Summer Meltdown started on San Juan Island, Washington in 2000.
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Back then, producer Josh Clauson and his band Flowmotion were on a mission to perform as much music as possible. They threw parties like Meltdown as a fun way to bring folks together and raise money for tours and recording.
Admission to the first Meltdown cost $10 and came with a keg cup. Flowmotion built the stage by hand with a sound system powered by a pull-start generator. The event was a success, though having to catch a ferry to the island was a challenge. The band decided to move Meltdown to the mainland for its second year.
Over the next three years, Meltdown outgrew two more locations before landing at the Darrington Music Park. For the next 14 years, the event continued to transition from a volunteer-run operation to a full-fledged music festival. Josh continued to lead Meltdown forward into its teenage years.
In 2013, he married Genevieve Hayton, a local immigration attorney. Genevieve brought a fresh pair of eyes to the festival, as she stepped away from her law practice to become Josh’s business partner.
Summer Meltdown 2022, July 28 - 31, will reopen at the gorgeous Sky Meadows Park in Snohomish, WA.
With four miles of riverfront property along the Skykomish River, forested camping, beaches, swimming holes, and stunning views, visitors are gonna be checking all kinds of Melty boxes at this new venue, with the added bonus of more room for everyone to enjoy.
Gates open to all comers at 2pm on Thursday. Your camp site must be clean and empty by 12 noon on Monday.
You are welcome to make up to 100 free gift items, such as stickers or hat pins, that are themed after Summer Meltdown, to give away for free at the festival. ■
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