Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

“It’s about bringing people together—having a common ground, feeling comfortable and having the ability to express yourself however you want to. When you can do that, you attract the right kind of people. Every time I come to a music festival, it feels like the first time.”

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Traveled from Grand Rapids, Michigan

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Sunshine Grove

Okeechobee, Florida

“I’m studying health science at USF, but I want to be a PA. I’m going into fire rescue as a paramedic first. I’m already an EMT, and I really love my job. I have a mini-trauma kit on me, so if anyone goes down, I got them. People need you, so why wouldn’t you want to help them? All I want to do is help people. Being a doctor is not me, but being out in the field—the moment you need someone, I’m there.”

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Traveled from Tampa, Florida

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Sunshine Grove

Okeechobee, Florida

“I didn’t even look at the lineup because I didn’t think I was going to make it, but at the last second, I came. I’m really excited to see Kings Of Leon. It’s because of the farewell goodbye. Last year at Okeechobee, as I was leaving, I was like, ‘Does anyone have any vitamin C?’ And someone was like, ‘Here’s a cutie!’ They gave me a clementine, and I was so excited. I love the vibes of everyone wanting to share happiness, and leave with a smile on their face. That’s why I really want to see Kings of Leon, because I know the vibes will be beautiful.”

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Traveled from Chicago, Illinois

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Sunshine Grove

Okeechobee, Florida

“I’m getting into video editing. I know a lot of people hate the editing process, but that’s the part that I love—sitting there and going in for hours. Once you’re in, you enter a mindstate where you’re not thinking about anything other than your work. You get into a process where you’re focused on making your vision come alive. You’re taking what’s in your mind and seeing it come true.”

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Traveled from Miami, Florida

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Sunshine Grove

Okeechobee, Florida

“We left yesterday morning around 10 a.m., and then we didn’t get here until today at 10 a.m. We came last year with another group of friends, and we loved it so much that we decided on to come back on our own. Hermitude played last year, and I had the most amazing experience. I’m also excited to see Flume. When it comes to Okeechobee, I love how open it is. And I love the ‘Be’ ‘Here’ ‘Now’ stages.”

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Traveled from New Jersey

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Sunshine Grove

Okeechobee, Florida

“I volunteered for a couple years, and I work production and lighting design. Now, I drive around, put lights on ticket booths and hand out cool stuff. This is the fun gig. I’ve been involved in the festival community for about 4 years, but I’ve been doing production work for a decade. This is my time to go out and play.”

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Traveled from Minneapolis, Minnesota

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Sunshine Grove

Okeechobee, Florida

“I just found out what I want to do with my life, and this festival is my celebration of that. I want to start as a vet tech, and then become a veterinarian. I love cats, and I really want to work with felines. I have two right now. One is my emotional support animal. Because of that, I fell in love with cats. All I want to do is help animals.”

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Traveled from Tampa, Florida

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Sunshine Grove

Okeechobee, Florida

“The best part of the festival experience is meeting people. I love the music, of course… but meeting people is my favorite. The Brave Little Toaster was one of my favorite movies growing up. I’ve had 15 people see my shirt and come up to me and say, ‘Oh my god, The Brave Little Toaster! I haven’t thought about that in 20 years.’ Their smile from tugging at those nostalgia strings—it’s great.”

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Traveled from Evansville, Indiana

Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival 2017

Sunshine Grove

Okeechobee, Florida