WhedonFest 2010

In August of 2009, Whedonites United raised over $2,000 for charity with the first ever WhedonFest – a three day event inspired by the annual Can’t Stop the Serenity events around the globe. As only one of the 56 cities registered for Can’t Stop the Serenity events last year, we are proud to have joined such a wonderful and charitable group of people. Every CSTS event is done on a completely volunteer basis, and the Global Organizing Committee also works on a volunteer basis. In 2009, our funds raised were just a portion of the nearly $140,000 donated to Equality Now and various other charitable organizations. As the primary focus for CSTS, and a favorite charity of Joss Whedon’s, Equality Now receives at least 75% of the money raised by each charity event. In addition to Equality Now, WhedonFest also donated a portion of the proceeds to Kids Need to Read and the local charity, Nashville CARES.

In August 2010, we want to do even better! WhedonFest 2010 will be held August 6-8^th at Barefoot Republic Campground just outside of Scottsville, KY. This year we’re aiming higher! We will, of course, donate 75% of our proceeds to Equality Now, and the remainder will be donated to Kids Need to Read and a local animal welfare organization, A New Leash on Life. We’re taking suggestions from last year’s attendees to try and improve the experience for everyone, and adding a few new ideas of our own.

The WhedonFest 2010 location has super nice accommodations while still providing the rustic feel and group arrangements. It has tree-house styled cabin structures, is fully handicap-accessible, provides access to the river for those who want to go kayaking or canoeing, there’s even a paintball field on site, so of course, we’re planning a re-enactment of the Battle of Serenity Valley. We’ve only got bunk space for about 125, but there’s plenty of room to set up a tent if you prefer the privacy and don’t mind the heat. All the cabins and the main meeting space are air conditioned and have full bathrooms (including a fully handicap-accessible toilet stall and shower).

The weekend plan (still very much in progress) will include:

• Friday night dinner and welcome activities
• Saturday breakfast, lunch, and cookout-style dinner
• Sunday brunch
• Saturday evening shindig with the cookout
• Saturday night Serenity screening
• a variety of workshops, discussion groups, activities, and presentations
• a raffle and/or auction of great prizes
• a costume contest
• a paintball game (or two, depending on interested participants)
• two Whedonites United members renewing their vows and inviting any other interested couples to join them

We’d love to hear suggestions, ideas, desires, and comments from you, the attendees:

• What discussion or workshop topics would you most like to have available?
• Would you be interested in watching or participating in a talent show?
• Are there any other activities you think should be included?
• Would you be interested in any type of religious/spiritual service during the weekend?
• Would you be interested in getting married (as opposed to just renewing vows) during the event?

Early Registration Levels

** Early registration prices are valid until March 31^st. Register and pay now to avoid a cost increase!

** Due to the charity nature of this event, it would be cost prohibitive to hire sufficient people to run the entire weekend, so we ask that all our adult guests volunteer for a helper position during the course of the weekend. These will be arranged in 2 hour shifts and will cover a variety of areas, duties, and abilities, with sign up sheets available upon your arrival.

** You may arrive on site any time after 3pm on Friday, August 6^th. We ask that all guests, except those volunteering for final cleanup, plan to leave the site by 3pm on Sunday.

Daytrips: These levels allow you access to any events, meals, contests, and door prizes scheduled for the day of your attendance, but do not allow for any overnight accommodations, tent space, or multi-day passes. Daytrip prices are the same for everyone age 6 and up. Children five and under are admitted free.

• Friday only:  $20 – includes dinner and welcome activities Friday night. May include some sort of contest, door prizes, or anything else fun that comes to mind.
• Saturday only: $35 – includes three full meals, all workshops and activities of the day (*paintball will have an extra fee), Shindig, admission to the Serenity screening, raffle and/or auction for prizes, costume contest, and possibly more.
• Sunday only: $20 – includes brunch on Sunday with final prizes and closing ceremonies, and likely some other activities.

Overnights: These include all daytrip access for the two days of your stay, as well as overnight bunk space in one of the air conditioned cabins. Children five and under are admitted free.

• Friday/Saturday – includes everything scheduled for Friday and Saturday, including four (4) meals, and movie admission. (*please note that the Serenity screening will be scheduled for late evening. If you do not have plans to stay Saturday night, you will be leaving quite late.)
• Adults - $70
• Children 6-16 - $60
• Saturday/Sunday – includes everything scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, including four (4) meals, and movie admission.
• Adults - $70
• Children 6-16 - $60

Full Weekend: These include all access to the entire weekend, two nights bunk space and a total of five (5) meals. Children five and under are admitted free.

• Adults - $90
• Children 6-16 - $75
• Family - $225 (includes 2 adults of the same family and all children under 17 belonging to those adults – this is a discount of $30 if you have 1 child, and any more children are “technically” free with this plan)