WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 09:57 AM

John -
There should be a lot of "associated fringe-Irish loiterers" here in March for NTIF. I'll ask around then.

Oxford does have advantages including two big, concrete-floor picnic pavillions and is only 10 minutes from the fairgrounds (half the the time it takes me to drive into town to work everyday). I expect you are right, Oxford could draw a good crowd but only if they get organized and work it.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 24 Dec 08 - 02:49 AM

Uncle Phil -

It actually has been people from the "Irish establishment" - including some from Carp Camp - that we've heard talking the most about camping at Oxford. (That could be because most of the people we've talked to are Carpers or "associated fringe-Irish loiterers.")

Rumors about this were circulating at the KBA outing (at Winfield in October) with one or two people asserting that "someone" is already making reservations for "a group" at Oxford. The only problem was that the various sources didn't show much agreement on who "someone" is or which group was making the plans, so it was hard to tell who knew something, who only "heard something" and who was just hoping out loud.

The lake might be attractive to some, since pets are allowed there; and a few people who've found out that it's a fairly comfortable campsite might try it for that reason. Pet boarding near Winfield is somewhat limited relative to the demand, and fairly expensive. We were told a few years back when we considered it for that reason that there was no space available - for that year or for the next.

I wouldn't expect significant numbers to be able to camp at the lake under "ordinary rules," due to the full-booking of available spaces by regular lake "residents." Oxford could draw a fairly large group, but it will depend on whether Oxford is organized enough to do some realistic planning and get the necessary community agreement on what the rules are (and which of them will be enforced).

John

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 23 Dec 08 - 10:36 PM

lol, I don't think you'll hear of anyone intentionally setting out to camp and the auction barn, though it was a good port in a storm this year. The folks who camped in Oxford only have nice things to say about it, and cuz says the good citizens of Oxford were happy to have so may tourists in town so who knows. I certainly expect Carp Camp and Front Porch Radio to be back on the Fairgrounds, but also expect some of the people who discovered Oxford this year to camp there next year.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 10:35 PM

That would be what I'd expected, and the "designated spot only" bit means that all the designated spots have already been reserved for next year's time period, if few enough of the regulars weren't completely demoralized by our invasion. Tenters might get in, but anything with wheels has to have the wheels on a slab in normal times; and all the slabs were full before anyone from WVA arrived last year.

We're still running into some who claim they intend to go back to Oxford instead of the the fairgrounds next year. They're all "really sure" that Oxford will welcome them back, but I haven't heard from the ones(?) who've actually checked that out with Oxford.

I don't think I've heard anyone hoping to go back to the auction barn though.

John

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 22 Dec 08 - 09:33 PM

Epilog: Muchelle's cousin from Winfield was here in Texas recently and he says that the city council is determined not to have another "Woodstock at the Lake" in 2009. They plan to enforce all the normal park rules – paid camping in designated spot only, quiet time after 10 PM, and a curfew.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 10 Oct 08 - 08:31 AM

Thanks, Lin. Some handsome couples out there by the lake, but I liked James' tee shirt the best. The pictures of the evacuation were interesting to see after hearing so many stories about it.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 07:38 PM

Hey folks --

I finally got the 2008 Winfield photos up on our Website. Phil has much better flood pictures, but you may enjoy paging through these, just for the flavor.

Enjoy!

Lin

Click here.

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: GUEST,mn
Date: 07 Oct 08 - 10:46 AM

June

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Art Thieme
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 10:27 PM

Red, a few years back I recorded Woody's song about you! I'd thought you had died!? From all I hears, the weather never would've stopped you...

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: GUEST,East Texas Red
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 10:19 PM

I didn't go for the first time in years because of the weather and have been kicking myself ever since. It sounds like a missed a good one.

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 10:11 PM

Uncle Phil -

John son of John has been to WVA a couple of times, but came in late and pretended to be a "virgin."¹ He lugged his banjo around the lakeside for several hours and then collapsed in his car and spent most of the night² with his head hanging out of the dooor so he wouldn't mess up the upholstery. Of course he claimed it was "that slop he ate at the last truck stop." (?)

The old truck actually got us home, with the trailer parked in the back yard; but I skipped the dump station due to the marginal capabilities. The replacement was on the lot at the Winfield dealer where I had the last emergency repairs done, so I made preliminary arrangements Monday and had to nurse the old hunk back on Thursday after the Seattle bank cut the check and got it to them for the new one. The worst part was that I had to unload the old one in only two days - including removing all the stuff like the brake control, CB, and other "add-ons," and putting the 5 seats back in (removed and stored for about 12 years). Two weeks is a more normal time for getting all the camping stuff out.

The old one had factory installed heavy trailer equipment, so it was actually quite adequate for our little trailer with a rated trailer capacity at 6,000 lb - and the dealer did all the hitch work when we bought the trailer. All the "new" Chevy trucks have "trailer wiring" pre-installed, but this one is a "farm truck" without fancy factory stuff, so I still have to get a hitch on it and get the brake control wiring done. It's rated to tow a paltry 4,300 lb, so it's "adequate" for our trailer if we don't go out often; but it was something of a puzzle as to how much I'll be able to put in the truck while towing our 3,600 lb (<4,200 lb loaded, I think) house.

I managed to measure an accurate "tongue load" with a bathroom scale and some blocks and boards yesterday, and found (after much searching) a "public scale³" where I got "curb weight" and axle loads measured on the new truck today, and it all looks workable. Truck payload (in the bed) with the trailer on will only be about 790 lb if I observe the axle load ratings (to keep the warranties good) but I could go 1,850 lb and be within GCWR to keep the ICC and NTHSC guys happy. It's the smallest "full-size" pick'emup Chevy sold for 2008, I think - 1500 Silverado WT. With the same little 6-banger engine as in the old truck, even with 14 years of "evolutionary improvements" I will not be "towing briskly."

Once I get the hitch on the truck, I'll intend to go back to the scale and get an accurate trailer weight, so if there are no unexpected delays in hitching up I'll leave it loaded until then. I've never bothered to do that, since the old van had fairly safe margins; but will feel guilty if I don't since the new truck is closer to limits. If my estimates turn out to be less accurate than I think they are, I suppose I'll just claim I don't know any better like most of the rest of the people who pull something.

The real point though is that I can't unload from Winfield until I get hitched up and in motion, and I'm already into the "loading" stage for next year.

¹ For those who haven't been there, "Winfield Virgins" - those there for the first time - are a sort of special tradition of the campgrounds. They are treated with very special (dis)respect, and are the victims beneficiaries of every lie bit of historical fact and advice more seasoned campers can invent. Lin says that "virginity grows back if you don't use it for six years." (She claimed to be one when I met her.) John s. o. John hadn't gone quite six years without a Winfield, but maybe that form grows back quicker.

² In the Winfield campgrounds, "night" usually begins sometime after 2 am, for those there to "enjoy." I think he made it to about 03:00.

³ Interestingly, the instructions at the public scale were to drive on the scale and push the "red button" to notify the people inside that you needed weighed. The "red button" was about 11 feet above ground level (window height on most semi tractors, I guess?) and far above what I could jump to from scale level. I had to find a three foot long board to whack the button in order to get weighed. Next time I'll be sure I take a ladder or at least a long walkin' stick.

John

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 07:56 PM

Hanging out in Winfield picking parlor in a sharp-looking new hat – priceless.

Sorry to hear about the van. I hope you gave it a decent burial. We saved on camping fees because we never actually camped, but we spent a fortune on gas traveling between the house/camps and the main stages at the fairgrounds. Our own fault, I suppose, for going to Winfield and actually going to shows.

Howdy to Lin and John son of John. Michelle has started a list of the stuff we used and didn't use on this trip to use when planning next year's trip.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 01:05 PM

Uncle Phil -

The upset in the routine was substantial, but in my case it wasn't (perhaps) entirely the fault of mother nature (the b**ch) and WVA.

Our usual trip there runs about $1K for the two of us, with

Tickets $160
Camping fees, ~32 days with hookup for one $320
Camping fees ~32 days without hookup for one $160
Food, repairs, maintenance/repairs for stuff busted in landrush, etc., the rest of about a thousand.

Extra expenses of in-and-out for the evacuation and relocation ran the bill up this year to about $1,800 before we got back to the lake (fees all paid by then), and by the time we got back home our grand total was somewhere around $21,600^** for the whole trip. (With a few hundred $ of "cleanup" fixes remaining.)

^** There was the minor added expense of replacing both Lin's scooter, which she killed by trying to drive it through a swamp, and replacing our tow vehicle, which suffered near total failure getting in and out of the lake and had to be replaced on the way home. The latter was a "totally unexpected" expense, since the old puller had less than 100,000 miles on it (although it was 14 years old). The radio went out about 6 years ago, the air conditioning died three years back, and the ABS module crapped out (for the second time) about a year ago; but aside from those minor blemishes it was in great shape.

The usual good fun was had by all. (???)

See y'all next year.

John

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 09:26 AM

Finally got non-flood pics off the camera and posted here.

It should be interesting to see what happens next year. I missed being able to stroll from camp to camp with everyone jumbled up together on the fairgrounds, and missed the variety of music that we've enjoyed in past years. We're planning to be back on the fairgrounds next year.

Winfield Lake and the park in Oxford, however, weren't bad, especially when you consider that you didn't have to buy pricey festival tickets to camp there. I wonder how many folks, especially those who never go to the main stage shows anyway, will elect to camp away from the fairgrounds next year?

Not to be crass, but I also wonder how the artists and vendors, who did not do as well as expected financially, will feel about next year. We bought enough food to feed hamburgers to 500 at the Wed night music crawl, but only fed 350 (leftovers to the firefighters, etc like every year). I expect that the other vendors were down by at least that much and CD sales were off as well.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 26 Sep 08 - 10:03 PM

Bill, what a fantastic lineup for your Saturday night jam! We were pickin' on the other side of the lake, but wish we could have been at your place too--where are those cloning facilities when you need 'em?

Gary T. stopped by to serenade us with a wonderful parody of Ragtime Cowboy Joe that we think needs posted on the DT. Thanks, Gary! And we got to see Phil several timees (he says Michele was sewing and resting at the rels' house) and enjoyed talking with him.

As Bill says, it was a terrific Festival, flood and all. Certainly one we'll remember long after some of the others are forgotten! Signing off until next year...

Lin

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: GUEST,wlisk
Date: 23 Sep 08 - 01:39 PM

Well it could have been a disaster but ended up being the best one yet! We spent alot of time with Phil & Michelle, saw John and Lin at the Lake, and ran into Gary at the festival. The jam sessions were great. The grand finale for us was Saturday night at our campsite (Scamp Camp) with the David Munnely Band, the Old 78's and the Wiyos-what fun! Posted some pics on www.myspace.com/wlisk
We really enjoyed Phil & Michelle, seems like we saw them at every performance that Deanna and I went to! And Phil makes a great wood fairy. Thanks again Phil see you at NTIF.
Bill & Deanna

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 23 Sep 08 - 08:19 AM

Back home in Texas, here are weather pictures that I couldn't post last week.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 12:36 AM

Mandolin Cafe has a link to some lovely pictures of the moisture... also, today's "spotlight MP3" was a track featuring Dave Firestine and Round the House, from their latest cd.

~ Becky in Sunny Tucson

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 18 Sep 08 - 11:04 PM

Thurs PM. We are one day into the actual festival. Everything is up and running. So far it looks like numbers are down some. All the workshops went on as scheduled Wednesday, albeit with fewer students than expected. We fed 350 at the hamburger dinner after planning for 500. The cowboy concert Wednesday night had a good crowd that filled the Stage 4 barn.

There are shuttle buses running from the fairgrounds to places like the lake and they are parking cars where the infield camping has been in other years. Fairground crowds were OK today on Thursday. The lake is rocking with, as Lin says, absolutely no one in charge. Mudcatters Bill and Deana Lisk (wlisk) were on front porch radio this afternoon.

Off to the lake...
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: WyoWoman
Date: 17 Sep 08 - 10:42 PM

So glad to hear that you're all going to be able to get SOME Winfield fix at least. Takes more than a few feet of water to keep that spirit down.

Besides, my K.C. friends and band mates would be unbearable if they had to go for an entire year with no WVA. My motives for hoping the show goes on are at least half unselfish.

ww

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Sorcha
Date: 17 Sep 08 - 09:12 PM

Well, honestly, City of Winfield SHOULD be very helpful considering the MONEY this festival has brought in over the years!

(and you can bet yer bottom dollar that they didn't USED to be helpful at all...riff raff you know)

I 'assume' (we all know what THAT really means) that the yard sales on W. 9th and W. 14th are still as usual? :)

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 17 Sep 08 - 05:45 PM

Short additional note:

Front Porch Radio is apparently out at Oxford City Park also.

Here's a link to Don Shorock's photos. He's linked some other folks (Joe Tholan in particular has nice pics), too. Pretty impressive, old Mama Nature is.

Click to view

And you bet, Bill D. and Sorcha, it's a wonder it hasn't happened many times before. It usually does, just not at Festival time!

I'll post photos to our Smugmug site AFTER the Festival, as usual, and will give y'all a link then. I've got the critters fed and am heading back to camp. Anyone who isn't here yet is missing a lot of fun and great music!

Lin

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 17 Sep 08 - 05:12 PM

Hi all--I'm home to feed the cats again. Here's a small update on the camping situation:

SOUTH side of Winfield Lake:
    Nowhere Camp (I'm pretty sure I saw a sign for them yesterday)
    Bill and Deanna ("Scamp Camp") and friends
    Comfortable Shoes
    Rainbow Camp
    Terry and the Pirates

NORTH Side of Winfield lake:
    Watering Hole
    remnants of the Metaphysical Camp--they had an old-fashioned hillbilly hoedown last night ("free your inner hillbilly")
    Gary T. and some more of the K.C. crew
    At last knowledge, there were still some electrical hookups, and campers are sharing the water hookups, no problem. City of Winfield put in THREE NEW ELECTRIC POLES on the North Side yesterday; the CSSI trucks are making regular runs to suck s*(^t for the campers and set up more Port-A-Pots; and I think I heard the Ice Truck yesterday, too.

Oxford City Park in Oxford:
    Carp Camp (at a large pavillion) and many of their followers
    Haven't heard who else, but could assume lots of Irish music there. The Oxford Mayor is treating them all like royalty, from rumors cast abroad! Also heard, although can't vouch for truth, that the Giant Carp was left floating in their big tree in the Fairgrounds, on the lookout for its mate cruising down the Walnut River. I think Dave DID get his hat, though I don't think he's been trolling with it for any new carp. Rumor also says the traditional Carp Camp Parade will be held in Oxford this year...bring your weird hats and join in. Don't know where the Rat Camp wound up, so their band scramble may not be interrupted this year with "Harmonium."

Haven't heard any camp names for Wal-Mart or for the Auction Barn, sorry. The Wednesday Workshops are being held in town--check with the entry gate at the Fairgrounds or call the Headquarters (620-221-3250)to find out where. The Weds. evening concert with Bill Barwick and the Diamond W Wranglers is being planned for Stage 4 (where the contests are held) instead of Stage 3, so it will be inside tonight, starting at 7:30.

That's just a sniff, of course--people are scattered all over the place. City of Winfield is being very helpful, everyone is cooperating, and the groups at the Lake are having a wonderful time with absolutely no one in charge! It's been quite an adventure, but I think folks are settling in now and EVERYONE is ready to party.

Vendors are supposed to be setting up under the grandstands as usual, and entertainers are poised to do what they do best. Yes, Sorcha, the Show Must Go On!!

Here's a link to the main WVF page, with updates: click here

Lin

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: astro
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 01:42 AM

Carp camp will be very appropriate this year it seems....Dave may not need to wear his Carp hat for a carp to land on his head....

Astro in Tucson and LA....

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: GUEST,Steve Bell at KCUR
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 01:34 AM

Hey, Al... or anybody! My sister and I are still planning on coming down. Leaving KC Thursday before noon. Where IS the Camp Nowhere gang? At the lake? If so, did you all cluster together at the lake? Is Nowhere anywhere or is it everywhere? In other words, we'd like to find you guys if we can because we enjoyed you so much last year (and for me in the past three years). I'm even ready to play some old time.

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 11:22 PM

Yes, Bill, it really is. Happens every few years, but never this close to the festival. And WAY back when, 1st or 2nd festival, the campgrounds weren't used like they are now! Not even close!

Me, I usually just walked (read staggered) home. And hoped my parents were already asleep.....LOL. Those were the days, my friend...

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 11:10 PM

I believe that a week after the 1st or 2nd festival WAY back when, the campgrounds were under 2 ft. or water. It's amazing they have gone so many years without this happening festival weekend.

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 10:27 PM

The show MUST go on!

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 10:19 PM

John and Lin arrived in the middle of the night last night and are camped with the Water Hole Gang on the north side of the lake. They had no problems with water on 77. Bill and Deana are camped on the south shore with a congenial group from Texas. Beaucoup electric hookups have been added out at the lake. Lots of good campground music in Kansas tonight.

The water is falling rapidly; the midway was above water by early afternoon and they have hosed out the buildings that were flooded. There won't be any camping on the fairgrounds, but the stage shows, contests, workshops, and vendor areas should operate more or less normally.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 07:56 AM

The river was down by a foot by last night at sunset when we drove past the fairgrounds. There was plenty of camping room at the livestock barn and at Walmart. Several people I talked to last night moved from there to the lake. In spite of the hassles a lot of familar "camps" now set up around the lake and festival amenities, like port-a-johns, keep appearing out there. Most camps are centered around the stone bathrooms and showers.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: GUEST,Bill
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 12:12 AM

I have been in Winfield for a week. First time. I have a motorhome sitting in the ball field complex east of walmart.
I think this is a very good place to be. There is room for tents and motorhomes and campers. Lotssa grass . No electric left available. Water is available .The waste truck and ice guy drive thru.
folks here are making the best of the situation and there is a full moon and howlin music in the air !

Bill

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 06:50 PM

One of the rels just stopped by the farm on his way back from the lake. Stage 5 and Stage 7 are set up by the lake. His anecdotal report is that there may be hookups still available near the marina. He's all excited because he will be able to listen to all the campground music without springing for a fairground ticket. Howdyed with Dave Firestine a while ago so I expect Carp Camp will spring up somewhere soon.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 06:21 PM

I can't see the picture, but covering the box seats sounds about right, with some white water where the water drops from the midway to the track. Speaking of pictures, there was a picture showing me cooking at last years Main Street Assn hamburger dinner in this morning's paper which was a little startling before the first cup of coffee.

Al, the stockyards are west of thr fairgrounds on 160. I still haven't heard anything about 77 being closed. I know it's open from Winfield to Ks Hwy 8 having driven it today, so if there's a closure it is north of there. The river is continuing to fall so, hopefully, it won't be a concern by morning.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 05:54 PM

Another option for a group is the Quail Valley Fun Barn (great name)south of town. They've got 52 spaces with water and electric, but, as of yesterday evening, they only had 11 campers. I don't have a phone number, and you can Google them faster than I can from out here on the farm.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 05:40 PM

The Courier also has a pic of the Auction Barn parking lot, that doesn't look too inviting.

The Ranger station said (by phone) about an hour ago that there is still space available at city lake, and there are some hookups. A phone call from one of our friends who has been there implies that all (available) hookups are 30 amp, so make sure you've got a plug converter before getting there if you're carrying only "ordinary" cords.

Still no indication of where the water might be across highway 77. The ranger said she had no idea, but friends going in a little before it would have encroached didn't see any likely places coming from the north.

All attempts to locate a decent topo map of the area lead to FEMA websites, none of which "answer" or have phony (non-existing) URLs listed by Google.

John

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 05:16 PM

It's not looking good for the Home Team Campers anywhere. PM me if you really NEED a place to park a camper or sleep. My relatives are Finns Electric (do all the electric for the festival) and other 'stewards'.

Pretty sure that my mother in law would let someone put a camper in her yard, use the electric and hose. She had her camper parked in her yard for years. Also, a cousin is half way between Winfield and Ark City. HUGE yard with lots of parking, electric outlets, etc. Just PM me for more info.

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 05:13 PM

The Winfield Courier has at least one new pic up, even on a Sunday morning. Water is up to the Box seats in the grand stand. Here is a link to the article.... Courier

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 04:35 PM

3:30 Sunday. I haven't heard anything about 77 being closed. In know the bridge over the Walnut on 160 between Winfield and I35 is open because I was standing on it 30 minutes ago.

The fairgrounds are completely flooded since this morning, apparently because they had to open the floodgates up stream at El Dorado. I wish I had the bandwidth to post some pictures. The Pecan and Walnut Groves are both completely submerged. There's water in stage areas all the way up to the base of the 14th Street levee. As of about 3:00 the water has fallen a couple inches judging from the watermark on utility poles. Locals say it should go down rapidly unless they open the floodgates upstream again.

The plan is to bring a fire engine in to wash everything down once the river falls and go on with the stage shows. There seems to be no chance of camping on the fairgrounds again this year.

The campgrounds on the lake continue to fill up as more folks arrive from out of town. There is still plenty of space at the lake, but, Lin, I imagine all the hookups are long since gone. Your best shot is someone with a hookup with whom you can camp.

One plan being discussed for the shows is to use the high school for parking and shuttle people to and from the fair grounds on school buses.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: GUEST,Al no cookie
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 02:48 PM

Our current plan is to go to the stockyards monday or tuesday. Any reports from there?
Is there space available at the lake?
Al

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 12:28 PM

Uncle Phil, bless you. You're saving us a 100-mile round trip with your "notes from the field." We're thinking of making a move to the lake if our friends who are headed there can let us know about availability (or not) of electricity.

The other worrisome thing is the "water over the roadway" report--is the roadway water between the lake and Winfield, or between Wichita and the lake? Hopefully, someone can let us know the answer to that also.

All the WVF website says is "the show will go on." No word on where, what, or who yet, Al. I think Uncle Phil has it right: the festival is going on at the refugee camps right now without benefit of any outside interf--uh, help.

Lin

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 11:03 AM

10:00 Sunday, Winfield Lake. Sunny, windy, and pleasantly cool out by the lake this morning. The park roads are drying out and are easily passable this morning. Small band scramble last night at the marina; we are headed for a hymn sing at one of the refugee camps in a few minutes. Nice to see the festival proceding without benefit of organizers, tickets, etc.

We'll be in town in another hour or two. I'll look and see what the deal is with the river. It was on the road behind the concert barn yesterday PM and in part of the vendor barn. No offical communiques from the festival office yet today.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: GUEST,al no cookie
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 10:37 AM

John, thanks very much for the updates. Please keep them coming. We're up in Ottawa, still deciding when and if to come down. Your reports are much appreciated.
Al

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 02:23 AM

The hydro station reports about another 5 foot rise since Uncle Phil's 4:00 pm report. 30.90 feet, 09-14-2008 at 00:30. That likely will put it into several of the park buildings.

According to the predicting site, 30.5 feet will be across the road on Hwy 77 north of Winfield, so the highway may have about 0.4 feet (4 inches) of water running across it now. Predicted crest remains at 32.7 feet in the next few hours, which could put it 2 feet deep across the highway.

According to the official prediction, it will take about a day before the highway is clear again, assuming no washout damage.

The description says only "north of Winfield." Since some friends are intending to visit the city lake later today, it would be of interest whether the low spot is north or south of the exit to the lake (?). (The lake road is reported as "8 miles north of Winfield.")

John

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Art Thieme
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 12:47 AM

I used to enjoy either coming or going from Winfield on a 2-lane road----#16 I think it was; it ran parallel to Hwy 77---along the Chisholm Trail. I know it went through Wellington where Art & Leota Coats were living---and it swung left at one point to pass the Chisholm Trail Drive-In Theater.. The late Art Coats ran the festival---along with Bob Redford in those days. I do hope that Bob is feeling better of late. I'm still in touch with Leota once in a while. --- More good memories of festivals past.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 13 Sep 08 - 05:12 PM

4:00 PM Rain slacking off. The river was not in the buildings at lunch time, but I don't know if it has crested yet. Cold front tomorrow is supposed to push the rain off to the east.

No point in heading back south until things improve here because of the remnants of hurricane Ike, so spent a productive afternoon coloring with cousin's great grand-daughter. More family stuff tonight including a birthday party.
- Phil

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 13 Sep 08 - 05:05 PM

USGS Hydrological Data for Winfield KS gives apparently accurate information on the measured depth of the Walnut River at Winfield, updated about twice daily. At the present time (09-13-2008 15:30) the river depth is shown as 27.20 feet. This site gives good information on current conditions, but makes no predictions.

US Weather Service for Winfield KS shows the same measured information at "fuzzy" resolution, up to the dotted vertical "current time" line, with a predicted extrapolation for the next few days. The "actual value" is updated more frequently than the "prediction" so there frequently is some mismatch – a break at the current time – between actual and predicted. They erase the "predictions before now" information so you won't notice how accurately(?) they predicted what has happened in the recent past. Since this site is maintained by the Weather Service office in Wichita (a fairly big city) where they appear to have only a vague notion of where Winfield (a tiny town) actually is, and Winfield is only one of many sites reported by this office, the "predictions" have about the same accuracy as the local TV weather reports for "surrounding areas."

A useful bit of information at this site is the section on "Flood Impacts" a little way down the page, where the "depths" are translated into what areas water will invade.

At the time of our expulsion from the park, it was reported that a crest at 34.2 feet was being predicted, about 4 feet above the level that probably would close US 77 north of Winfield – the only way many people know of for getting in and out of town.

When we arrived back at Wichita where I could access the site, the prediction was still for a crest of 34.2 feet, but the actual current value was about 4 feet below the value predicted for that time, and appeared to be "leveling off." The predicted maximum was dropped to 29.9 feet, but the last current value then was almost 2 feet above what was predicted, and rising fairly rapidly. The latest prediction has changed three times while I've been previewing this post, from 29.4 to 31 plus, and is now 31.6 ft (if I post quickly), close to crossing US 77 highway north of Winfield.

The earlier prediction was that water would recede to "flood stage" (18 feet) by early Monday morning. The current prediction indicates late Monday before that depth is obtained. It will be necessary for the river to fall below "action level" (16 feet – now predicted for Tuesday afternoon) before any natural drainage (including seepage) of most affected park areas can occur, and even with efficient pumping out of low spots some "drying" time – probably one or two days under good conditions – will be needed before "wheels" of any kind can be permitted in most of the camping areas at the park.

Those who found adequate alternate camping spots quite probably should expect to remain there for the duration of the festival. IF THEY HAVE TRANSPORTATION that permits it, "commuting" to the festival may be an option; but several people we know who were "going to the lake" (either one) had "hitched in" and had no transport of their own. I suspect most in that circumstance will simply hold "alternative festivals" in the camps where they've settled, for the most part – assuming a sufficient "picker density" to keep the jam sessions going.

While "commuting" from Wichita would involve only about 100 miles per day, neither Lin nor I are able to walk the distances required to get from day parking to any worthwhile centers of activity, or to remain "on our feet" for extended times. The nutritional qualities of vendor food at the festival are also mostly incompatible with recommendations by our medical advisors, so personal food preparation facilities are needed.

We are awaiting further information, but prospects are not good.

John

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Sep 08 - 01:57 PM

Well, Lin, yes, sadly that is probably true....has always been that way. And what a HORRIBLE route to have to take! Since I lived in the 300 block of W. 14th, I'd have said, "**** YOU, buddy, I'm going HOME!" LOL.


I'm just a little ray of sunshine today, aren't I?

On a serious note, tho, the Fairgrounds DOES dry out pretty fast once the water recedes. If you know of any place to get wheat straw, get it NOW! The price is just about to go UP. It's great for filling in mud holes and stuff.

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 13 Sep 08 - 11:42 AM

Hi y'all--

Uncle Phil, glad you and Michelle made it all right and had a safe trip. Not such a great welcome to the Festival, though, huh? Glad you guys have shelter and can stay warm and dry.

Sorcha, I think all the townspeople have probably barricaded their doors and windows to keep out the riff-raff, as no one was allowed even to exit 14th street since they "didn't want the traffic through town." So instead the cops routed us all the way out to 33rd, then to Hwy. 77, so we could drive ALL the way down the main drag to get out south...

Jed, as one camper I spoke with told me, "I've been wet and muddy for three days now." Poor guy looked it, too. Hope Ike leaves us out of its left-overs!

Watching NOAA and the WVF web site closely, and hoping for the best,

Lin and John

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: JedMarum
Date: 13 Sep 08 - 11:23 AM

It only looks like more weather headed your way tonight. I hope y'all can stay dry and free of mud! The good news is, it ought to clear over the next few days.

Subject: RE: WVA 2008 - Winfield Festival
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Sep 08 - 09:11 AM

I've seen the Walnut within a foot of the top of the dike/levee on West 14th Street. I'll leave it to your imagination just how much of the Fairgrounds was under water then.

This happens every few years, it has just never happened DURING the Festival before.

If someone is TRULY desperate, contact me by PM. I have relatives there who MIGHT be induced to open their homes, or provide camper space with water and electric.