1 year before the fest: Check out the fest dates and mark them on your calendar. If necessary, discuss your plans
with family & friends who might be going with you.
IMPORTANT: The fest dates are changing again, back to the original "first
week in July". Don't let this date change trip you up!
12-10 months before the fest Buy your ticket. Not only will you save a lot of money, but you will be giving the fest some much needed cash to pull the fest off with.
6 months before the fest: Start figuring your budget for the fest. If you live far away, start saving towards your
airfare. Check your camping gear to make sure that you have what you need, and budget accordingly if you need to replace
any of it.
Youth group leaders: start doing fundraising with your group. Depending on the size of your group, you may need to start doing
this earlier.
4 months before the fest: Speak to your employer about getting the week off. In some offices you will need to do this
sooner, in others, later.
2 months before the fest: Start checking out airfares and train fares. You probably don't have to book now, but keep
monitoring airfares so that you can get the best deal. Get familiar with some of the bands playing at Cornerstone by looking
them up on Amazon.com and listening to them.
1 month before the fest: Check out the C-Stone Schedule, and start planning your fest experience. Talk to your companions
about what you want to do/see together. Purchase your airline or train ticket, if you haven't already. Get a final "head count"
from those who are traveling with you. If you are driving, take your car in for a check-up. Reconfirm with boss about your
taking the time off of work.
2 weeks before the fest: Re-check your camping gear. Start checking out dollar stores and sales to find good prices
on equipment, plasticware, bottled water, snacks and food. Make arrangements to get a ride to the train station or airport.
Start making your packing list.
1 week before the fest: Review your packing list with your mom or another trusted friend. Buy a box of zip-lock type
bags. Hunt down those things that are on your list so you aren't panicking the night before. Finish your shopping.
3 days before the fest: Do your laundry, and start piecing out the clothes that you are going to wear. Check your packing
list again. Start sealing up matches, first aid equipment, toiletries, etc, in your zip-lock bags.
2 days before the fest: start doing the rest of your packing. Go to the bank and get travelers checks or the cash that
you need. Try and breathe normally.
1 day before the fest: Put your fest ticket and airline/bus/train ticket in your fanny pack, purse, or on top of your
gear so that you don't forget it. Don't wear these things in a jacket pocket, since you may take your jacket off somewhere
and lose them. Carry them on your own body, in a neck pouch, etc. Finish packing and do a dry run of trying to carry your
stuff while walking. Adjust packing as necessary. Confirm with whoever is house or pet sitting for you.
Departure Day: Try not to hyperventilate. Shower, use the real bathroom, and try to relish this last opportunity to
use porcelain fixtures. Eat a good breakfast/lunch/dinner, and go over your packing list one last time. Make sure you have
your tickets with you. Pray, and decide to keep a good attitude!
