Clear blue skies spread across the camp sites, and people rejoiced as the cool weather kept the sun enjoyable in St. Augustine, Florida. I arrived at 8 a.m. to the site of Harvest Of Hope, a three-day festival dedicated to helping migrant farm workers with their housing, medical care, and day care for their children. Everyone there was sure to have a good time, because when you know what you are doing is helping others, you can't help but enjoy yourself. As I set up my camp, I met Savannah Gronowski and Matt Zelasko, who had come all the way from Buffalo, New York, to enjoy the festivities. Bands like Propaghandi, Against Me, some of the members from Wu-Tang Clan, and Less Than Jake (amongst others) made the bill not just enticing all weekend, but also worth the trip. We made friends and congregated inbetween our tents. Our other neighbors soon joined us; camp Sweet Pole was born.

Festivals are a beautiful thing, and this first-year festival was not short from that. The people ranged from all walks of life: from rainbow kids who travel from state to state playing their instruments to make money, to others like Brad Shaner, a local who came to enjoy the show, and Ian Buerkle, who had traveled from New Jersey with his road buddy and manager at a local clothing store. Although we all came from such different places, we had come together to enjoy the show. The first night was spent watching some great bands, and hanging out with the new found group. We took over our little camp spot, and made it home. This is what festivals are all about: people gathering to have a good time, leaving all the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoying a beer whilst relaxing with friends. We came to know each other really well, with jokes going back and forth all week end, enjoying the Sweet Pole of the moment.

For a first year festival, Harvest Of Hope had their stuff together. Porta potties where amply set up across the camp sites and within the concert grounds. Parking was close to the camping, which made it easy to get something you may have forgotten. Also, there was a place serving some delicious garlic grilled cheese sandwiches at an affordable and reasonable price through out the day and night. No fights in the camp grounds to this reporter's knowledge, and the only people hurt where those who got really excited while moshing to their favorite tunes. The weekend was only bound to get better. The first night, temperatures dropped to the lower 40s, which made it easy to sleep and rest for the next day. The whole weekend was beautiful. All of the performers were excited to be on stage, as it is seldom that there is a festival dedicated mostly to punk music.

I had the pleasure of listening to new bands like Propaghandi, who took political punk rock into a new level for me. Bouncing Souls was not a disappointment, as I've been listening to them with friends since 8th grade; it brought me back to better times. Against Me was surprisingly good, as their energy filtered through the music into the crowds, and their energetic display of approval rose dust from the pits out into the night sky. But who can forget The Gza, and KRS One. They really stole it at the end of the night on Sunday for me. Although their DJ-esque quality was an odd addition to the punk rock-filled weekend, the poetry of their raps really made it worth while. An artist is an artist, is an artist. Mostly, I was also glad to be camping near the main fire pit, where people congregated every night after the shows. Those who'd brought their instruments would jam out in the night and kept the wonderful vibes flowing.

Saving my free weekend, Harvest Of Hope really made it worth while. Expect to see this festival next year — bigger and hopefully just as fun. The low ticket prices really brought in the crowds. Along with great bands and people, it wasn't difficult to cough up 50 bucks for an all-weekend festival. So bring your tent and lots of beer, as I'm sure that you too will make lots of new friends. Look up camp Sweet Pole, because we will be there. Sit down with strangers and make new connections. Snuggle up to a fire and sing along to acoustic guitars till the crack of dawn. Just come and be yourself! All in all, if you didn't attend this year, you MUST attend next year. So much fun is seldom had, where freedom rings and helping your fellow man is key. When Sweet Pole got together, we where all strangers at first, but by the end of that weekend, it was like we had known each other for years. Once all is said and done, those friendships will last, and continue to grow.

If you want to see who else was at HOH this year and when the next show will be, please visit this site:
http://www.harvestofhopefest.com

To find out more about Harvest Of Hope Foundation, and how you can help, check out this site:
http://www.harvestofhope.net