Hugs POrtalBurners,

More than anything, we hope you are well. As we struggle with planning for POrtalBurn 2020, the health, safety, and well being of our entire community is at the forefront of our minds and hearts.

Because POrtalBurn is scheduled for late July, we are hopeful that POrtal can happen on schedule. We are also realistic, and are investigating options for postponing if circumstances dictate, and will keep you updated as events unfold. At this time though… everything is speculation. But we are hard asses, and are planning for the best!

We have devised a best-case scenario plan, which would require flexibility and adjustment on everyone’s part. We realize this could change on a dime. 

LEAD SELECTION: Postponed until mid-May

We understand that during April we all have other priorities, and circumstances may change for some people who have applied for Lead positions. So prior to May 13 the BOD will be doing a ‘Lead Applicant Check In’ to see if those who applied are still interested in their Lead Role . If it’s looking like POrtal is a ‘go’ and you’re unable to take on the role, we will understand, and will re-open the position for others to apply.

VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS: Postponed until June 10

If it is determined that POrtalBurn is a ‘go’, the only way it can happen is if we have volunteer coverage. To help ensure we have the coverage needed, we’re opening volunteer signups before tickets go on sale, but will hold reserve tickets for all volunteers. So if the stars align, and you can commit to attending, signing up for a shift will secure you a reserve ticket and make POrtal happen.

THE BIG DECISION: GO/NO GO: July 1

The go/no go decision will be made based on some key factors: participant safety given State, County and CDC guidelines; the overall community health environment at the time; and volunteer coverage. If those factors don’t make it possible, rescheduling may still be an option.

TICKET SALES (IF IT’S A GO): July 2

The ticket cap is not known at this time, since it will be based on whatever guidelines might be in place for group gatherings. As previously mentioned, volunteers would have reserve tickets set aside for them to purchase. We are committed to not opening ticket sales until we are confident POrtal can happen.

ART GRANTS: TBD

Given the circumstances, we cannot offer Art Grants at this time. If POrtalBurn is a ‘go’ we anticipate the window of time from ‘go’ to event will be tight. This will make large scale art, and funded art, a challenge. The art grant budget is also dictated by ticket sales. Since we cannot predict what restrictions might be in place for group gatherings, we cannot predict what funds might be available. Of course, if there is funding for art, we will make it happen, and we’ll certainly work to find space for un-funded art if you build it! 

Honestly, if we are fortunate enough for POrtalBurn to happen, there seems to be a community vibe that just burning together is the gift we all want and need most. So all things that require funding are TBD. If it’s a ‘go’ our priority expenditures will be whatever it takes so we can burn safely together. 

We are POrtalBurn. We are not just the Upstate New York Regional…we ARE New York. We send our heartfelt thoughts your way as you navigate through this challenge. And please join us in sending extra good juju, respect, and appreciation for our POrtalBurners in the medical fields, civil and social services, and service industries who are out there working to save lives, and keep us functional and sane. We are soooooo looking forward to seeing all of your shining faces on the other side of this POrtal.

With love,

The POrtalBurn BOD

HOLD ONTO YOUR PANTIES PORTALBURNERS! We have a site announcement and Lead applications are open!

POrtalBurn 2020 will be held at New Echo Lake in Afton, NY (http://www.newecholake.com/) We are thrilled that we were able to secure such a beautiful site! We know… you have a million questions! Please give us a chance to update the FAQs with all the answers we have thus far. Meanwhile, let’s get on with planning!

Lead Applications are NOW OPEN! Please go to https://portalburn.org/leadership/ to apply. POrtal needs YOU to make our Upstate NY Regional happen, and 2020 is bound to be the best POrtal ever!

Art and Off-Site Volunteer Lead applications will close on March 6, and will be selected on March 8 so they can get the ball rolling! All others will close on March 22, and be selected on March 28, during the BOD Spring Retreat.

LET’S DO THIS THING!

POrtalBurn 2020 will be held July 30 – August 3
Details to come!

Much of the information on this site is from our 2019 event.
Please check back for 2020 updates!

Camping: There is space available in open camping and we are working to clear more. When you arrive, ask for direction at the gate. Walk the space and talk to participants for suggestions. The folks already here know where space is and will happily help you find it. We are a community and we got this! Please DO try to minimize your footprint and be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors. It’s a lovely site. Please try to arrive before dark, it will be easier to navigate the site. Bring headlamps.
Driving: Rideshare, rideshare, rideshare! Parking volunteers will guide you.

POrtalBurn 2019 is sold out.

Tickets are no longer available.

No tickets will be sold or held at the gate. There is no will call. The gate will not hold ‘gift’ tickets.

You MUST have your ticket with you when you arrive.

Do not show up at the gate unless you have a ticket.

Thank you!

Here it is folks! Your 2019 HELP Guide, chock full of all the details on the Art, Camps, and Events that will fill your weekend!!!

There will be a limited number of copies available on site, so print one ahead of time if you are able.

HELP GUIDE 2019bw

POrtalBurn 2019 Theme Camp and Placement Map:

So you’re coming to POrtalBurn! We can’t wait to burn with you at our new site! There are many things you need to know that can be found here: https://portalburn.org/faq/ but we want to we want to make sure you are prepared so READ THIS! IT’S IMPORTANT!

A few theme camps are in the woods (map coming soon!), and all open camping is in the woods. If you are open camping, or are in a theme camp that is placed in the woods, you need to plan for that. During the work weekends we tried to clear as much space as possible, but you will likely need to do some clearing of your own upon arrival.

– There will be a designated unload area for you to drop your stuff, then return your vehicle to parking.

– There will be wagons to haul your stuff to your site. The distance is not huge, but you will need to haul it in and out. Pack accordingly. Bring your own wagon if you can.

– You will NOT be able to drive your vehicle to your campsite UNLESS you are a theme camp who has placement and been explicitly told you will have vehicle access.

– Remember to factor trash bags into your equation. You gotta haul that out too. Get rid of all excess packaging before you arrive.

– We will have some rakes to use to help clear space, but if you can bring your own it would be super helpful and appreciated. Put your name on your rake if you are willing to let others borrow it.

– Anything you can bring to help illuminate the woods and your campsite would be magical!

– You will need tarps under your tents, and may wish to string tarps from trees (you may need a ladder for that). Pitching a shelter structure will be challenging unless you can find space between the trees. Trees provide shade, so don’t worry about sun. Cover things with tarps if it rains.

– If you are a placed theme camp in the woods, your infrastructure is duly noted. But you should still expect to deal with potential obstacles and adjust as needed.

– When you find your space, LOOK UP. Be aware of any tree limbs that appear precarious. We call them ‘widowmakers’. Know where they are and watch out for them.

– Please make sure there is a pathway clear for people to move about through and around your campsite. Use lights or noodles so others can see your tent guylines.

– Bring a good headlamp with extra batteries. You will need it. There will be a new moon during POrtal this year so we need to be the light!

– Learn how to spot poison ivy. We’ll be posting info to help you but be aware. There are some patches onsite and we will do our best to educate, but you need to be self-reliant. Bring your own Tecnu soap if it’s a concern for you.

– Spray your gear, tents, pants, footwear, socks, etc. before coming to POrtalBurn. Permethrin is your friend, ticks are not. Bring bug spray too. And good shoes!

Some POrtalBurners may be familiar with woods camping, some may not. It’s a new ballgame folks! And it is going to be phenomenal! We just want you all to be prepared and know what to expect. We encourage you to participate in dialogues to help fellow POrtalBurners learn how to navigate the woods!

We are so close… and can’t wait to see you on the other side of the POrtal!

Ice will be available on site from Thursday afternoon through Monday morning. There will be a freezer stocked with 7lb bags. Recommended minimum donation is $3 per bag. Please avoid driving to town, and restock your ice on site. Any extra proceeds will benefit POrtalBurn Art Grants for 2020!

Pavilion Sign Ups are still OPEN!!!!

• You can use the Pavilion Sign Up form to reserve space at the pavilion for your gig or event until 6pm on Wednesday, July 24th, however it won’t be listed in the HELP Guide.
• Help Guide submissions for 2019 closed on July 1.