Wednesday, August 7, 2013

My Day at Warped Tour 2013! Best Day Ever :)

Anyone who has been to Vans Warped Tour knows the feel of the sun crisping your skin, your heart pumping from the beat of drums, and the excitement of seeing your favorite people perform all day long. You would also recognize the sights of smiles from ear to ear, hugs galore, some insane outfits and hairdos, and most of all tattoos! :) To each and every fan who attends one of the many shows, the feeling of belonging and welcome is almost overwhelming.
I attended the Cincinnati, Ohio show on July 30th at Riverbend Music Center. This was my second year at the show and I couldn't be more excited! I will say that 2012's line up had a lot more bands that I was interested in (Breathe Carolina, All Time Low, For Today, Pierce The Veil, & Taking Back Sunday), but this year because we knew what to expect, my cousin and I were able to take our time and just enjoy the day more!

Many stories were to be told after this amazing day at Warped Tour! Pictures go from left to right :)
The entry process was borderline confusing...parking was a pain, the workers at Riverbend didn't really know where to send us because of all the construction and we got pointed in about 3 different directions. Once finding a parking spot, we got up to the front of the building where a line was already forming. I forgot to mention that my cousin and I woke up around 5:30 am to leave at 6 am. We live about an hour and a half away from Cincy and we wanted to make sure we got in at the beginning! Doors opened at 11:30, we arrived at 8:30, and there was already about 20 people in front of us!! 
Feed Our Children Now is a non profit organization that collects canned goods at each of the shows. The program raises food to donate to children from low income families to better their future. Such an amazing organization also gives out a Skip the Line wristband for anyone who donates! So that is what we did! Granted I would have given my whole pantry even if we didn't get the wristbands, it is just too nice of an opportunity to help someone :) Here's the link if you are interested in donating!


We were one of the first 200 people let in (therefore Vans gave us a free wallet and sunglasses!) and they actually started letting the Skip the Line people in around 10:30, which was awesome for us to go grab our meet and greet passes and any merch we wanted! Now, at Warped Tour people hand off free stuff to you like it's a weird Christmas. I got 5 bags just for visiting tents, signing up for newsletters, or purchasing merch. My Breast Day Ever bag was for buying 2 "I <3 Boobies" bracelets (and I was one of the first 50 people to do so) at the Keep A Breast tent. I was given the Spotify bag (and sunglasses) for just having my picture taken!
                                                
Excuse the awkward posing, I had no idea what to do. 

Now onto the whole point as we all attend this great day- the music!!! 
The main band we wanted to see this year was Sleeping With Sirens and we did! Amazing set and great guys, we were able to get autographs and say hi to them. For being one of the last 480 people they had to sign for at their tent, the guys were still smiling as ever and happy to talk and say hi to us. 


Another band we love, Goldhouse, played an amazing set! It was so energized and fun! After the show, we went to the merch tent and Grant was there signing stuff, but only about 5 people were there! So I bought his $5 CD and had him sign it. He was such a sweetheart and really took his time to talk to us. He thanked us for dancing up in the stands, that he remembered us and gave me a hug and took a picture! :)
In conclusion, Warped Tour 2013 was an amazing experience and will be great memories for years to come! I understand why so many kids of all ages come out to enjoy the music, but it really is so much more than that. Every one of us is different. At Warped Tour, not one person looks the same, and we are able to embrace our weirdness to the world. No one judges, no one stares. It is one of the most carefree, warm hearted places on this planet and I cannot wait to go back next year!! :)

I do plan on making a video eventually about how to prepare for Warped Tour (what to bring etc.) and special things to do! I hope you guys enjoyed reading this!
<3 abbeygail

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