Why does Alchemy have tiered invitation sales, rather than having all invites being one price?

Budget.  Rather than charging a bunch of money to every participant in order to build a surplus amount of money each year, Alchemy prefers instead to rely on participant registration for the current year's event for its operating
income.  Alchemy prefers to approach most things in the most immediate way possible. With regard to budgetary items, we prefer to use the money of participants in this year's event FOR this year's event. However, some budget items (like deposits, insurance, and
materials purchases) necessarily have to occur long before the event, so the sooner people purchase their invites, the better. The tiered system encourages earlier registrations.

Does Alchemy allow minors into the event?

Yes. However, all participants under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. You are responsible for your own offspring! Please see this page regarding local laws and minors.

Is every participant required to have an invitation to get into Alchemy?

Yes, with one minor exception (ha ha): children under 12, who are accompanying their invitation-holding parents or guardians are not required to have an invite. NO COMPS are given to anyone, including Alchemy volunteers, team leads, board members, members of the press, friends of the land owner, people who build awesome theme camps, artists displaying work, performers, bands, or anyone else. No exceptions. Please don't ask for a free ticket to Alchemy. Alchemy is still one of the least expensive burns you can attend.

Are there showers?

Yes, there are hot showers at Cherokee Farms. You should know, however, that the water is pumped from the lake. Hey, at least it's warm. Please be considerate of the environment when taking showers: use biodegradable soaps!

What if I need to leave and come back?

You have two choices: either convince 15 people to give you their in/out tokens, or pay the full price of a Return Ticket ($45.00). Otherwise, once you leave, you're out. Please be radically self reliant and bring everything you need, so you don't have to leave!

I heard you aren't placing theme camps! Tell me about site layout!

The control of Alchemy is in the hands of its participants. This year, that means a more relaxed Site Layout process then you might be accustomed to.

Site Layout will place Alchemy infrastructure (gate, effigy, marking roadways, portapotties, etc) and designate areas where sound camps are
restricted.  Walker County has an 11pm sound ordinance and we learned last year that there are some areas on Cherokee Farms where we can not place
amplified sound camps because the neighbors complain. Those complaints result in interactions with local law enforment we would all rather avoid.
Sound-camp restricted areas will likely be at very top of the hills and ridges where sound tends to carry outside the property.

All other camp placement will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

"First-come first-served" means that when you arrive, you can place yourself and your camp essentially wherever you want. We will not be
reserving any placement prior to the event.  If you want to ensure a particular location for you or your camp, then arrive as early as you can.

When can I get there? When does the Gate open?

The Gate opens at 9am on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 for early set up, and 9am Thursday, September 29, 2011 for general admission. The gate will be permanently closed to new entrants as of 8pm on Saturday, October 1st, 2011. The event ends as of 12 noon on Monday, October 3, 2011.

Will the Gate be open at all hours?

Yep, the Gate will be staffed for every minute of the event.

Do you require a participant to have Paypal in order to purchase an invitation?

Not any more. We are now using a system that requires a debit or credit card.

Can I phone in my order, send a check, or give you cash in person?

No. Our systems are integrated with external ticketing systems and so you must use the mechanism on this site to order an invitation.

What do I need to get into the gate?

You need to print out the barcoded invitation that was emailed to you and bring that. Gate staff will not be able to look up invitations by name or other details. You also need an ID, so that we can verify your name and signature on the waiver forms.