Engulf, a brand new Burning Man-style camping event, will take over the Lazy B Ranch in Kentwood, LA October 13-16.
Much like the Nevada-based gathering that inspired it, Engulf will adhere to the principle of “radical self-reliance.” No vending will be allowed on the premises (so attendees must bring all the goods they’ll need), and all participants are encouraged to dive into their creative side in whatever ways they see fit. As the festival’s website notes, “you are the entertainment and the entertained.”
Festival organizer, and former WWOZ program director, Dwayne Breashears told NOLA.com, “It’s a first attempt at starting a sanctioned regional burn… [New Orleans burners] have a strong presence at Burning Man, but we know a lot of people can’t make it out to the desert.”
A giant wicker wookie burns at last year’s Ignition Festival. Photo by Caitlyn Ridenour.
In keeping with Burning Man tradition, Engulf will culminate in the burning of a large effigy, though few details on the nature of the installation have been revealed. Breashears also told NOLA.com that New Orleans artist Brennan Steele, who created the giant wicker wookie that was burned at last year’s Ignition Festival, would build Engulf’s inaugural effigy.
The aforementioned Ignition Festival attempted to capture the spirit of Burning Man with an event in New Orleans East last fall. Despite low attendance, organizers declared the gathering a success and announced their plans to bring it back in 2016, this time with a 42-ft. pyramid effigy. However, things changed earlier this month when organizers decided to reschedule Ignition for April of 2017.
Fortunately for fans of Ignition, Engulf plans to bring all of the necessary components for a mini-burn to Louisiana this month, including engaging theme camps and mind-expanding art installations. Just remember to leave no trace, and to adhere to the other principles that have endeared the Burning Man community to so many people.
Tickets for Engulf are currently on sale, but Wednesday, October 5 will be the last day they are available. The festival is also looking for volunteers to help out with various parts of the operation.
