Pickathon

Pickathon started in 1999 as a fundraiser for the FM radio station, KBOO. The first venue was Horning's Hideout, a private park in North Plains, Oregon. The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 refunds were not issued, however ticket holders were given the option to redeem the ticket for future festivals or donate to the festival. Ticket holders who did not give a respond by deadline were defaulted to donation. In 2021, refunds were available as an option. Deaths In August 2019, two arborists employed by GuildWorks died when a boom lift, which was set on an incline, toppled over during the takedown of the festival. In February 2020, the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued $31,000 in fines to Pickathon LLC and GuildWorks LLC for failing to follow safety precautions. Both companies had "a history of failing to follow proper safety procedures." OSHA determined safety violations by Pickathon and GuildWorks caused the deaths of the two arborists. One of the arborists family has filed a lawsuit against Pickathon along with several other companies. == Description ==

Pendarvis Farm is located in Happy Valley, OR. It has been owned by the Pendarvis family for three generations. There are no age restrictions for attendance and it is considered an event for the "whole family". It is staffed almost entirely by volunteers. Attendance is limited below capacity to prevent overcrowding. Each artist at the event performs twice at different locations. Many bands who play at the event have not yet reached national or international recognition. Notable past acts include Wolf Parade, King Sunny Ade, Fruit Bats, Beach House,Tinariwen, Built to Spill, Broken Social Scene, GZA (of Wu-Tang Clan) and Armand Hammer. The festival features a variety of "Neighborhoods" offering unique experiences to attendees. For example the "Refuge Neighborhood" offers massage, sauna, cold plunge, and sound therapy. The "Coyote Neighborhood" hosts children's events, including crafts, archery, wilderness experiences, and a talent show. The "Market Neighborhood" offers food and drinks from local restaurants. Sustainability Over the years, festival organizers have integrated sustainable practices within the event. Starting in 2010–11, all plastic and single-use dishware were eliminated. Attendees can either bring their own tableware or purchase these items on site. The event makes use of sustainable fuels, and in 2023 was the first festival to use a zero emission hydrogen generator to power a stage. Solar-powered cell phone charging is available on site, and one of the festival's indoor spaces is also solar-powered. == References ==