FESTIVAL FAQS

August 12-15, 2010 El Rancho Mañana, Richmond, MN Nominated IBMA Event of the Year 2005 & 2007!

How Do I Get There?
El Rancho Manana is located about 90 minutes Northwest of the Twin Cities, or about 30 minutes West of St Cloud. From I-94 take exit #153 at Avon. Then go South on County Road 9 for nine miles and turn left, or East, on Manana Road. You can download a map on our Summer Festival Location page.

What Do I Need To Enter?
When you reach the entrance to the grounds you will be asked to present your ticket or pay the appropriate admission fee. You must have the correct ticket for that day with you, or be prepared to purchase one before you can enter. Please do not ask to "come in just to visit" or "see if someone is here" or "find the person with my ticket."


What Should I Know If I Am Coming For The Day?
There is ample parking on the grounds about 1/2 mile from the festival area. Shuttles will be available. The Main Stage Area has lawn seating, we suggest you bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Alcohol is not sold on the grounds and is not allowed in the Main Stage Area. Carry-ins are allowed but may be inspected for alcohol before you can enter the Main Stage Area.

Can I Bring My Pet?
Pets are allowed in the campgrounds, but not in the Main Stage Area or on the beach. Pets must be leashed or enclosed in campers or cages at all times. All debris from your pet must be picked up. We reserve the right to ask that any pet be removed from the premises if there are any problems or disturbances, such as barking.

Is Camping Extra? What Type of Ticket Do I Need?
Unimproved camping for Thursday through Saturday nights is included with multiple day ticket packages and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The day of your arrival, not the length of your stay, determines which ticket you need. If you arrive on Thursday you need a Th-Su ticket package, on Friday a Fr-Su ticket package, and on Saturday a Sa-Su ticket package. No camping is allowed with single day tickets.

How can I get a reserved, improved camp site for the Festival?
Some improved/utility sites are available for an additional fee. These are sold by reservation only through a waiting list. You can get on the waiting list starting on February 1st or after by calling 800-635-3037 or emailing to info@minnesotabluegrass.org and asking to be on the campsite waiting list. This doesn't guarantee a site, just the potential for one. About June 1st we expect to know how many sites we will have available and will contact you if we have one for you. You can place your reservation for it at that time. If no site is available for you this year, you will need to call again the following year on February 1st or after to get on each year's new waiting list. Once you get a reserved site, you may keep it year after year as long as you pay the additional fee (presently $75, covering Thursday- Saturday nights).

Can I Camp Before Thursday?
Unimproved camping prior to the festival is available from El Rancho Mañana (320-597-2740) for a per night fee of $15 per person (with a maximum of $30) or $15 per unoccupied camping unit. See the admission hours below. No camping in unimproved areas will be allowed before 2:00 PM on Sunday August 2nd.

Are There Any Motels Nearby?
The Pillar Inn (bed & breakfast), Cold Spring, 320-685-3828
Riverside Inn, Cold Spring, 320-685-4539
Budget Host Inn, Avon, 320-356-2211
Super 8, St Joseph, 320-363-7711
Country Inn & Suites, Albany, 320-845-2145
Comfort Inn, St Cloud, 320-251-1500
Country Inn & Suites, St Cloud, 320-259-8999
Super 8, St Cloud, 320-253-5530
Fairfield Inn, St Cloud, 320-654-1881
Holiday Inn, St Cloud, 320-253-9000
Holiday Inn Express, St Cloud, 320-240-8000
Days Inn, St Cloud, 320-253-4444
Motel 6, St Cloud, 320-253-7070
Gateway Motel, St Cloud, 800-431-4050

When Can I Arrive?
The hours of admission during the festival are Thursday Aug 12 through Saturday Aug 14 from 9AM to Midnight, and Sunday Aug 15 from 9AM to 4PM. If you wish to come early, admission to the campgrounds for camping will be allowed during the week prior on Sunday Aug 8 from 2PM to 10PM and on Monday Aug 9 through Wednesday Aug 10 from 11 AM to 10 PM.

What Should I Know If I Am Planning To Camp?
No roping of sites please, spaces must be occupied by tents, tables, or vehicles. Restrooms and showers are available, as well as access to drinking water and the swimming beach. Campfires are only allowed in campground provided fire rings or suitable off-the-ground fire containers. Where fire rings are not installed you must provide your own suitable off-the-ground fire container. Fires must not be left unattended. Generator use will be restricted to the hours of 9 AM to Noon and 5 PM to 7 PM, except in designated 24-hour generator areas. External generators must be labeled as US Forest Service approved. Minors must camp with, and be supervised by, a responsible adult. Excessive noise, use of foul language, or other rowdy behavior will not be tolerated at any time or place on the festival grounds and will be grounds for ejection. No fireworks of any kind are allowed. Monte’s Meadow is designated as a quiet camping area after 10:00 PM.

What Should I Do If I Have Special Accessibility Needs?
No gas or electric powered cycles, dune buggies, go-carts, ATVs, or other personal vehicles are allowed on the grounds, other than certified handicap vehicles. Please contact us ahead to ask for our complete accessibility policies, to register your handicap vehicle, or to make other special arrangements.

Can I Help With The Festival?
Many volunteers are needed and we welcome your participation! You can make a difference, be part of the team, and have fun too! Four hours earns you an exclusive volunteer shirt. Call, write, or email and we will send you complete volunteer information.

Additional Questions: 800-635-3037or info@minnesotabluegrass.org. Send us your mailing address for a free brochure!