We're expecting about 150 campers. But that's a very rough guess, for all the reasons mentioned by Lorraine above. The sum of 29 mudcatters was actually based on my arithmetic, and didn't include the Catspaw family or Vixen & Tim. Last year we had maybe 110 people--but that was the old (bayfront) site at the old (higher) price, and not very many out-of-town Mudcatters.

[Rita] Ferrara is in charge of figuring out workshops--times in the day when people will gather to jam on a particular subject or in a particular style, and opposed to just making music together which goes on pretty much all the time anyway.

There really isn't provision for tent camping at the site. The nearest tent campsite in Prince William Forest Park is maybe 3 or 4 miles if you're a crow, but perhaps 10 to 15 miles away as the car crawls, since there are no direct roadways or hiking trails.

The fine print on the refund policy reads: "Payment for overnight Getaway attendees may be done in installments. Deposits of $25.00 per adult and $10.00 per child required to reserve space. The balance is due by October 1, 1999. After that date space will not be guaranteed. We're sorry, but we cannot give refunds for any cancellations received after Sunday, October 4th unless someone else takes your space. There is a $10.00 processing fee per person for all cancellations."

The cancellation fee is applied only if you change your mind There's actually a decent chance this year that someone else might take your place. And any registration that can't be accommodated due to lack of space at the park would get a full refund..

--Charlie Baum