Update (4/28/06) Since this page was created, the FRFF has moved to a new location. Rest assured there will be a GFP at the festival in 2006; however, its location is still an open issue. If you're interested in helping out at the GFP this year, check out the FRFF GFP BB.

Eric Grey wrote:
> This is going to sound stupid, but what's the GFP?
> God these acromyms are getting me down, and I actually
> read the FAQ.

As it is virtually impossible to find full agreement on any subject on the Nook, here are several replies which, taken together, should serve as a sufficient deterrent to future participation in the GFP.

reply by trapper john (the resident DOM):

the GFP is our TN/Kennedys encampment at Falcon Ridge. now known as a "compound" - with full kitchen, hot shower (heated, pumped, in a full shower enclosure), etc etc. it's full name is the George Fox Pavilion (for Dirty Old Men). however, it was only called the George Fox Pavilion my first year there (2000) whenb I set up my campsite and hung out a sign. Unfortunately, I did not knwo a tthe time that George Fox was also the name of the founder of the Quakers, and on Sunday morning 6 separate couples stopeed by and asked me if it was a Quaker meeting place. I explained is was a DOM meeting place....and the next year just hung out the sign GFP. saved on the embarrassment.

It has become a TN camp, with a big kickoff spaghetti dinner the night before the festival begins, and all sorts of feasts thereafter (veggie and non-veggie). It also features our full bar tent - Club Century - complete with blender for making frozen margaritas - a camping essential, of course. We have a nice song circle - several nooker talents plus some performers who camp with us, and visitors.

We also will have the Dharma Cafe this year for guitar pickers to compare notes (and yes, we have the capability to make espresso).

so come and join us at the top of the hill.

reply by CONE HEAD-REX:

It is true that MR. GEORGE FOX has never enjoyed more credibility I wouldn't hold my breathe waiting 4 it 2 show up in the FAQs.

Once apon a time there were these... conspirators recreating in the vicinity of the NiELdS Lonely Hearts Club somewhere in the Taconics. Here, out of the desporation of growing dirtier, older, & yet wiser still the motion was made & 2nded suggesting the creation of a camp fraternity, a lodge of sorts dedicated 2 the spirit, memory, & re-invention of Mr. George Fox affectionately coined the GEORGE FOX PAVILLION, the concept of which has evolved beyond our wildest humble intentions.

GFP now sponsers the only Dar Williams look alike contest & also incorpoates passwords, secret signs, symbols, nods, & winks that allow the faithful 2 indulge in their wildest folk fantasies & it has been rumored that the GFP may actually engage in wife & girlfriend swapping & plural showers although actual evidence does not Xist because of the clannish nature of their secret ceremonialism. The GFP has been known 2 impersonate Quakers & the Amish 4 sexual gratification & eat scrapple as a primary source of protein. Screaming in tounges is often heard there in the pre dawn hours. While nudist friendly the GFP is a magnet 4 the prudent who come there 2 gawk & stare as though they were @ a train wreck.

The names have been withheld 2 mask a multitude of sins.

reply by mad baggins:

John Rozett put the sign "George Fox Pavillion" up one year, before everyone climbed onboard the chowder wagon. I think this was 4 years ago, although I invite John's correction* if it was 5. Stephen and I were camped down at Mermaids Camp in Lower Camping, but came up visiting to the GFP quite often. Really, the GFP had humble origins, for all o' that! :-)

Lonely Hearts Club Camp was still separate and in the outer gamma quadrant that year, and that's where Dave Hower and a host of other luminaries showed up that one night. I don't think DH has been up to the GFP yet, or any Nield, ever, for that matter.

Then the next year it caught fire and took off! We had Andrianna terrorizing the hill with her water cannon. We had a fun song circle of all Nookers! It was nuts. John built it, in hopes they would come, and come they did, in droves.

The following year we had a misunderstanding when Cadence's buddy Rick Rock set up the Tribes Hill sign alongside the GFP one. WA9, Jeree Small, Open Book, and a host of others played well into the night, but unfortunately some of our Nookers got their feelings hurt due to the bad vibes that inadvertently developed.

Last year was smooth sailing though, with no Tribes Hill but appearances by Cadence, Brie, Andrea, TK, and Gandalf Murphy. I don't know if we can top that this year, but we can try! :-)

*i think FR2000 was my first year. we had maybe a dozen nookers get together. the next year, we did a little planning and did the kick-off spaghetti dinner with a pretty good crowd, and it took off from there. ~~ tj

reply by Jonie:

2000 was the year Ted and Rhiannon and Tish found us in the twilight in lower camping. I think TJ only needed to get his bearings that year and he began constructing the GFP in his mind.

2001 was our year of great dehydration. I tried to convince myself to come back last year, but our hospital experience in Great Barrington was pretty bad. So, I'll start psyching myself up now. And start shopping for a tent.

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