Pre-Registration / Tickets

Only registered, paid ticket holders are allowed into Beltania.  Pre-registration at www.beltania.org is preferred.  Tickets will also be available at the gate, cash only. Prices are provided at http://www.beltania.org/register/prices-and-deadlines.  

Refunds and Transfers

All Beltania tickets and other purchases are nonrefundable.  If you purchased a ticket and cannot attend, we thank you for your tax-deductible donation to Living Earth Church.   If you need to transfer a ticket to someone else, only the person who registered using the online registration form, to whom the original Registration Confirmation email was sent, may initiate a ticket transfer.  Ticket transfers MUST be requested by EMAIL ONLY to registration@beltania.org by APRIL 30 and the email request MUST come from an email address already in our system used during registration.

What To Bring To Beltania?

The Essentials

• Your photo ID, matching the name you used when purchasing your ticket, and please print in advance and bring with you
• A signed copy of the Liability Waiver.  Required to enter! Found at www.beltania.org/waiver and emailed to each registered guest.
• A printout of your online registration confirmation is not necessary but feel free to bring along.
• Water: 1.5 gallons per person, per day (for drinking, washing, etc.)
• Camp chairs or blankets for concert seating.  Canopy/sun shade.
• First-aid kit. (Suggested to carry band aids and wipes at all times!)
• Fire extinguisher
• Appropriate clothing: light clothes for during the day, very warm clothing for at night, raingear, hats/gloves.
• Sturdy shoes or boots (multiple pair in case of mud) and extra socks.
• Bedding and shelter of some type, a good camp tent is recommended along with warm sleeping bags and sleeping pads.
• Garbage bags — leave no trace! Be prepared to haul your trash out if dumpsters are full
•  Any prescription medications, contact lens supplies, and whatever else you need to maintain your health and comfort in a remote area with limited service.  Those with CPAP machines, you must provide your own battery power.  NO power can be supplied for you; if this is a problem we recommend staying at a hotel.
• Flashlights/headlamps and spare batteries.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
• Toilet paper (if port-a-johns run out).
• Towels/wash cloths
• Common sense, an open mind, and a positive attitude.

Optional Items to Bring

• A Bicycle
• Money to purchase food or to shop along Merchant’s Row.
• Food (if you do not plan on purchasing food from our Kitchen Tent).
• Smokers:  portable ashtrays for your ash and cigarette butts (Altoids tins work great).
• A cup for beverages (not glass).
• Propane stoves and grills for cooking food if you are not purchasing your food.  Charcoal grills are discouraged, permit required.  See fire policy.
• Your finest Pagan Regalia or Costumes!
• Ice chest(s) if you are not planning on purchasing food or beverages.
• Earplugs
• Handi-wipes or wash cloth for cleaning up.
• Any magical items you might want to bring with you – tools, crystals, divination cards
• Insect Repellent
• Drums
• A tent heater (the Coleman ProCat is a recommended favorite, please follow all safety instructions)
• A journal or sketchbook
• Condoms or other birth control if desired.  Fertility charms, ovulation test kits, and lots of prayers if you’re hoping for the opposite.  Beltane is a fertility celebration, after all!
• Camera (please read our photography policy).
• Rug or blanket to set outside car to remove shoes before getting in car/tent

• Firearms or fireworks     
• Fire pits or charcoal grills (unless you pre-purchased a Beltania Fire Permit)
• Anything that violates federal, state, or local laws such as illegal drugs
• Tiki torches (solar or battery operated OK)
• Glass containers
• Pets
• RV's and Campers without a prior reservation

Weather  to Expect

Since the altitude is about 6700 ft., it’s not going to be as cold as if it were in the higher mountains.  You can expect some wind.  Average nighttime low for the dates of Beltania is in the mid 30’s to 40’s, and daytime highs are around 65-70 degrees.  However, it could rain, snow, be roasting hot…  It’s Colorado! We suggest you bring many layers and warm clothes for the night concerts. Be PREPARED FOR WEATHER RANGING 0 - 90 DEGREES AND ANY TYPE OR AMOUNT OF PRECIPITATION.

Our community fire circles will be going throughout the festival so please use them to keep warm and toasty! 

Check the Weather report at weatherunderground.com. Florence is the closest town, but be aware since we are significantly higher and in the mountains, the Florence weather report may be different than what is happening at the park. Wetmore is another nearby town whose weather may indicate conditions at Beltania.

Driving Directions

Beltania is held at Florence Mountain Park, just south of Florence, Colorado.

From Denver:

1) Take I-25 going south into Colorado Springs.
2) Follow the directions from Colorado Springs, as shown below.

From Colorado Springs:

1) From I-25, take exit 140 for Tejon St toward CO-115 S/Nevada Ave 0.5 mi
2) Turn right at S Nevada Ave/US-85 S/US-87 S.  Continue to follow US-85 S/US-87 S for 1 mi
3) Continue onto CO-115 S 37.0 mi
4) Turn left at CO-67 S/S Robinson Ave 4.3 mi
5) Turn right at County Rd 15
6) Stay on County Rd 15 for about 4 mi. until the road ends at Florence Mountain Park.  You will see our Beltania signs pointing the way once you are close.

From Pueblo:

1) Take Hwy 50 west towards Canon City.
2) Go south at Hwy 115.
3) Follow steps 4-6 above.
If you need more detailed directions, call the Beltania hotline at 303-478-8814.  Please note that mobile phone service is spotty at the park and we may not get your call if we are on-site.

Computer/GPS Mapping:

You may use Google Maps or Mapquest to locate Beltania.  Since there is no street address, just use County Road 15, Florence Colorado as your search term. The festival is at Florence Mountain Park. The GPS Coordinates are:  38.275721 - 105.179844

Hotels Nearby

For those who wish to attend Beltania but would like an alternative to camping, there is the option of hotel lodging.  The closest hotel to Florence Mountain Park is the Super 8 in Florence, CO.  It is about 10 miles and 15 minutes away.  The second closest in Florence is the Riviera Inn.  We have arranged for a discounted rate for all Beltania guests with the Super 8 Inn, just mention when you make your reservation that you are with Beltania and call them directly to reserve your room.

Super 8 Inn.  This is the closest hotel to Beltania and our recommendation. MENTION BELTANIA FOR A SPECIAL DISCOUNT.    (719)784-4800.  
4540 State Highway 120, Florence, CO 81226   Get directions 

Riviera Inn (719)784-6716,  136 E Front St, Florence, CO 81226
http://local.yahoo.com/info-19729325-riviera-motel-florence#overview

Other hotels which are in the Canon City areas, about a half hour from the festival:
American Inn 719-269-1158                           Comfort Inn 719-276-6900
Colorado Inn 719-275-9601                            Canon Inn 719-275-8676

Arriving at Beltania

The roads to Beltania are well-maintained and only the last couple miles are dirt roads.  They will accommodate any vehicle and should not pose any clearance problems.  There is no mountain driving although the road does go uphill.  County Road 15 dead-ends into Florence Mountain Park.  When you enter, please stop at the Gate Booth to check in.  Please plan on arriving during gate hours, otherwise we cannot guarantee entry.  If you know you only can arrive after-hours, please email  by April 30 to request a late check-in.

Gate Procedures and Hours

Check-In Procedure

• All guests 18+ will need to show a valid photo ID which matches the name provided when your ticket was purchased.
• Wristbands MUST be worn at all times.
• PRINT AND BRING WITH YOU the Personal Liability Waiver found at www.beltania.org/waiver. A copy will also be emailed to you separately. Anyone entering the festival who is age 18+ will need to sign a Personal Liability Waiver before entering.  

Driving Onsite

·       When arriving or leaving, drive slowly, especially at night.

·       Saturday Day Passes and Commuter parking in specifed lot only, along Main Rd (CR15) only or Handicapped Day Parking.

·       All vehicles except RV’s/Campers will need to park in the designated parking lots or car camping areas.  Aside from the parking lots, check map for designated car camping areas.  In general though, you will not be able to park right next to your campsite. Exceptions are made for those who request access to the Reserved Camping Areas for handicapped/mobility impaired guests and families with small children.

·       Once you park your car, you should not move it for the duration of your stay unless necessary. No cruising!

·       If you need to leave and return just show your wristband for re-entry.

·       The Gate Staff will help direct you to the parking area closest to the camping area you desire.  They will also be able to describe the various camping areas to help you select the one you'd enjoy most, if you have not already selected your camping area.

Festival Grounds Map

UPDATED:  Parking and Camping Areas

RVs, Campers, or Trailers

Advance reservation is REQUIRED for any vehicle with a towed camper or trailer, or any RV larger than an ordinary vehicle.  You will not be allowed to park in the regular parking lots or in a tent camping area. NOTE:  If you're car camping (van, pickup with shell, car, etc) you will need to park in a regular parking lot or in car camping areas designated on the map.

There are several areas designated for RV's, Campers, or Trailers.

·       RV 3 is now reserved for Staff and Performers only.

UPDATED: Handicapped Guest Camping and Parking

For assistance getting to workshops, setting up camp, or anything else please email registration@beltania.org in advance and our Handicapped Services Coordinator, can assist with any special arrangements or just notify a staff member and we can radio for assistance when you are onsite.

Sign Language Interpreter available!  An ASL/PSE interpreter will be at Beltania. Contact Lena Arvidson in advance to arrange for her services at idunnasapple@gmail.com. She is a Teacher of the Deaf currently and is working on getting her Educational Interpreter's license. You can find her at the Festival at her booth (Idunna's Apple Nallbound Items) on Merchant's Row or click on the banner ad in the left menu on this website.

Updated:  Tent and Car Camping Areas

There are several tent camping areas at Beltania.  No reservations are needed to tent or car camp except in the Reserved/Handicap/Family Camping Area.  Community Fire Pits will be available in or near each area.

"Astral Plain" Camping Area:  All Ages. Concerts may be heard clearly in most parts of this area.  Dispersed camping amongst piñon/juniper/scrub oak gives more privacy.  It is in the middle of everything, close to concerts, and has nice flat campsites.  Can pick up /drop off stuff at Connection Canopy or Festival Road. Parking is only on the side of Festival Road.  No vehicles may drive into this camping area. No vehicles may drive into this camping area except as designated.  This area is smaller than in previous years due to re-seeding of vegetation along the northernmost areas.

“Wild Meadow" Camping Area:  Ages 18+ only NEW LOCATION MOVED to the north end of the park! All night drumming and trance circles.  If you were at Beltania last year, you can expect the same sort of environment in the Wild Meadow this year.  Respect is expected at all times, drunkenness and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated at any time in community spaces.  For a quieter adults only experience, chose the east side of Ridge Road.  For a more social adult only experience, camp closer to the Wild Meadow Balefire on the west side of Ridge Road.

“Merchant Camping Area”:  For merchants and their families/invited guests only, located behind merchant booths and in the area between the Kitchen Tent and Festival Road.

Guest Services and Amenities

Fire Pits and Drum Circles

A variety of community fire pits are available for all Beltania guests. Living Earth is providing firewood and supplies, as well as extinguishers, sand, shovels, and water at all campfires. All Beltania full-festival guests are asked to perform a 2-hour workshift, and one option available is firetending. So, at peak times you can expect a fire tender to be present to light and maintain the fire.  

If you would like to use a fire pit but there isn't a firetender there, feel free to start the fire on your own. However, you will be expected to remain there until the fire is out or another firetender is willing to take over. Please send word to the info booth that you are starting one of the community fire pits.

No Private Fires Without an Approved Permit

 See Safety Section for Private Fire Pit Info! Only a few private fire pit permits are sold through registration, so that you can bring your own raised/enclosed fire pit. Digging your own fire pit or having a campfire without one of these permits is grounds for immediate removal from the festival without refund. In recent years there have been two wildfires on park grounds, and we don't want to be responsible for causing one!

About Our Community Fires:

The  Center of the Universe

The central hub of Beltania Festival activity is hereafter referred to as "The Center of the Universe."  The Center of the Universe, which most fundamentally in this Beltania model represents the center of expansion for all of Spacetime (as defined by Albert Einstein) and includes the Main Stage, Kitchen/Food Services, Info Booth, General Store, Merchant’s Row, Main Maypole and Ritual Area, Sacred Balefires, Silent Auction Tent, and Community Center.

At the Info Booth

The Information Booth is located near the Stage in the Center of the Universe and is the place to go for many things:

·        Information and Event Details

·        WORKSHIFT SIGN-IN for all 2-hour workshifts (except gate volunteers can go straight to the gate)

·        Updates and Last Minute Changes to the Schedule

·        Sweat Lodge times and sign-up

·        Lost and Found

·        Lost Children

·        First Aid

·        Communications

·        Beltania Staff Representatives

The  General Store

The General Store is located at the end of Merchant’s Rown nearest to the Community Center and Stage area of the Center of the Universe.

·       Beltania T-shirts and Official Merchandise

·       CD’s and Books from our performers and special guests

·       Forget something needed for camping? Camping equipment and supplies to make your stay more comfy will be available for sale.

·       ICE - (Must be pre-ordered by 7pm the day before, pickup at 9am).

The  Main  Stage

A full sound and lighting system completes the 28’ Beltania Main Stage. It’s the perfect place to catch musical performances all Friday and Saturday, from the afternoon to late in the evening. A full schedule is available in your Program and at www.beltania.org. 

Please do not venture into the area behind the stage. It is reserved for staff and performers only.

Main Ritual Area with Maypole and Sacred Balefires

To the north of the Community Center is a large open space for rituals, ceremonies, and the Maypole Dance.

Community Center Pavilion

Covered canopies with picnic tables. Eat, socialize, and enjoy the concerts here.  You’ll also find:

Children’s Activities

Check the Program for scheduled activities to enjoy with your children.  We do not provide any childcare so please attend all activities with your children.

Message Boards

Message boards will be available at the Community Center for a variety of purposes: to leave messages for others in your party, to announce spontaneous rituals or other attendee-initiated activities, to provide updates on upcoming workshops, concerts, or other activities, and for private babysitting or parent childcare co-op arrangements (not sponsored by Living Earth).

Workshop Area

Various workshops and classes will take place at the Community Center. Check the Program for details.

Merchant’s Row

Shop for a wide variety of unique and handcrafted items along our Merchant’s Row.

Silent Auction Tent

The silent auction helps raise funds for Beltania, so bid generously and often! Just like Ebay, bid on items and raise money for this nonprofit effort. On site bidding opens Thursday with the auction ending on Saturday afternoon. Please, pay for and pick up your winnings no later than Saturday evening and don’t forget all donations are welcomed! 

In conjunction with the Silent Auction we will also be doing a 50-50 drawing! The tickets will cost $1 each and the winner of the drawing will get half of the funds raised by the ticket sales while the other half goes to benefit the festival. The drawing will be held Saturday night, the winner must be present to win and this event is open to all attendees 18 and older.

Food Services at The Cauldron

Meals and snacks may be purchased directly from the kitchen tent. Cash only, no checks or credit cards. $20 punchcards in advance through online registration also available, or purchase with cash at the kitchen tent.

VIEW THE 2013 MENU

If you choose not to purchase food, you may bring your own food and cooking supplies if you wish.  As stated in the Items to Bring section, Charcoal grills are discouraged and you must get a permit from the Info Booth to use one, $30 fee applies.  Propane stoves and grills are preferred and no permit is necessary for propane fueled items.  See our Fires Policy for more information.

Shower House: Not Available This Year

Due to lack of interest we will not be offering on-site hot showers on Merchant’s Row. Guests are encouraged to bring their own Solar Shower, visit the nearby Hot Springs (Valley View and Dakota are close by), or just rough it.  

Internet Services: Not Available This Year.

2G - 4G service is spotty and unreliable. Best reception is by the Gate.

Safety and Other Policies

You are responsible for your own actions, safety and well-being.  You’re encouraged to help keep others and your neighborhood safe.  Intervene if you see a potential safety hazard.  Beltania and Living Earth accept no responsibility for your safety or the security of personal property.

A full Emergency Management and Evacuation plan is available at the Gate and at the Information Booth.  It has been submitted to and approved by the City of Florence.

Beltania staff will carry two-way radios in case of emergency.  Please follow all staff instructions in case of emergency.  Roving safety crews will be available to assist you throughout the festival. If you use your own radios, please stay off of channels 4,5, & 9.

Have questions about safety?  We have a Safety and Security Coordinator who will be available to answer your questions at the festival, or email safetyandsecurity@beltania.org. 

First Aid

For minor injuries, a self-serve first aid kit is available at the Information Booth.

We have a first aid provider on call 24 hrs a day.  Other trained first aid and safety volunteers are also available.  Visit the Information Booth if you need assistance.

Any staff member on call will have a walkie-talkie and we will be able to quickly assist in an emergency situation.  Even when the Information Booth is closed, there will always be a walkie-talkie available at the booth to reach an on-call staff member.  Someone will be on-call 24 hours a day.  Please check the information booth to find out what channel to use if you would like to bring your own radio.  

Nearby Medical Facilities

The closest medical facility is an urgent care center about 20-25 min away.  We have received good reviews of their promptness, quality of care, and professionalism.

Emergi-Medical Care Center Healthtrac Walk-In Clinic
127 Justice Center Rd, Canon City
(719)269-1136      Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat & Sun: 9am-5pm

Location: On the corner of Justice Center Rd and HWY 50, in the Creekside Shopping Center across from the Sheriff’s Department.  (directions on following page)

Directions:

1. Head northeast on Co Rd 15 toward CO-67 S/S Robinson Ave 2.7 mi

2. Slight left at CO-67 N/S Robinson Ave                                              4.3 mi

3. Turn left at E Main St                                                                               0.3 mi

4. Take the 3rd right onto CO-67 N/Pikes Peak Ave
Continue to follow CO-67 N                                                                          3.6 mi

5. Turn left at US-50 W                                                                                4.0 mi

6. Turn left at Justice Center Rd
Destination will be on the right                                                                    374 ft

The nearest hospital is: St Thomas More Osteopathic Hospital
1338  Phay Avenue,  Canon City, CO 81212

Directions: (31 min away)
1. Head northeast on Co Rd 15 toward CO-67 S/S Robinson Ave  2.7 mi
2. Slight left at CO-67 N/S Robinson Ave    4.3 mi
3. Turn left at E Main St   0.3 mi
4. Take the 3rd right onto CO-67 N/Pikes Peak Ave,   3.6 mi
5. Turn left at US-50 W  6.4 mi
6. Turn right at S 15th S   0.7 mi
7. Turn left at Phay Ave  0.2 mi

Fire Policy/Fire Ban Info

Default: Assume a Level 1 Fire Ban is in place.

Information on Fire Ban status may be found at the Fremont County Sherriff’s Office website. Our staff is regularly in communication with their office about our festival and any fire ban information. Although a fire ban may not be in place at all, we will always operate under Level 1 Fire Restrictions or higher.

IMPORTANT: Several years ago, other festivals at Florence Mountain Park caused two wildfires. They started from campfires that quickly went out of control.  You may have seen the burn area as you drove in.  We therefore must be very strict and vigilant about how we handle fire so that we are safeguarding the land and all living things it sustains, as well the safety of our festival guests.  All Community Fire Pits will be tended by work shift volunteers and will be burning for all of their hours of operation if desired and if staff is available.  (8am – 10pm with the exception of the “Wild Meadow” which will be tended and burning from 6pm – 2am or later). See the festival grounds map for details.

If you would like a community fire pit lit and there is no fire tender, send word to the Info Booth that you will be starting, tending, and extinguishing the fire.

Ideally, no camper would have their own private fire pit, but we know that some of our guests will want to do that and are willing to take on the very serious liability.  If you are one of those people, read on.

We encourage anyone cooking their own food to use propane or white gas stoves or grills.  No permit is required to use these, but we strongly caution all using them to remember “safety first.” Please ask our roving safety personnel if you need assistance in setting up camp safely. 

Smoking Rules

Due to the fire danger and the fact that a fire ban may be instituted at any time, we are operating under the protocols of a Level 1 fire ban, even if none is in effect at the beginning of the festival. In other words, please assume one is in effect. We don’t need orders from the Fire Chief to act responsibly.

Smoking is not permitted in open outdoor areas under this county regulation.  Smoking is only allowed in ENCLOSED STRUCTURES like closed vehicles or the smoking lounge at the center of the universe.  It is a comfortable screened and covered canopy lounge provided near the stage area for the exclusive enjoyment of our smoking guests.  It has a fireproof tarp floor and other safety precautions.  No smoking in merchant booths please. Wild Meadow: smoking is allowed in the immediate vicinity of the fire circle, adjacent to the water and sand buckets and fire extinguishers. 
Please do not throw any butts on the ground.  Be sure they are completely extinguished before disposing in your own sand bucket or the one available at the Smoker's Lounge.  We recommend you bring your own film canister or altoids container for your butts.  Do not put butts in any fire pit.


SMOKING OUTSIDE OF AN ENCLOSED APPROVED STRUCTURE OR VEHICLE, OR STARTING AN UNAPPROVED CAMPFIRE, IS GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL FROM BELTANIA WITHOUT REFUND.  We are sorry to have to enforce this, but we’d prefer to be able to use this facility and not burn down the forest.  Thanks for understanding.

Charcoal Grills: Permit Required & 5lb ABC Fire Extinguisher

Charcoal grills are an additional fire hazard and therefore we must assess a $30 fee, and require
a 5lb ABC fire extinguisher and completed Fire Permit to be turned into the Information.  The person filing the permit will be the one the city will be suing if you burn down their park.  To be approved for a permit:

• You must have a shovel with sufficient water and sand to put out the fire if it gets out of control, as well as at least a 5lb abc fire extinguisher.
• You must also be present at all times when it is above ambient temperature.
• You must have a metal can with a metal lid in which to put your ashes until you can      dispose of them in one of the Community Fire Pits.

If you would like to use a charcoal grill or other cooking fire that does not have an OFF switch, please pick up a Fire Permit Application when you arrive at the Entrance Gate or at the Information Booth.  When it is completed, drop it off with your $30 fee (cash only) at the Information Booth prior to using the grill.  5LB or larger ABC extinguishers are available at the information booth. There is a $25.00 deposit on these, which is refundable on it’s return in good undischarged condition.  If discharged for an escaped fire, and a fire report is made, the deposit will be refunded.

Private/Individual Fire Pits: Permit Required/and 5lb ABC fire extinguisher

All Community Fire Pits will be tended by work shift volunteers for certain hours of the day. Visit the Info Booth to find out exact hours.  They can be lit at other times if anyone wants to use them, just send word to the Info Booth that you will be lighting, tending, and extinguishing when finished.  

No one other than designated staff may dig their own fire pit at Beltania; digging your own pit is grounds for immediate removal from the festival. We are, however allowing a very limited number  of raised and enclosed fire pits during pre-registration only.   If you would like to have an individual above-ground fire pit at your campsite, you must follow these guidelines:

1.      Personal Fire Pits are an additional fire hazard and therefore we must assess a $30 fee and require a completed Community Fire Permit to be turned into the Information.

2.     First Come First Served – only the first 15 to submit their permit application will be approved.

3.     Bring only a patio-type above ground pit (raised with minimum 10 inches clearance) with spark arrestor lid enclosure.

4.     Provide your own firewood.

5.     Keep large buckets of water and sand and a shovel right next to your fire. A 5lb ABC fire extinguisher is required at every fire location.

6.     Bring a metal can with a metal lid in which to dump your ashes until you can dispose of them in one of the Community Fire Pits.

7.     Promise to never leave the fire unattended and to put it out completely when finished.

8.     Follow all guidelines not listed here but present on the Permit Application, if any.

9.     In signing the permit, all will be assuming full responsibility and risk for any damage caused by personal fires.  You agree to take full personal and financial responsibility for damage caused by the fire pit, and if your fire pit causes a wildfire you agree to be sued even if someone else is the one tending the fire at the time.

If you have purchased an individual fire pit permit you will be emailed a form to bring with you to the festival.  When your fire pit is set up and ready for inspection, turn in your completed permit at the Info Booth.  Our staff will mark your camp location on our large map.  Safety personnel will soon arrive to inspect your fire pit setup to make sure it is in compliance with the rules set forth below, and then sign off on the permit. You may not use the fire pit before the inspection and approval. 5lb ABC fire extinguishers are available at the Information Booth. There is a $25.00 deposit, refunded when returned undischarged. If discharged for a loose fire and a report is made, deposit will be returned.

Alcohol and Drugs

1.    Alcohol is permitted; drunken behavior is not.  Illicit drugs are not permitted or tolerated.  Historically this has not been a problem at Beltania – people tend to be real neighborly and respectful.  This is a family-oriented spiritual gathering, not a fraternity kegger.
2.    We ask that alcohol be kept to your private campsite and that community spaces remain alcohol-free for the enjoyment of everyone.  This includes the Wild Meadow campfire. You can expect the drumming facilitators to ask you leave the drum circle for inappropriate behavior or safety issues.
3.    Please, do not come to any workshop or ritual in an altered state.
4.    Underage drinking will not be tolerated and is grounds for removal from the event.
5.    Bring your photo ID.  Your ID will be checked at the gate and is required for admission.
Attendees will be given a wrist-band indicating age category (18+ or under 18). Because there is no separate wristband for 21+, if our staff sees someone who appears underage drinking alcohol they may ask to see ID. Please do not be offended; we just want to keep our festival and the young people in it safe.
6.    No alcohol will be sold on-site, nor will Living Earth provide festival-goers with alcohol. The only exception to this is the ceremonially-made Beltania Mead, which will be shared in ceremony. 
7.    Please try to use plastic cups or cans whenever possible. Park Rule:  “Glass containers not allowed”.
8.    No matter what, please do not drink and drive.  Safety First!

Children Under 18

Those under 18 are the responsibility of their legal guardian or an appointed adult.  It is expected that parents should be in control of themselves and their children at all times.

Beltania is an all-ages event.  The presence of children creates a wonderful atmosphere at the event, and you are more than welcome to bring them along.  If you bring your children, you agree to be responsible for their behavior and care at all times.  Ultimately, the health and safety of your child is your responsibility.  As long as you are prepared to keep your children under constant supervision, the event can be a great experience for them.  However, please be aware that there may be activities that may not be suitable for children, or things you may not which your children to see.  

There are also wild animals and many safety hazards normally present in any undeveloped wild and natural setting. Mountain lions, bears, coyotes, snakes, scorpions, black widow and brown recluse spiders, and other species are known to exist in the area.  Please consider carefully if this is a proper event for your child.

Know that certain events and areas are off-limits to under-18. The Wild Meadow and RV1 and RV2 are off-limits to anyone under the age of 18 so that grown-ups may enjoy some kid-free space.   

There will be many child-friendly activities throughout the festival.  However, Beltania is NOT PROVIDING ANY CHILD CARE SERVICES.  Parents are expected to supervise their children at all times. Do not expect the community to watch your kids or to censor their own behavior because there are children present.  DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILDREN ALONE and expect Beltania staff to watch them.  A message board will be available at the Info Booth for parents who wish to advertise privately for babysitting services.

Generator Usage

Due to music concerts and the desire to maintain a serene retreat setting, we ask that you limit your use of generators as follows. Silent generators (Honda EU series, etc.) at 30 dB noise level or less can be used any time. Regular Generators may only be used during the following hours:

• 9am-11am
• 5pm-7pm

Due to the Fire Ban Level 1, All generators MUST have a spark arrestor.
PLEASE USE A FIREPROOF TARP UNDER AND 4’ AROUND YOUR GENERATOR. It is a good idea to RAISE YOUR GENERATOR OFF THE GROUND and WATCH IT AT ALL TIMES and KEEP A FIRE EXTINGUISHER HANDY. Sparks can light the grass on fire.

Pet and Service Animal Policy

No pets. NO PETS. NO PETS!!! We cannot allow pets of any kind, including dogs on leashes.  We cannot accept the risk of injury to our guests, the poop issue, or the possibility of barking during our concerts.  Also our insurance policy does not allow us to have pets.  Most important – pets can attract mountain lions, and we are in prime mountain lion territory.  If you are found bringing a pet you will be asked to leave the festival immediately and will not be allowed to reenter.

Service animals are allowed at Beltania.  “Service animal” means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.  Beltania does require service animal to be vested and on duty at all times, as well as proof of official certification of the service animal, to be provided to the Festival Director who must observe your animal in person by April 30.  Contact beltania@beltania.org to arrange this. Beltania holds the owner responsible for any injuries or damages caused by the animal.  Beltania is also a music festival; as such, barking will not be tolerated.  (Note: Service dogs are trained not to bark at inappropriate times.  If your dog is barking inappropriately it is not a suitably trained Service Dog).  All service dogs must WEAR THE APPROPRIATE VEST, be leashed, trained to heel and behave appropriately “on duty” at all times.  Your dog is on the job and is expected to behave as such.  Please refrain from letting attendees, especially children, socialize with your service dog.  Directors or Beltania Staff may assess damages, as necessary, and may remove the animal and its owner from retreat if the animal's behavior poses a threat to anyone’s health, safety, or enjoyment of Beltania, or does not behave in a manner consistent with generally accepted service dog expectations.

Photography Policy

Ask first to be sure your subject(s) are okay with being immortalized in your photo album.  Beltania is a private event.  Redistribution or public display of images, including on the internet, requires the explicit consent of all subject parties.  An individual may revoke her or his consent at any time.  Images may only be taken for personal use and may not be used professionally or for any commercial purpose without the prior approval of Living Earth.  Anyone encountering a problem with a photographer or videographer should report it to a staff member at the Information Booth. 

Trash, Recycling, and Toilets

Leave No Trace

• If your car leaks oil (even a little bit) please put something under it to catch the drips.
• Clean your entire campsite and surrounding areas before you leave.
• Do not leave stuff in or around the port-a-johns, at the Info Booth, or at another      camp.
• You’re responsible for everything you bring and carry!

Trash Beltania provides very limited trash removal service.  When the dumpster is full, you will need to pack it out, so please use care in deciding what to bring to the gathering.  Limit packaging whenever possible.  Dumpsters for trash and recycling will be located at the Center of the Universe near Festival Road.  Please separate all recyclable items first, compact your trash, and neatly place in the dumpsters.  If the dumpster is full, please take your trash to your vehicle.  Do not stow trash at your tent due to bears and other wildlife it might attract.  Do not leave trash around the dumpsters.

Recycling We will post information at the dumpsters and share at every morning announcement about what and how to recycle.  We may be able to have single-stream recycling and trash.  We will attempt to recycle as much as possible, including but not limited to:  Plastic, glass, Aluminum cans, and Propane (1 lb) tanks.

Toilets If it isn’t from your body, don’t put it in the potty!  Trash in the toilets will prevent us from pumping them, and will threaten the viability of the event.

• Don’t leave stuff lying on the floors of the port-a-johns, or around the outside, either.
• Women, please bring your own bags for carrying used sanitary products to the dumpster.
• We take pride in having a festival where we respect each other and the Earth through cleanliness and consideration.
• ADA-compliant handicapped restrooms are located at the Center of the Universe and the Reserved Camping Area.  PLEASE, handicapped persons must have first priority, then parents assisting small children (actually in the stall with the child) have priority over the general public.
• Please do not dig “cat holes” or otherwise use nature for your toileting needs.  The park is a high-use area and cannot accommodate such use.  We appreciate your using the port-a-johns provided.

Vending and Advertising

The sale of products and services is only allowed in the Merchants’ Row area by pre-approved vendors only.  There is NO participant vending or advertising of any kind.  Workshop leaders may share their business cards or mention their business if it relates to their free workshop, and charge a materials fee for take-home items.  Vending or advertising that is unauthorized is grounds for removal from the festival.

Walkie Talkies: 2 Way Radio Usage

Please stay off of channels 4, 5, and 9. These are for staff use only. 

Wildlife

State trust land is adjacent to Florence Mountain Park, and is accessed by County Road 15 to the Amphitheater Road.  Please do not park at the State Trust Land parking lot; it is not included in our site permit and we must maintain public access for hunters using the land.  It is turkey season, and other small game may also be hunted.  For your safety, we recommend staying away from this area unless you are there to hunt and are wearing hunter orange clothing.  DO NOT go a-maying on the state trust land or you might be mistaken for a turkey!  It is sufficiently far from the festival area and not heavily used so we do not expect this to be a big issue.

The area where Beltania is held is in the middle of one of the highest concentrations of mountain lions in Colorado.  There are also bears, deer, elk, snakes, poisonous spiders, and many other species.  If you are hiking away from the crowds, be sure to make lots of noise to scare off whatever is nearby so that you don’t stumble upon and startle a wild animal, and keep your children close.  We also recommend carrying a 2-way radio; check at the Info Booth for the recommended channel to use.  Take plenty of water and sufficient clothing and food for any conditions if you do any hiking.

Keep your camp free of food or odors; return all coolers and other food to your vehicle at night and when not in use.  COOLERS/ICE CHESTS LEFT OUT OVERNIGHT WILL BE CONFISCATED and a fee must be paid for its return.

What to do if you encounter a Bear

If a black bear is visible, but not close, alter your route so that you will move away from its area.

If a black bear approaches, do not run.  Remain calm, continue facing the bear and slowly back away.  If the bear continues to approach, try to group together and pick up small children.  Try to scare the bear away by shouting and acting aggressively.

If a black bear attacks, it is suggested to fight back using everything in your power fists, sticks, rocks, and E.P.A. registered bear pepper spray.

What to do if you encounter a Mountain Lion

Do Not Approach a Lion — Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation.  Give them a way to escape.

Do Not Run from a Lion — Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase.  Instead, stand and face the animal.  Do not turn your back.  Make eye contact.  If there are small children nearby, pick them up if possible so they don't panic and run.  Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion.

Do Not Crouch Down or Bend Over — A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal.  When in mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching or bending over, even when picking up children.

Appear Larger — Raise your arms.  Open your jacket if you are wearing one.  Again, pick up small children.  Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back.  Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice.  The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it.

Be vocal — Talk calmly and regularly.

Teach others how to behave. — One who starts running could initiate an attack.

If a lion attacks:  You can use bear pepper spray to deter the lion.  Many potential victims have also fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands.  Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.

Defend other people — If you need to defend other people, be aggressive.

Workshift Required! Sign Up NOW Online!

A Workshift or Other Community Contribution Required of All Attendees Registered for the Full Festival. Saturday-only guests and teens who have parent permission may consider this optional, but are welcome to volunteer!  If you have not selected a preferred shift by May 1, 2013 one will be assigned from the remaining available shifts.  You will be notified by email of the shift you have selected or been assigned to.

All full-festival guests age 18+ are asked to contribute to the Beltania community in some way. You can choose to:

• Complete a 2 Hour Volunteer Workshift (what most people choose); 2 hours helping out with things like entrance gate, courtesy patrol, information booth, parking lots, fire tending, kitchen tent, and other jobs during the festival.
• Being a part of the “Erection Team” or “Team Morning Wood” (only 20 positions, registration refunded 50% (1^st tier price only) or each job!)
• Present a Workshop, Class, Ceremony, Ritual, or Event (deadline applies).
• Volunteer as a staff member (significant time commitment, available until all positions filled).
• Be a festival merchant on our Merchant's Row (deadline applies).  One merchant per booth is allowed to consider a volunteer workshift optional.

ERECTION TEAM?!?

• The Erection Team is the setup crew. Team Morning Wood is the Teardown Crew.
• Each team member volunteers for the day or two before fest begins, and it is hard, sweaty work.
• Erection Team volunteers (and their families) arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday, as arranged with the Head of Facilities.  Team Morning Wood volunteers stay late, until all teardown is done on Sunday and may run into Monday. Team members don't have to do a workshift during the festival.
• Only 20 positions are available on the Erection Team and Team Morning Wood.
• 50% of your prepurchased admission (1^st tier price only) is refunded for helping on either team. You can sign up for both teams and get 100% of your admission      refunded! First tier price only, and after the job is done.
• We need men and women who aren't afraid to get dirty, who are skilled with both hand and power tools, and who want the satisfaction of knowing they play an exciting and important role in creating Beltania.

Sign Up Online For Your Required Community Contribution

ONLINE ADVANCE SIGN-UP IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!

Visit www.beltania.org and click on “Register --- Workshift Required” to see what’s available and to register for your choice of community contribution or workshift.  It includes all available positions including regular workshifts and Erection Team workshifts. Please let other adults in your party know about the advance signup for workshifts, so they can do it too!

Beltania Traditions

Rituals: Scheduled or On Your Own

Ceremony is an important part of this spiritual gathering.  Any person or group is encouraged to perform their own rites and ceremonies, either private or public.  Just visit the Community Center to reserve for your choice of location and time.  We recommend the Amphitheater or far up Festival Road for private ceremonial use or for spontaneous additional workshops.

Weddings and Handfastings

If you would like to be handfasted or married at Beltania, please contact Beltania@beltania.org or visit the information booth at the festival to schedule it.  You may perform your own ceremony or bring in your own officiant, or Living Earth priests/priestesses/ministers can perform the ceremony as well.  If you have a small number of family and friends who wish to attend your handfasting, we can provide complimentary 3-hour admission for your guests if arranged before April 30.

Workshops

A detailed program will be given to you upon your arrival.  A list will be updated regularly at our website, www.beltania.org.  Workshops will be the first hour and a half of each 2 hour time slot unless otherwise stated, and will have many options for all interests and ages.  Music concerts will begin around 1-2pm on Friday and Saturday, break for evening ritual at 7pm, and are finished around 10-11pm.

The May Queen and Green Man

A Beltania Tradition!  The previous year’s Green Man and May Queen will be honored for their service and for keeping the spirit of Beltania alive all year.  They will also ceremonially pass the crowns to a new Green Man and May Queen who will reign for a full year.

The Green Man and May Queen will partake in various rituals and ceremonies throughout the festival. When you see them, greet them, take pictures, ask for their blessings, give them tokens of appreciation and kind words to thank them for their service. 

If you would like to be considered for next year’s May Queen or Green Man, inquire via our website form at www.beltania.org

Main Saturday Maypole Dance

All men are invited to help carry the maypole in the Processional, which is a parade around the festival grounds just prior to the ceremony.  Please gather at the Information Booth if you would like to be part of this honored tradition.  The May Queen will ride astride the maypole, with the Green Man leading the crew carrying the pole.  All ages are welcome to be a part of this processional celebration, please be aware that people do take pictures of this amazing spectacle.  Dress in costume, ceremonial garb, or whatever you’d like!

How to Dance the Maypole: Every other person will face right or left. Dancers will pass each other with an over-under-over movement.  If you’ve never seen or done a maypole dance, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxcIqMmlVOs 

It’s a big Maypole, yet as the ribbons wind around it space may be a little tight.  So if you’re tired, hand off your ribbons to others gathered, 2 ribbons to a person so that there are fewer dancers with more room.

Sweat Lodge Ceremonies

Unless a level 2 fire ban is in place, we will be hosting sweat lodge ceremonies again this year.  On Thursday starting at 10am there is a sweat lodge building ceremony to prepare the sacred ground and construct the lodge.  We are looking for others to help us create this sacred space, there is much to do and many hands make light work.  Building the lodge is a community experience where participants have the opportunity to call in the directions and spirit guides as they create the sweat lodge, which is an amazing energy vortex that honors Mother Earth, Father Sky and all sentient beings.  The sweat lodge provides the opportunity to cleanse and become purified of toxins and outmoded energy through the steam as well as the opportunity for rebirth to connect on deeper levels to your true purpose and interconnectedness to this amazing web of life. A sweat lodge ceremony will be conducted upon completion of construction.  All are welcome.  No sign-up is required to take part in the sweat lodge building experience, but please email Jordan at jjbeard926@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

The sweat lodge ceremony, older than recorded history, is practiced in some form by every culture in the world.  Our ancient ancestors participated in sweat lodges in order to facilitate healing, purification and transformation in their lives.  They knew that the sweat lodge utilized all powers of the universe, earth, water, fire and air and sought to expand their consciousness through these ceremonies.

Sweat lodges will be ongoing throughout the festival, and sign-up IS required for participation in all ceremonies (except the building of the lodge Thursday morning).  Come by the sweat lodge any time to view the schedule and then please sign up.  The sign up sheet is located at the info booth.

Rites of Passage: Girls’ Moonrite, Young Men’s Rites of Passage, and Women’s Croning Ritual

 Girls’ Moonrite

The Traditional Girl's Moonrite is an all-night trial for young women who have reached menarche and their mothers (or other adult sponsors) that encourages responsibility, positive body image, empowerment through concrete accomplishments and community involvement, sisterhood, and introspection.

The annual Moonrite will be held this year from 7pm on Friday through the morning of Saturday. . The Rite is presented by Amazon Sisterhood, the women who have been through this Rite over the last twenty years.  The Rite is funded by the Sisterhood and the community, there is no charge to the maidens or their families – this is our gift to the newest members of our community.

Preparing and customizing the event for each candidate is a long process that can take months, so we ask that our candidates pre-register for the event.  In order to provide the most personal Rite for each maiden, there is limited space available for candidates.  Register early to ensure your candidacy!  The year’s registration deadline is April 1.  Please note that registering for the Moonrite is separate from and in addition to purchasing your admission to Beltania.

To begin the Moonrite registration process, or if you have any questions about the Moonrite, please email Aly at aly.clayton@gmail.com

Young Men’s Rites of Passage Ritual

The coming of age ritual is universal. The specific practices may be different, the language, the symbols, even the deities and religions are different, but almost every culture in the world has some form of ritual for the change from being a child to being an adult.

More and more young men are growing up in modern society without such a transition, without any role model or way of knowing how they are expected to behave as an adult. A rite of passage is an excellent opportunity to change this. To give them a point in time to cling to, something to point at and say “I am a man”.

The Young Men’s Rites of Passage will begin at 2pm on Friday and should end around 6:30 though the exact length of the ritual will depend on the young men involved. We will meet at the amphitheater, please bring your son and be prepared to take part in the first five to ten minutes of the ceremony with them.

The rites will include challenges both physical and mental, education of both mind and soul, a chance for the young men to ask questions of an independent third party and tasks they must accomplish to progress. The rites are open to all young men ages 13-18, however, they must be ready to move forward and accept the challenges of being a man before they can begin.

These rites are presented by the Northern Colorado Covenant of the River and all materials will be provided. There is no charge for the rites however we ask that you pre-register before May 1st by contacting sweatlodge@beltania.org. Also feel free to write with any questions you may have.

Croning Ceremony for Older Women