Five Do’s and Don’ts of Watershed — Cefus’ Blog

Having been to the Watershed Music Festival at the Gorge Amphitheatre two years in a row, I've complied a list of do's and don'ts for this weekend's country music festival. If this is your first time attending country music's biggest camping party in Washington state, then you might want to take note of these nuggets of friendly advice so you don't make the same mistakes I have.

5 Do's of Watershed

Extra Supplies -- Neutrogena sunscreen in a spray bottle, spray fan, earplugs, and extra batteries will be your saving graces. The spray bottle will keep you cool in the intense heat. Bring an extra spray fan so you can sell it to the poor guy who didn't think to bring one. Trust me, this will happen. Spray on the sunscreen before you go out in the heat, and use the earplugs to sleep.

Mini speaker for your music -- I can't tell you how much hanging out you will do at your campsite, but it really helps if you have a way to play and amplify your own tunes while you and your friends are getting warmed up for the next show.

Extra Fireball -- If you think you brought enough, you didn't. I'm amazed at the amount of alcohol that gets consumed over a three-day weekend. It never hurts to have a few more bottles than anticipated -- it's not like it's going to go bad and you will most likely end up using it.

Money -- Beer goes for $8 a cup and margaritas are $14 in the Amphitheatre, and food isn't cheap, either. So you'll feel your money melting away quickly -- don't be the guy who's out of cash on day one. Pace yourself and make sure you bring some extra $$$ in case you underestimate how much food and drinks cost.

Sweatshirt/blankets -- During the day you won't need them, but as soon as the sun goes down it can get a little chilly and you will want to bust out the blankets and sweaters. Just make sure you have them to bust out.

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5 Don'ts of Watershed

Don't pass out -- You might think they are your friends, but shenanigans are bound to take place at Watershed. Sharpie mustaches, Cheetos put in your nose, or who knows what if you fade away into the mist.

Don't wear short shorts -- This one applies to the guys only. The picture above speaks for itself. That photo was taken at the very first Watershed and the unsuspecting "shedder" sets a good example of what not to wear.

Don't drink too much before noon -- I had a friend hit it a little too hard before the main stage really got going and she ended up sleeping it off the rest of the day. She almost missed the headliner for that night.

Don't take drinks from strangers -- Remember how your parents warned you about candy from strangers? Same thing applies to booze. I'm serious -- and people will offer. Maybe it's just me, but I like to make my own concoctions so I know exactly what's in them.

Don't forget to charge your phone -- Starting this year, the Gorge is renting lockers that allow access to phone charging stations. But if you don't go that route, you might consider buying a portable charger, just in case. Your cell reception will be spotty, but you will want to use your phone to take pics or text your friends if they get lost.