SMPPD Policy Statement 2008

Whenever people gather together in large numbers, the chance that someone's toes may be stepped on or that their boundaries may be crossed, increases exponentially. In order to avoid as many misunderstandings as possible, our event has the following policies and would also like to offer the following etiquette suggestions:

Accessibility: The church building wheelchair assessable. Please be aware that the grounds may not be fully accessible.

Attire: We encourage attendees to wear their ritual robes and garb, but dressing in ‘street clothing’ is just fine too. Nudity (or “skyclad”) is prohibited. Any weapons, included but not limited to ritual blades and swords, are not allowed. We suggest you dress in comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, and bring sunscreen and bug repellent, too. An umbrella, just in case, is also a good idea.

Children: Children are welcome at our family-friendly event, but should be supervised at all times by parents and/or guardians. Our event does not have babysitting services. In the event that you cannot find your child, notify a Guardian team member immediately (see Guardian Team section).
Food & Drink: Guests may bring in their own food to our event, if you wish to do so. Please follow the “carry-in, carry-out” philosophy. However, we do encourage you to please consider purchasing food from our food vendor, located inside the building. Tasty sandwiches, snacks, and drinks will be available for purchase!

General Disclaimer: Guests attending our event do so with the understanding that our event, our organizers, nor our Guardian Team (see Guardian Team section) are responsible for any lost or stolen items or damage to property or person.

Guardian Team: The Guardian Team consists of 8 individuals selected from the local Pagan community to monitor our event and serve as liaisons between the Organizers of this event and event participants. The Guardian Team, in consultation with the Organizers, reserve the right to make final decisions in any situation regarding the best interests of the safety and general welfare of our participants. Guardian Team members will be easily identifiable, wearing green armbands and carrying walk-talkies.

Lost & Found: Please be sure to watch your personal items at all times. This organization and/or organizers are not responsible for any lost or stolen items. If you have lost something, please let a member of the Guardian team (see Guardian Team section) know immediately and give them your contact information. If you notice that you have lost an item after the event is over, contact us and describe the item in full detail. We will see if we found it during the clean-up, and let you know.

Pets: Pets must be supervised and leashed at all times. Individual owners are responsible for the actions of their pets, including waste clean-up. Pets are restricted to the grounds only. No pets are allowed in the building, with the exception of registered guide dogs (paperwork must be provided upon request). No pets should be left inside a vehicle. Please be sure to provide your pet with adequate water and food during the event. This being said, we strongly urge you to keep your pets at home.

Photography/Audio/Video: Please help keep this public event welcoming for all our guests. Please request permission of individuals before taking pictures, video, or making recordings. Also, please be aware that due to the size of this event and its public nature, as a participant at our event it is possible that you may be photographed, videotaped, or recorded unknowingly by guests and/or members of the press. The organization and/or organizers of this event are not responsible for any incidents that occur due to situations involving unwelcome photography, video, or recordings at this event. If a situation occurs that cannot be amicably resolved on its own, please inform a member of the Guardian team (see Guardian Team section). Please note that Pagan Pride Day will have an official photographer that will be taking pictures for event promotional purposes and will be easily identifiable. The use of any type of recording equipment during workshops is prohibited, unless agreed upon unanimously by the workshop presenter and all participating attendees.

Members of the Press: Members of the press are required to check-in at the Welcome Table upon arrival where they will receive a press badge. Please respect our guest’s privacy and always ask permission before capturing someone on film, video or in recordings. The use of any type of recording equipment during a workshop is prohibited, unless agreed upon unanimously by the workshop presenter and all participating attendees. Press badges should be returned to the Welcome Table upon departure.

Parking: We strongly encourage carpooling as parking is limited. This organization and/or organizers are not responsible for any damage to vehicles obtained in the parking lot. Vehicles should be locked at all times (see Lost & Found section).

Rain or Shine: Our event will occur rain or shine.

Safety: If there is a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1, and locate a member of the Guardian Team immediately (see Guardian Team section). We will have a first-aid kit on hand for minor injuries.

Smoking: Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. The Welcome Table attendants can show you where that is. Please use the receptacles provided.

Zero-Tolerance Policy: This is a clean and sober event. Any conduct deemed inappropriate or disruptive will result in that person or persons’ expulsion from the event. In the unlikely event that our festival draws protesters, do not confront them. Notify a member of the Guardian Team (see Guardian Team section), and they will handle it.