The crowd strains against the starting gate cordon. Sandaled feet paw the ground. Straw hats cocked. A folk fest security guard calms the crowd.
Each year Vancouver Folk Music Festival fans line up early in the morning to take part in an annual ritual, the run to the front of the main stage where blankets stake space for the rest of the day. It's a race colloquially called the "Birkenstock 500."
Competition is fierce.
Three intrepid Tyee reporters braved the onslaught to bring you into the rushing horde.
This photo essay captures the agony and ecstasy of these beautiful running hippies. A Tyee exclusive (inspired by Buzzfeed's "Running of the Interns").
(Suggested soundtrack here.)
Festival-goers champ at the bit, waiting for the gates to open...
Crowd-control calms the eager folkies...
Festival fashion reveals different strategies...
A security volunteer points the way.
The way.
And they're off! (With security pacing the throng... for now...)
Closer...
Closer...
OK, too close.
Rounding the bend, the speed-walking peloton overwhelms the volunteer security pacers.
Almost there...
What do you mean, stop?! We're almost there!
We have a rope.
(In recent years, the festival has slowed runners at the bridge for safety sake before letting them sprint the final stretch.)
Racers jostle for bridge position.
There they go...
...and here they come!
Opa!
Olé!
The promised land.
Victory is sweet. Let the beautiful music begin.
To all the happy folkies, whether in the front of the pack...
...or the back, well done.
Missing: Tyee intern Maryse Zeidler. Last seen at start line.
Read more: Music, Photo Essays
Tyee Commenting Guidelines
Comments that violate guidelines risk being deleted, and violations may result in a temporary or permanent user ban. Maintain the spirit of good conversation to stay in the discussion.
*Please note The Tyee is not a forum for spreading misinformation about COVID-19, denying its existence or minimizing its risk to public health.
Do:
Do not: