This was my first Return to Roots, and it thoroughly exceeded my expectations. Held Thursday-Monday from 7÷30÷15 to 8÷3÷15 Location — although it’s my first roots and I have no other locations to compare to – I personally really liked this location. It was big, a lot of walking as the downfall, but I liked how big it was. It felt like our own little town of flow artists. Plenty of room to camp, for vendors and all the workshops to be held. 30 minutes from Philly, quite convenient for most, kind of the mid-point of east coast. Workshops — 5⁄5 stars So impressed. I walked away from every workshop either had having a lot of fun, or having learned more than I ever thought one could in 1.5 hours, or both. The level of talent the festival brings in – and the instructors themselves are so wonderful. So full of love and passion, teaching techniques/combos that are so creative. I walked away feeling so alive and awakened. Whether you want to participate in contact staff, hoop, juggling, clowning, yoga or anything in between — there’s an amazing workshop to expand your flow. The people — 5⁄5 stars — amazing. It’s the most beautiful thing, seeing so many people, many of them strangers, come together and just express their passion for 5 days. These were the kindest, purest people I’ve met at not only a festival, but just life in general. It’s hard to put into words — but people were so friendly, and eager to show each other things they learned/tips etc. It was nice being somewhere, where everyone is on the same page. You didn’t have to worry about someone raiding your camp, because everyone there had a deep respect for each other — that was amazing to feel. Miscellaneous pros The effigy was beautiful — and so well executed, no words to really describe that. It was also really cool that there was a haunted trail at night. Music was really fun, and the people dancing all night were even better. Food vendors were friendly, and very reasonably priced — also took Paypal which is convenient. Miscellaneous cons — the hoop vendor was a bit too expensive(I believe $ 35). it was in the 30s, especially when you can get one shipped for $ 27, with $ 10 shipping. –lots of bugs! bring bugspray. And maybe calamine lotion. there’s some poison ivy but not too bad — They close the gates at night — I guess it’s either to prevent outsiders from getting in, or to discourage drinking/driving? Either way it’s a little inconvenient if for example, you came with a day pass, want to stay late and listen to music — then when it comes time to leave you realize you’re locked in lol. All in all, I walked away incredibly happy, fulfilled and as silly as it sounds, it was a soul-awakening experience. I will return to roots, 2016.
