ComFest

ComFest is usually lots of things, but not mellow. After 38 years the festival that was created to uphold community spirit and neighborly kindness rekindled its mission. The three-day Goodale Park extravaganza that attracts more than 70,000 people grew so frenzied in recent years that organizers scaled back band lineups and hours of operation in 2010 to help increase the peace. And it worked.

This year’s ComFest was devoid of stomped toes, claustrophobic crowds, and angry energy. As such, there were probably less awkward run-ins and fiery rants. And drunken texts, but that’s another story. It was simply (and beautifully) about music, food, crafts, and workshops. There were endless rays of sunshine, light breezes, smiles, hugs, environmental awareness, and overall appreciation. This is how it should be. Out of the five years that I volunteered at the Off Ramp beer tent, this was the calmest. We caught an array of sets performed by talented local bands, including Shin Tower Music, The Max Power Trio, Organic Roots, Blastronauts, The Spikedrivers, Bicentennial Bear, Mooncussers, and Stucco Jones. Foley covered Soul II Soul, Kansas, and Fleetwood Mac, and Paper Airplane covered “You’re the Best” from Karate Kid. We ate hummus wraps and peanut noodles and broccoli burgers. It was all lovely and uneventful, which made it one of the best ComFests yet.