Casey O’Neill is a farmer and owner of Happy Day Farms in Laytonville, Calif. The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of The Mendocino Voice. If you’d like to write your own column for The Mendocino Voice, send your idea to info@mendovoice.com.
Ma took me to Reggae on the River the first time when I was 11. Wellspring, our little mountain school, had a booth selling snow cones to raise money, with parents and kids working together in two-hour shifts, rotating through the weekend. I loved working in the booth and having a home base right on the edge of the concert bowl.
I remember going up a day early to set up the booth, figuring out the lay of the land and being awed by the way it all came together. So many people worked to make the festival happen, such a great opportunity for all the local nonprofits to have booths and bring in some money. I’ll never forget the feeling of community, of shared effort, of joy in the music and togetherness.
The snow cone booth was great because the cones sold well in the heat, and it was a fairly simple setup. Two people ran the machines that shaved the ice down, two people packed the snow cones, two people ladled the organic juice concentrate onto the cone and two people ran the counter taking orders and money. I loved working the counter, interacting with customers, taking money, and counting change.
Looking back, that weekend is one of my most treasured memories of time with my mother, the way she looked out for me and made sure I was safe, but also gave me the freedom to roam and enjoy with my friends in the basket of community that the festival created. I ate as many snow cones as I wanted, and she took me around to sample different festival foods and to help stay up for the late show she even took me to try the legendary KMUD coffee.
Third World headlined Saturday night, and the parents brought mattresses up onto the hill above the stage so everyone could watch the show and/or sleep. I think I napped through some of the earlier acts, but I remember Ma waking me for Third World and being enthralled by the music, the lights, the coolness of the night.
One of the Southern Humboldt nonprofits ran a booth selling pizza bread, which seemed like such a good idea that the Wellspring crew shifted away from snow cones when we vended at the Hog Farm Pignic. I didn’t like pizza bread as much as snow cones, but it was still good fun working my shifts. Those early experiences of festivals, of the booths, of safe space and community were a treasured part of my life that I look back on with deep reverence.
As a younger man I loved going to Reggae, I loved the music, the party, seeing people that I might only run into at festivals, and making new friends. We looked forward to it all summer, planning where we’d camp, how we’d get through the crush, showing up Thursday night to get in the long line of cars waiting to go in.
Somewhere along the line I became a volunteer, working to help with setup, troubleshooting and supporting during the festival and helping with breakdown afterwards. The mobilization of it all, the different crews working to achieve the needs of the festival to make it all happen, the radios and communications, it was all such an exciting experience that it still brings joy to me. Our farm was glad to support Reggae this year with flowers and vegetables, and I was deeply excited for the return of the festival, but alas we’re home with COVID. I’m grateful to KMUD for broadcasting live so that I can listen to the music and feel the joy and love. Listening in has made me remember all the times over the years that KMUD has been there for our community, the signature coffee at festivals, the news and information, the music, the CLMP program and so many other ways the radio has helped bring us together and keep us informed.
Not being able to attend has had me deep in my feels all weekend, but also in a space of reflection and appreciation for all the work that goes into making festivals happen. I feel so blessed to live within a short driving distance of the So-Hum festival sites and Black Oak Ranch, and so grateful for the shared community effort that creates space for the joy that is gathering, music, food, fellowship. Event production is hard work, but the shared joy that it generates is a priceless part of our lives here on the North Coast.
On Monday morning after the festival ended, we’d always joke “just 362 days till Reggae.” Though I’m sad to miss this year, I’m so glad Reggae is back! Big shoutout to Leo and Hot Milk Productions, all the volunteers and the many contributions that make the festival happen. I hope all goes smoothly, and I’m already excited for next year! As always, much love and great success to you on your journey!
Casey O’Neill owns and runs HappyDay Farms, a small vegetable and cannabis farm north of Laytonville. He is a long time cannabis policy advocate, and was born and raised in the Bell Springs area. The preceding has been an editorial column. The Mendocino Voice has not necessarily fact-checked or copyedited this work, and it should be interpreted as the words of the author, not necessarily reflecting the opinions of The Mendocino Voice.