Resources for Philly Burners

So you're in the Philly region and was wondering what's going on Burning Man-wise? Who's around? How do people manage to get themselves and their stuff to the desert and back? OK, here is some basic information that should get you started.

Philadelphia Regional Contact: That's me, Andy Wing. All "Regionals", as we're often called, have a direct relationship with the Burning Man LLC and are in year round contact with them if you have questions/concerns, etc. There is a Regional Network Center near Center Camp circle in Black Rock City with information about many of the regional comunities around the world. Yes, we are worldwide!

I've been Burning since 1998 and am one of the founders of Playa del Fuego. I'm also on the Board of Directors of PDF as well as the Planning and Art Grants committees. I've been a co-organizer for Camp Videogasm (part of Snowflake Village) since 2000 as well.

Some people fly, some drive. Some have even taken a bus or a train. It's up to you, your time and budget. If you plan on driving, then the minimum time would be four days. Some have made it in as little as three, but that's really pushing it. I know a pair that did it in 1998 (in my old van!) and they arrived back totally exhausted.

For flights I recommend the meta-travel search sites Mobissimo and Kayak. They can also help with hotel rooms and vehicle rentals. Most of the casinos run free airport shuttles. Check with your hotel for hours and frequency.

Note: as of 9/1/2008 Continental has left the Reno market. Other airlines have picked up some of their routes.

Due to the number of rentals returned in very dirty condition, several rental agencies will no longer do business with Burning Man participants, including Budget Trucks in Sparks, U-Haul in Reno and Penske nationwide. Please, PLEASE return your rental in clean condition! If we show that we are responsible renters, then the remaining agencies in Reno (and the wider area) will continue to serve our needs.

Personally I recommend taking your rental to Baldini's Casinocar wash on Rock Blvd. They have the large bays and underbody wash that will get the playa dust off of cars, SUVs and mini-vans. There's also a shop and snack bar for while you're waiting. It's best to get there first thing in the morning (8AM) as the wipe down/detailing can take a while and you don't want to miss your flight! Rental trucks should be taken to a truck wash/detailer.

So you're flying or driving without enough space for all that art and camp stuff you simply must have in the desert. What to do? Since 2000 Camp Videogasm has run a Big 'Ole Truck from my house to Reno/Black Rock City via Detroit. See the link for details.

There is also a group in New York that runs a large container out and back. See nyccontainer.com for details. Note that they have a strict schedule and cannot take generators (except brand new).

Once in Reno

There are too many resource pages for supplies in Reno to list them all here, but one of my favorites belongs to some friends, the Civilized Explorers.

Some personal notes from many past Burns:

The Nevada Museum of Art is a pretty amazing place. Some Burner art has even been exhibited. Highly recommended!
If you're into autos, then the National Auto Museum is your place! They have a world class collection going back to the 19th century as well as some very rare vehicles and motorcycles.
The Winco Foods and Walmart on Northtowne Lane (off of 395N to McCarran Blvd E) are open 24/7. Do not shop there Sat afternoon if at all possible, they're packed with long checkout times. Winco does not take out of state checks. There is a Home Depot across the way, too.
Savers is a great thrift shop for last minute clothing shopping. They also have a number of other things like housewares and tools, but don't plan on getting lucky with a bike. There is a Lowes in the same shopping center and the Grocery Outlet is just to the east across El Rancho on Oddie Blvd.
Avoid the Courtyard Buffet in Circus Circus. The Victorian Buffet is better. The one in El Dorado has been recently renovated and is great. For 24/7 dining both the Cafe Sedona (formerly the Sweetwater Cafe) and Tivoli Gardens are good.
Check for detours and road closures on the Nevada DOT website in advance. That way you can avoid jams and delays in and around Reno. Note that the "Spaghetti Bowl" refers to the I-80/395 interchange area and always seems to be under construction.
The Keystone Shopping Center is particularly convenient having SaveMart (formerly Alberstons) and Crystal Ice right around the corner. Note that Crystal Ice only takes cash at the dock! SaveMart caters to Burners and has large pallets of water available right there in the lot. Post-Burn, SaveMart will take your trash for a fee as well as your pre-sorted recyclable plastic, glass, aluminum and steel cans. The greeters should have a recycling flyer at the gate with all the details. There's also a liquor store nearby.
They really are serious about speed limits through Wadsworth, Nixon, Empire and Gerlach. If the sign says 25, go 25! As you approach Empire, slow down. There are often large numbers of vehicles pulled over and people crossing the road.

Twice a year the regional groups put on an event known as Playa del Fuego. It's not nearly as big as the Desert Burn, but it has it's own atmosphere and groove. Attending this event is a great way to meet many of the people who make the desert journey and just plain have fun! It takes place on Memorial Day and Columbus Day weekends. Currently it's held on a private farm south of Odessa Delaware.

PEX holds a regular series of community events in their warehouse. Check their tribe for the latest news.

There is an ongoing event, Gate Philly which is free and includes some Burners as performers. There's sometimes free food courtesy of Chef Jeff! The Gate is held in the Rotunda, a community that believes in art as a catalyst for social change.