5 THINGS IN CCJ PACKING LIST

So you’re going to the Craven Country Jamboree for the first time and you’re bags are being packed. Now ... what else to bring? Here are a few items D.C. Fraser suggests.

1 Rubber boots This is a no-brainer for those who have attended before. People hear it rained and think it might be a little muddy, but surely a good pair of sneakers will do, right? Wrong. There are puddles. Deep, gushy puddles. Don’t ruin your new Nikes. Go to the store and drop a few dollars on some rubber boots. You’ll thank yourself when you’re walking home from Eric Church at night.

2 Clothes for any weather Oh, sure it’s the middle of summer — but that doesn’t mean it can’t get cold out. Temperatures might drop to around 10 C some nights. That, mixed with moisture, can make for a chilly evening. One veteran Craven-goer suggested a winter jacket. On the flip, it might be really hot ... so shorts and T-shirts are worthwhile.

3 Protection There will be mosquitoes. Protect yourself from bites, bring spray. There will be a bright, shining sun in the sky. Protect yourself from burns, bring sunscreen. There will be people sleeping with people who might have slept with other people before. Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections.

4 Elevation As mentioned previous, there is a chance the ground will be wet. If you’re sleeping in a tent, consider finding a way to prop yourself off the ground. Use wooden pallets, cinder blocks or anything else you can find that will keep you dry.

5 Ear plugs Go figure, but when you get thousands of people into a relatively small place, mix in alcohol and live music, things can get really loud. At all hours of the night. If you are one of those people who values a good night’s sleep and/or the longevity of your ears working, then consider buying ear plugs.