Information:
Kaleidoscope Gathering Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ has been updated to answer common questions handled by our KG staff, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as questions.
However, if you cannot find the information you are looking for, or if you still have any remaining questions, please feel free to contact Austin Lawrence or Maryanne Pearce at kgfestival@rogers.com. If you request for information is urgent, please indicate that in the subject line of your e-mail as we get very busy as the Festival date closes in on us - we want to answer your questions in a timely manner.
What is the vision of KG (KG)?
KG is an outdoor festival intended for the Pagan and New-Age community to congregate during the week of the August long weekend (for Lughnassadh, Lammas, Freyfaxi) that is spiritual, fun, safe, inclusive and affordable. Lady Pamilla's motto "Everyone has something to learn and something to teach" remains the fundamental principle of KG.
Can anyone attend?
Yes. KG is attended by individuals, couples, families and groups. Everyone is welcome. However, this is a private event; please review the Festival Rules before coming. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Where is KG being held?
In 2009, the new KG organizers purchased permanent Pagan land for KG. In 2010, KG was held on Raven’s Knolll Special Events Campground. It is located just outside of beautiful Eaganville in the Bonnechere Valley. Minutes from all the amenities of town and the spectacular Bonnechere Caves, Raven's Knoll is 105 acres of fields, forest, wetland and campground. There is 1,000 feet of gorgeous beach on the Bonnechere River, between Golden Lake and Wilbur Lake.
Are there any cabins available?
Yes. There is a three season cottage with a kitchen, bathroom, a loft which sleeps 4 and a main room with a king sized bed. There is also a pull out couch (double) and cots for the main living room area. Thus, there is room for 10 to sleep. There is an additional charge for indoor space. There is also a trailer, donated by Thornhaven, reserved for Elders that is also available. Space will be reserved for Elders and those with disabilities or health issues. Space is extremely limited. Cabin and trailer space must be pre-registered and pre-paid.
If you are interested in helping build more cabins, or other infrastructure, click here for the Facebook work weekend group, or email Christine O'Connor, the work weekend coordinator.
Can I reserve a camping spot?
No, you cannot reserve a particular camping spot to pitch your tents or park your RV. All site assignments are on a first-come, first-served basis. Some areas are reserved for workshop spaces, vending, etc., so please do check with Security, Registration or other friendly KG or Raven’s Knoll staff if you are unsure of where to set up.
Is KG affiliated with any particular church, religion or school of thought?
No. KG is a completely non-partisan Gathering. We are open to people of all faiths, religions, cultures and sexual orientation. While some of our workshops do refer to the teachings and philosophies of various schools of thought, we are not in any way officially aligned with any of these institutions.
How do I get to KG?
KG is now located on a new, permanent, Pagan-owned land - Raven's Knoll. Click here for directions. We encourage carpooling or people organizing buses to take people from their community to the gathering.
Do you allow pets?
Sorry, no. Pets are generally not allowed. Service / assistance animals are permitted (i.e seeing eye dogs, helper monkeys). There are some exceptions, but these are really exceptions. Talk to MA about this, but if MA does not know you AND your dogs … Most dogs (including our own – and we have many of our own and fosters) would be overwhelmed by KG. Unless there are exceptional circumstances (not financial exceptions) your pets would be happier at home, at a kennel or with loving friends.
Do you allow children?
Of course! Children are welcome for the entire festival, under adult supervision. Children's programming (called "Munchkinland") is available at no additional cost. (This is not a babysitting service; parents must attend). There are also typically sporting events, musical or theatrical performances, special events and other surprises to keep your children amused. Parents, or any others, are invited to participate in the children's programming and workshops. There is also a playground.
Do you allow smoking?
All our indoor facilities are non-smoking, including cabins. There is also no smoking in the children's areas. Remember to use the butt cans.
Do you serve alcohol?
KG does not sell alcohol. Guests may bring their own alcohol. Everyone is responsible for their own actions, under all circumstances. Drink responsibly.
Is there food available for purchase on-site?
This is unknown at this time. Anyone wishing to offer food services must contact Maryanne or Austin by July 1, 2011 to discuss the rules for food vendors.
Can I cook meals at my camping site?
Yes, using a BBQ, camp stove or existing camp fire. There are water hook ups at many places on-site to gather water for drinking and cooking.
I don't know anyone who is going. Any suggestions?
Yes, absolutely. You will find KG festival-goers extremely friendly. A few years ago, we started a program Adopt a Newbie, to help new attendees meet people and acclimate to KG vibe. If you would like to be adopted or adopt a newbie, please contact Jason (a.k.a. Eagle Eyes) in advance (through Facebook) or just identify yourself at Registration.
We also recommend attending an introductory workshop such as Grounding and Shielding 101, which will give you a KG 101 and meet other people new to the Festival.
What goes on at KG?
KG is what you make it! Seriously: workshops are put on by members of the community. With few exceptions, workshops and rituals are open to everyone. (There are men-only and women-only rituals, and there may be age limits on some workshops).
In addition to workshops and rituals, there are musical acts in the evenings, children's programming, special events, swimming, nightly drumming and dancing, hanging out with old friends and meeting new ones. There are often sports events such as axe throwing, chucking stuff with trebuchets, archery ...
How can I get involved more with KG?
There are many ways to become involved! KG is run by a group of staff volunteers who work throughout the year to make this event special. You can volunteer in a number of ways: big or small, it is appreciated. Contact us ahead of time or you can identify yourself at Registration.
Many of the KG staff and community also get involved year-round through work weekends. Click here for the Facebook work weekend group, or email Christine O'Connor, the work weekend coordinator.
What kinds of facilities are available on-site?
There is a comfort station which has a men's' and women's' section. There are two showers in each section, as well as flush toilets (two in each side, plus a urinal in men's). There is also pay laundry facilities in the comfort station. The bathrooms have electricity, sinks and a mirror.
There is a “kitchen” type building. The back end has two rooms that will be used for children’s programming. The front is open on one side, providing shelter and light for playing cards, eating and socializing in all kinds of weather. Thanks to the skill, efforts and direction of Carpenar, we now have the Raven Stage!
I have musical instruments. Can I bring them to KG?
Yes, by all means do! We encourage all of our guests to bring their non-amplified instruments. An exception to this rule will be made in the case of our invited musical guests. You may also have the opportunity to attend one of the many musical workshops or to purchase a new drum!
How do I offer a workshop?
TPlease submit your workshops through our Workshop Webform. Click here for a workshop template.
What should I bring?
Click here for our camping checklist.
Can I just attend KG for just a day or the weekend?
Sure! We have day and weekend passes available.
How much does it cost to attend KG?
The Kaleidoscope Gathering has always been an extremely affordable festival; and is less expensive than most conferences, concerts or even regular camping experiences. We aim to keep it that way. All Fest-goers get the Raven’s Knoll family rate, since we are all family! This year there are a few options for registration; and different prices for adults and youth (spronglings are free).
Click here to visit the Registration page.
How do I make payment for KG?
For the pre-registration rate that includes HST, payments must be received no later than July 1, 2011.
Payment can be made by e-mail, cheque, or money order. Payments may be sent electronically from your bank account by e-mail to kgfestival@rogers.com. You may also pay by cheque or money order, made out to "Kaleidoscope Gathering". Remember to send Canadian funds to:
Kaleidoscope Gathering
c/o Maryanne Pearce
227 Flodden Way
Nepean, ON K2G 7E1
After July 1, 2011, we will no longer be accepting cheques or money orders. After July 1, 2011, you have two options for regular price payment: sent electronically from your bank account by e-mail to kgfestival@rogers.com or payment with cash on-site.
Please note that there will be a charge for NSF cheques which MUST be paid before you will be admitted to KG. No exceptions.
With any of these payment methods, please follow the instructions on the website to submit your registration form electronically. Click here to visit the registration form.
Do I need to pre-register?
For general camping, no, the site is large enough for everyone. However, there are benefits for those who do pre-register: there is a discount for pre-registering and it makes registration just a wee bit quicker once you get on-site!
Indoor cabin and trailer space, however, does require pre-registration. There is no discount for pre-registration for indoor space and indoor space does cost slightly more than regular camping registration. Space is very limited. First priority will be given to elders and the disabled.
For pre-registration, please make cheques and money orders payable to "Kaleidoscope Gathering". Remember to send Canadian funds. You will also be able to pre-register and pay electronically from your bank account to kgfestival@rogers.com. Be sure to print out your receipt!
Please note that there will be a charge for NSF cheques which MUST be paid before you will be admitted to KG. No exceptions.
Click here to visit the Registration page.
Can I vend at KG?
Yes. For the most part, there is no charge for vending at KG, other than the entry fee. You can come early to set up, but must pay for camping on everyday you have your vending area and/or camping site set up. There is a specific area set aside for vendors. No items prohibited by Canadian or Ontario law are allowed to be sold and you must have insurance. No exceptions.
Anyone wishing to offer food services must contact Maryanne or Austin by July 1, 2011 to discuss the rules for food vendors. There is a fee for food vendors, and all food vendors must conform to local and provincial health and safety regulations. This is for the safety of our guests.
How can I contact KG?
Click here for contact information.
I heard there is a change in KG organizers? What does this mean for KG?
It is true, at KG 2009, the 20th anniversary, Lady Pamilla (a.k.a. Pamela Fletcher) and Carpenar (a.k.a. David Rolfe) announced that they were retiring after 17 years. Pam and Dave, however, will still be part of KG! They have been involved and are available to give advice at every stage of planning for the Raven's Knoll land, the new festival site and the transition to the new organizers, Maryanne Pearce and Austin Lawrence. KG will continue with the same vision and same energy that has made KG the largest Pagan festival in Canada.
If you would like to offer suggestions or just to chat with Maryanne or Austin, please feel free to contact us.
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