PEX was celebrating its ten year anniversary this year.
"The Philadelphia Experiment", according to its website, is a "place for harmony amongst joyful adventurers in self-exploration." By the end of the weekend, the event organizers hope to create a feeling of community amongst their festival-goers.
In the same spirit than Burning Man, a lot of attendees gather together in different "theme camps", placed in different location of the manificient Ramblewood summer camp :
Once a summer camp for kids, Ramblewood now caters exclusively to private groups. Because Ramblewood promotes the ideals of freedom, understanding and tolerance, it has become a safe haven for “alternative” events and provides an environment for unencumbered self-expression. Situated on 200 scenic acres of privately-owned property, it is ideally located to provide a safe, private environment for groups to gather and enjoy life in a natural state.
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Music, art self expression and creativity in general are the main aspects of the festival, it is also a nude friendly environment where everyone is free to walk around in the most simple apparel.
Different stages are located all around the venue, where a lot of different activities are scheduled during daytime and night time (acro yoga, sound healing, meditation, dance, painting, dj sets...).
Camp Phuckit
It was my very first time at PEX, and beside the apocalyptic heat that hit Maryland for the week end, I must say that I have been more than pleasently surprised.
Yoshi, always working/sewing
We had a booth where Yoshi put her last designs on sale for the people interested in artesan festival oriented limited clothing pieces.
Crokinole game
The professionalism and precision of the organisation is really impressive, from check in to camp placement, everything was fluid. Water was available night and day, the crowd was also very clean, nothing was lying on the grass or on the paths. Very "Burner" attitude everywhere. Each camp had their meal/drinks offering pretty much like what you find on Playa.
A happy fireman
I would say that PEX is a reward for experienced Burners, you can have the very spirit of it without the hassles. Grass, water, showers, a swimming pool, food vendors, but also free drinks and food at theme camps...
Brooke performing LEDs
Fire performances are everywhere and definitely part of the festival spirit.
Fire Jedis
They also have an effigy burn on the saturday where everybody gather to watch the spectacle, then a live band is playing and everyone is free to go dance around the fire.
PEX burn wooden Effigy, sort of female DJ acting bear design (!)
http://pexsummerfestival.com