Three Floyds Has Some New Rules For Dark Lord Day 2012

Image Credit: Bridget Houlihan

Three Floyds Dark Lord Day is April 28. Last year's event went smoother than previous incarnations, in large part to the staggered buying sessions, better management of the "Golden Ticket" system, and a "no ticket, no entry" policy to the event.

This year, Three Floyds is laying down some more ground rules.

Once again, the Munster Police Department will enforce traffic flow and loitering (again, no RVs will be allowed in the industrial Park).
Coolers, furniture, tents, grills etc… will not be permitted. If you want to bring a couple beers to trade or sample, that’s great within reason.

Parking is not provided by the brewery. Please carpool and designate a driver.

This, naturally, has led to the attendant grumblings and speculation of how a typical Three Floyds event is handled in the comments to the announcement:

by Mickey
On February 13, 2012 at 5:06 pm

So even if I only bring a “couple” of beers to sample or trade, how am I to keep them cold without a cooler? Also I’m assuming no furniture means no chairs? If so does that mean there will be adequate seating for everyone in attendance? My father usually comes with me but he can’t stand all day.

by jeff m

On February 13, 2012 at 5:32 pm

If your food and drink vending wasn’t so poorly organized perhaps I wouldn’t have to bring a cooler.

Three Floyds replied to the questions by stating they're going to do the same things with last year's DLD and incorporate "what we feel are the successful ideas from (the 15th anniversary party)." To be fair, the latter event was more than a four-hour line. The Lillie's Q and Big Star food trucks were a welcome addition, as were an increased number of ATMs available for a cash-only event.

If Three Floyds sticks with what worked for DLD 2011, they'll be fine.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@chicagoist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Chuck Sudo in Food on February 14, 2012 9:30 AM

Comments [rss]

Steve Junkins

Looks like the whining has carried on over here... If you can't enjoy yourself at a beer release event without lugging around a cooler and sitting on your ass you're doing it wrong.

seitz

I posted on their site, but honestly, I'm struggling to come up with any "successful" elements to the anniversary party. I'm assuming no furniture means no folding chairs, and if that's the case, then perhaps they'll have benches and such set up like at the anniversary party. One of the best parts about last year's DLD was just sitting around and meeting people around whom we set up our chairs. I'm at a loss to determine what needed revising after last year's DLD, which was as close to perfect as they've gotten (assuming you could get a ticket, of course). I really don't like what I'm hearing so far, but I'll keep an open mind until they release more information.

Mickey Freeman

Well the one thing I can give them credit for is that at least they're giving us head notice this time. I was at the XV party as they opened up the gates and then started telling everyone they couldn't bring their beer in. At that event they were saying no non-floyds beer was to be admitted. I'm worried that they may be wanting to take DLD in that direction as well. I admit I liked the food options for the XV party better as it made it a little easier to get something to eat. And if they do something similar for beer to drink on site then it might be a little easier to get by without a cooler full of beer. However if they have it setup like they did last year for on site beer, one beer tent with one line that takes about 2 hours to get through and get a beer, then I don't think I'll be hanging around for very long. Perhaps we should find a campground near by and host or own homebrew after dark lord event!

Marcus Gilmer

What's not addressed in the post but had a lot of folks I know talking was the new "no furniture" rule and how it might affect the event. Does this mean DLD is now a pick-up-your-beer-and-leave event? I suppose people could stand around all day but they'll be less likely to do so if there's nowhere to sit. Maybe I'm misreading things but the no cooler and no furniture rules seem to be angling this towards less an all day thing for attendees and more of a brief visit. Which is a shame; last year's was so well handled and much more fun. Of course, I didn't make the XV party but I've heard not good things as opposed to the great job 3F did with DLD '11.

JimTheBeerGuy

It's probably going to be a grab-and-go for me. The best part for me has always been sharing homebrew in line with other enthusiasts anyway. And maybe keep a cooler in the car.

Marcus Gilmer

With things running so smoothly last year, I really enjoyed getting my Dark Lord early (I was Group A) and then spending the next 6-7 hours lounging in the sun, drinking, and hanging out with friends and other attendees. With 3F's having that new system in place, it allowed for more time to enjoy the day. It'd be a shame to lose that.