The morning of July Forth, Jason and I headed to Grafton, New Hampshire for a two night stay at the annual Burning Porcupine. It’s a week long event in which Free Staters, anarchists, and liberty activists gather to relax, interact, and share in discussion, activities, and a large burning porcupine fire pit tank that lights up the party each night.

Burning Porc. (inspired by ‘Burning Man’) is synchronized with the brightest full moon activity, so this year the celebration began around June 27 and lasted through July 7.

The event takes place on a 200 acre plot of land in beautiful Grafton. The area is defined by low hills populated with trees on one side, forest on the other (next to which, guests set up tents), and a waterway hidden behind the trees at another. The weather was sunny and mildly hot with light blue skies above. Some light rain and occasional thunder occurred during our visit.The area is spacious, and numerous activities occupied it.

When we arrived, guests were interacting, and some had set up a large slip and slide covering two small hills. A few of us went down the slide  several times before I returned due to being cold. Later on, several people played kickball, while others chatted. In the kitchen, a few people were preparing food. Around 5 PM, a delicious soup dinner was served and discussion continued around the house.

In the evening, individuals gathered firewood and moved it to the fire pit. Several loads of firewood surrounded the fire pit when complete. People began loading the tank, until it was sufficiently full. When lit, we interacted around the fire and shared in more discussion. The numerous (non poisonous) snakes residing in a nearby rock wall entertained others and me for a while as the fire burned.

Around the fire

The fire gazing activity persisted for hours until dark, at which point, fireworks were broken out. A stream of fireworks lit the the black sky with colorful, vivid displays of gas and chemical reactions for half an hour.

Fireworks

Firepit night

The next day was just as full with activity, excitement and beautiful weather. It was a bit cooler but the sun was just as bright as the day before. In the morning, Dale made pancakes for every one. Shortly after, a group led by Menno hiked up a nearby hill, while others remained talkative and entertained by the scenery and activity. At some point, a bunch of us engaged in a game of softball on the grass field next to the house.

Softball

Through out the day, frog and snake races, tug of war, hot dog and burger grilling, and the video project below by Markus titled ‘Department Of Homeland Security visits Burning Porcupine’ occupied our time.

In the evening, taco salad was served for dinner. Social interaction continued, and the night developed similarly to the night before with more: wood gathering, fire, fireworks, smores, guitar playing and more enjoyment.

We left the following morning, while many of the guests were on another nature hike that Mike Barskey streamed live video of.

Burning Porcupine 2009 was a vibrant, fun event where friends of liberty met to share in discussion, food, games, laughter and of course, a large burning porcupine.