Advice: First Winfield Trip

**Phil Vinyard** · Aug-27-2011, 7:55am

Think I'm going to sneak away from work and head to Winfield for at least a day this year. Figure I'll get to my folk's house on Thursday night (southwestern Missouri), drive on into Winfield for most of Friday, especially to hear the mando competition, then drive back to the folk's Friday night.

How do I make the most of this day? Do I need to bring a lawnchair? Bring the mando--are there jams during the day that would be friendly about letting you join in? Around how many people will be there? Other thoughts?

**Martin** · Aug-29-2011, 7:00pm

Phil, one day is not near enough time but if your up to the walk you can see alot. Yes bring a lawn chair preferably light and easy to carry, bring your mando also. There are jams going on 24/7 so if you look you'll probably find something. They break up as soon as they start so good luck. Friday of the festival is going to be busy especially if the weather is nice.
Try to get to the pecan grove and look around before nightfall for some it's a life changing visit.
I camp over on the Walnut side now, after 20 years in the pecan grove I decided for a change besides most of the guys I jam with camp on that side now.
Have fun and look me up if you like.

**Dave Schimming** · Aug-31-2011, 11:01am

Phil - You can also find some good friendly jams in the open grassy area north of the Pecan Grove (east of the horse barn), I'm with Camp Brigadoon out there, stop by if you can find us. If you could work it out I would recommend you plan on 2 days and one night as some of the best jams fire up after dark.

**Mike Black** · Aug-31-2011, 11:17am

I agree with Martin. I'd also suggest coming over to the Carp Camp on the Walnut Grove side. It's a very Mandolin friendly place. But there won't be too much playing during the mandolin contest as a lot of us will be there.

**Mike Bromley** · Aug-31-2011, 1:46pm

What would the pros and cons of driving down from Alberta for this thing?

**Mike Black** · Aug-31-2011, 1:57pm

Originally Posted by Mike Bromley

What would the pros and cons of driving down from Alberta for this thing?

Lots of fun and music and a loooong drive.

**Mike Bromley** · Aug-31-2011, 2:04pm

1586.1 miles. Doable in two twelve hour shifts.

**GVD** · Sep-06-2011, 10:05am

Phil, as Martin said one day is not nearly enough. Friday and Saturday are the two busiest days and there will be around 15,000 people there which tends to slow down your ability to get around the place. I recommend you bring along a little tent and a sleeping bag. There's plenty of food vendors on site and nearby restaurants so you don't really need to bring any cooking gear if you need to travel light.

I'll be manning the KBA booth under the grandstands Friday afternoon (Thursday too) if you need directions to any of the places others have mentioned here (Carp Camp, Brigadoon Camp etc.) or have any other questions.

**Phil Vinyard** · Sep-14-2011, 6:28pm

Well, I'm headed down to Nevada MO tomorrow, day trip to Winfield Friday morning, then back to Nevada MO late Friday night. I'm bringing my Gibson, but I'm guessing I won't be there long enough to jam much. My main goal is to see the mandolin championship, and then look for other Kaufman Kamp friends.

I really appreciate everyone's advice. I'm quite sure I'm not going to be there long enough, but I'm calling this an exploratory trip. Maybe next year I can hook up with someone with a big tent and stay a few days.