2007, 10:46 PM
Neen and I are in for first Friday but i'll be at ms lenas first saturday. The sidewalk across the street from liuzzas and their portapotties is a good meeting place. Away from the festfevered crowd. And just like at the TH meetups inside the FG, don't be shy. come up and say hi. :cool:
We'll be there every morning except for 1st Saturday too. Most evenings as well...
VWGal
04-15-2007, 11:14 PM
The sidewalk across the street is indeed THead Central -- and the bloodies are fantastic, so VW and Virgin will be there. Then a quick stroll over to the Sauvage gates and a Cubano sammy to start the day. I'll be there first Friday and then Ms. Lena's first Saturday morning, so will have to miss PC's inaugural Luizza's Bloody! PC, we take taxi so I can't vouch for parking close by...I am sure someone here who customarily drives to Fest will know.
For some reason, I have yet to to to Luizza's after fest, must do that this year....:D
I'm bringing virgins too. YAY!
VWGal
04-15-2007, 11:22 PM
Jada, I can hardly wait to see my virgin's reactions to everything NOLA. It's her first trip....can you imagine?
Oh my! One of the gals coming with me has been to NOLA before ( a long time ago and we had no time to do any cool night clubs outside the 1/4). The others (my boyfriend and good girl friend have done Fest, but not Liuzza's. This is gonna be great!
There used to be a cam @ Liuzza's on NOLA.com but I don't see the link anymore.
We'll be there every morning except for 1st Saturday too. Most evenings as well...
Oh Bry, I can't wait to see you and Patti. I'm so glad you'll be there Friday morning.
pokerchick66
04-15-2007, 11:51 PM
Oh my! One of the gals coming with me has been to NOLA before ( a long time ago and we had no time to do any cool night clubs outside the 1/2). The others (my boyfriend and good girl friend have done Fest, but not Liuzza's. This is gonna be great!
Has the Quarter become a half now?
;)
pokerchick66
04-15-2007, 11:52 PM
The sidewalk across the street is indeed THead Central -- and the bloodies are fantastic, so VW and Virgin will be there. Then a quick stroll over to the Sauvage gates and a Cubano sammy to start the day. I'll be there first Friday and then Ms. Lena's first Saturday morning, so will have to miss PC's inaugural Luizza's Bloody! PC, we take taxi so I can't vouch for parking close by...I am sure someone here who customarily drives to Fest will know.
For some reason, I have yet to to to Luizza's after fest, must do that this year....:D
Thanks, vw. I'm sure I'll be running into you somewhere! :D
Has the Quarter become a half now?
;)
HAHAHA, I'll fix it. Didn't even see that :)
I'm bringing virgins too. YAY!Well I was certainly surprised to get a phone call from one of oldest bestest friends- wanting to come to 1st weekend! Her boyfriend is a huge Van M. fan, so they are coming. I helped them book a room as they are internet-less. Haven't even seen her in like 6 or 7 years since she moved to Ft. Meyers...
Oh Bry, I can't wait to see you and Patti. I'm so glad you'll be there Friday morning.Yay! me too, me too! The butterflies are starting...
t.o..fester
04-16-2007, 09:46 AM
So who's in for first Friday morning at Liuzza's?
Never been before, (so I'll be a virgin again!) but plan to first Friday.
KjnMartiniTX
04-16-2007, 09:55 AM
I must play golf Friday morning. Will get there as soon as I can after the 18th. When I go home for Fest, I play golf with my best friend (not much of crowd kinda guy is he.) For the last 12 years we've always played that dump of a course at City Park, for one reason. You can hear the music from there. Now though, the course is closed due to Katrina damage. So, we play at Audobon. I will get to the fest right away after golf.
kikimo
04-16-2007, 10:26 AM
So who's in for first Friday morning at Liuzza's?
I'll be there. We must pick up our Brass Pass at the will call at the Sauvage gate, so why not start off the day with a bloody or two?
NeenAtlanta
04-16-2007, 10:35 AM
So who's in for first Friday morning at Liuzza's?
I'll be there - and always stop by every morning before entering fest. Usually after fest too. See ya'll at Liuzza's!
NeenAtlanta
04-16-2007, 10:36 AM
Oh, and does Liuzza's have parking?
No parking for Liuzza's, but in the neighborhood surrounding it, there are several folks who let you pay to park in their yard.
Lester_leaps_in
04-16-2007, 11:59 AM
So who's in for first Friday morning at Liuzza's?
I'm planning on being there, if I can find it.
I can't wait to see all my good buds ( Gawd do I ever miss you guys) and meet new peeps too :D
NYMAMA
04-16-2007, 12:34 PM
So who's in for first Friday morning at Liuzza's?
WE'LL BE THERE. MY FIRST TIME AT LIUZZA'S. I'M READY.
funkkjunkie
04-16-2007, 01:02 PM
Liuzza's addy is 1518 lopez. I think the other cross street is poncedeleon. Just mapquest it and finding it will be easy.
Amy Winette
04-16-2007, 04:06 PM
We should be there first Friday, depending on how Thursday night goes :)
VWGal
04-16-2007, 04:37 PM
TO -- it would be too funny to meet for the first time at Luizza's first Friday morning! I'll be looking for all of youse!
NeenAtlanta
04-16-2007, 05:49 PM
I'm planning on being there, if I can find it.
It's easy if you take the city bus. It lets you off just 3 blocks from Liuzza's. Just follow the crowd...
Corona
04-16-2007, 06:23 PM
TO -- it would be too funny to meet for the first time at Luizza's first Friday morning! I'll be looking for all of youse!
you guys come see me at Ms. Lena's please!!! I can't go until Saturday.
VWGal
04-16-2007, 08:35 PM
Corona, a bloody, a Cuban sammy and I'll be right over to give you a great big hug...and compare shoes :D
I....AM....SO....EXCITED.....
Bill/KC
04-16-2007, 08:44 PM
If you're coming from Liuzza's and head straight into the Fest (don't turn left or right on the track, you'll practically run right into Ms. Lena's cold, cold beer tent! :)
VWGal
04-16-2007, 08:47 PM
Hey Bill, y'know the first two years I could NOT find Ms. Lena's -- because I never used the Sauvage Gate. Last year, I finally got to Luizza's, used the Sauvage Gate as a Brass Pass holder, and WAHLAH, there's Ms. Lenas!
grisgris
04-16-2007, 08:55 PM
Must hit Ms Lena's first thing after getting in the gate. Ain't fest till I hear "hey my babaee" from Ms Lena. Gives me chills & know its a fest day blessed.
Bill/KC
04-16-2007, 09:01 PM
Hey Bill, y'know the first two years I could NOT find Ms. Lena's -- because I never used the Sauvage Gate. Last year, I finally got to Luizza's, used the Sauvage Gate as a Brass Pass holder, and WAHLAH, there's Ms. Lenas!
X marks the spot. :)
http://home.everestkc.net/chilepep/htdocs/fairgrounds.html
Corona
04-17-2007, 05:48 AM
Must hit Ms Lena's first thing after getting in the gate. Ain't fest till I hear "hey my babaee" from Ms Lena. Gives me chills & know its a fest day blessed.
ah Gris, ya just brought tears to my eyes with that one!!!
Corona
04-17-2007, 05:49 AM
Corona, a bloody, a Cuban sammy and I'll be right over to give you a great big hug...and compare shoes :D
I....AM....SO....EXCITED.....
me...too!!!! Looking forward to seeing my canajun friends :) Ross- when ya getting into town?
Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)
04-17-2007, 10:52 AM
Might have to try Liuzza after the Fest, to busy in the mornings.