Back to Main Page
Desert Magic Festival
A Neo-Pagan Gathering
May 6-9, 2010
Go To Desert Magic Festival Reviews to read what past attendees have to say about our festival!
Go To Festival Application Form (to print out and mail)
Go To PayPal Page to Register with a Credit or Debit Card
The Sonoran Sunrise Grove, ADF is pleased to announce this year's ADF Festival in the Tucson, Arizona area. The Festival will take place at the COD Ranch Retreat center in Oracle, AZ. Accommodation will be in shared rooms with shared baths. There will also be limited camping available. All entries will include the meal plan.
Desert Magic Festival Auction
Every year, we hold an Auction with our Bardic Night. Attendees, both local and out of state guests, donate items, often homemade or handcrafted. We encourage anyone who would like to donate an item or two (or three...) to do so, and send us a photo of it so that we may showcase it on the website prior to the event.
To view some of the auction items we had at Desert Magic Festival 2009, click here.
Click on the subjects below for more information (as Presenters and Workshops are finalized, those links will become live):
About the Area
The town of Oracle at 4415' elevation is a place such as Frazier speaks of in the Golden Bough "where clouds gather and oaks grow." A reprieve from the valley heat, Oracle is usually 15 degrees cooler than Tucson. It is lush with oaks, beargrass, and boulders. The town sits on a ridge running down the spine from the back of Mt. Lemmon where saguaros are absent, and the only vestige of desert is visible in the prickly pear and chollas that dot the landscape.
This quaint little town is much more than meets the eye; the majority of it is not visible from its one main thoroughfare, American Avenue. A large part of the population are artists, musicians or aficionados. Art galleries abound. The currently active artist-in-residence colony, Rancho Linda Vista, drew such notables as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg in its heyday.
The character of Oracle is best revealed in its organizations and gathering places -- a historical society and museum, a land trust, a state park, a community center, a very active garden club, and even a tiny wi-fi café and organic grocery called "The Station" which serves as the Saturday morning hub of town activity.
Although the town presents itself as a bit worn as one passes through it, Oracle's hidden vistas of the Catalinas, the Galiuros, and the San Pedro River Valley as well as cool temperatures and warm residents make it a coveted sanctuary from the city. For more information visit: www.oracletown.com. By Julian Greene
Amenities and Location
The COD Ranch Retreat in Oracle boasts a heated pool and hot tub, dining room with commercial kitchen, a 'barn' for workshops, a ritual area and lots of rooms, bathrooms and showers. Also, the site is clothing optional.
C.O.D. Ranch and Retreat
PO Box 241
Oracle, Arizona 85623
Toll Free: 1-800-868-5617
Tucson: 520-615-3211
Weather
The average temperatures there in early May are highs in the mid 90's and lows in the 50's, so bring layered clothes for various conditions!
Rituals
There will be at least four rituals - An opening ritual on Thursday night, a ritual that will tie in with a workshop, the main ritual with the ADF Unity Rite on Saturday night and a special closing ritual. Rituals will take place in the ritual area or in the barn if weather is bad.
Entertainment
Gareth MacKenzie will play the harp and tell tales from IE Lore.
Getting Here
The festival will be located at the COD Ranch Retreat in Oracle, AZ.
From Tucson
From Tucson: As you leave the airport you will be on Tucson Blvd. When you get to Benson Hwy. go left to I-10. Take I-10 west, exit Ina Rd. and go east to Oracle Rd. Go left on Oracle Rd. Oracle Road (77East) through Catalina and Oracle Junction, past the Biosphere. To the Business District turnoff into Oracle on the right. Proceed on American Avenue through the town of Oracle (approximately 2 miles) to the Mt. Lemmon turnoff. Turn right onto Mt. Lemmon Road and proceed approximately 2 miles to the C.O.D. Ranch turnoff on the left. The ¼ mile dirt road ends at the C. O. D. Ranch. Proceed through the gate and park in the corral in front of the barn.
From Phoenix
From Phoenix: Superstition Freeway (60 East) through Apache Junction to Florence Junction. Turn right onto 79 South at Florence Junction. Proceed through the town of Florence to Oracle Junction (approximately 60 miles). Turn left onto 77 East at Oracle Junction. Proceed east past the Biosphere to the Business District turnoff into Oracle on the right (approximately 2 miles) to the Mt. Lemmon turnoff. Turn right onto Mt. Lemmon Road and proceed approximately 2 miles to the C.O.D. Ranch turnoff on the left. The ¼ mile dirt road ends at the C. O. D. Ranch. Proceed through the gate and park in the corral in front of the barn.
You can view Google maps at: http://www.codranchandretreat.com/maps.asp.
There are many flights into Tucson and Phoenix for those wishing to come by air.
Flying to Tucson? For arrivals in Tucson, contact the Grove at SD @ sonoransunrisegrove.org for airport pickup (copy and paste address into your e-mail client and remove the spaces).
Flying to Phoenix? For those flying into Phoenix, there is a shuttle service that will take you into Tucson (takes about 2.5 hours driving time). Take the shuttle to the 5051 W. Ina Road location in Tucson. Make the arrangements in advance and let us know when you will be arriving at the Ina location and we'll send someone to pick you up! Contact SD @ sonoransunrisegrove.org
Arizona Shuttle can be reached at www.arizonashuttle.com or call
1.800.888.2749.
Hotels and B&B's - The nearest hotel or inn is down in Tucson which is too far for an easy commute.
General Guidelines
- Firearms, including air rifles and air guns are prohibited.
- Motorcycles, trail bikes, and off-road vehicles are prohibited.
- Parking is limited. Please do not plan on parking trailers or campers on site. Arrange to park campers at one of our members homes.
- We strongly suggest anyone in attendance planning on partaking in the Drink Plan. Not only do you receive a great souvenir mug or bottle and unlimited water, lemonade, tea, soda, coffee, etc. for the entire weekend, but you will save yourself any possible negative side effects of drinking the well water from the tap.
- Use of illegal drugs is prohibited and cause for removal from Desert Magic Festival.
- Attendees are responsible for providing their own alcohol and monitoring their consumption. Excessive drinking that results in vomiting is frowned upon. As Ian says “This isn’t amateur night folks”.
- Anyone bringing their own beverages is asked to please plan on taking the refuse back with them.
- Nudity will be allowed in the pool and hot tub area after 8pm. Minors are not allowed in those areas after 8pm.
- Any attendee who has consumed too much alcohol must be escorted back to their sleeping area.
- Vehicles cannot travel past the parking lot area. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
- Smoking is allowed only in designated areas. We have had a dry winter and the risk of causing a fire is very high.
- Dogs and other pets should be left at home in the interest of safety, liability, and group living.
Fire Safety
- Fires may be built in fireplaces and designated fire circles only.
- Please use wood sparingly and use charcoal pieces from previous fires.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Keep fire safely equipment (bucket and a shovel) close at hand if a fire circle is to be used.
- Take care to burn your fire down to ashes, leaving your ashes in fire circles.
- If you must put out a fire put all logs and pieces in a bucket filled with water. Before you go pour out water and lay all charcoal pieces to dry.
- Fire extinguishers are located in each area.
Site Hazards
- Loose gravel: Wear sturdy shoes, watch footing, and discourage any running. Rocky trails and roads can be treacherous.
- Please do not leave any food, or candy outside. We do not want to attract uninvited guests.
- Lightening and severe storms: The pool area will be closed during storms and folks are encouraged to seek shelter.
- There are rattle snakes, scorpions, and black widows in Arizona. Please watch your hands, feet, and where you place your seat. Avoid the stinging wild life.
Oracle Emergency information
- Fire Department 520.896.2980
2. Pinal Co. Sheriff's Dept. 800-352-3796 or 520.385.2222
When you arrive:
- Members of Sonoran Sunrise Grove will assist you with parking.
- The check-in table will be in the main house.
- Sign-in sheets will be posted for volunteer work. All attendees will be asked to sign-up for 2 hours of the volunteer work of their choosing. This will help ensure the festival runs smoothly for all.
- All people attending Desert Magic will sign a no-harm clause and are responsible for any and all medical expenses as a result of injuries sustained while at Desert Magic Festival. Each individual should not seek damages from Sonoran Sunrise Grove, ADF, or COD Ranch and Retreat.
- All attendees will be assigned a sleeping area.
- Members of Sonoran Sunrise Grove will assist with luggage and escort you to your sleeping area
When you leave:
- Your unit should be swept, cleaned, all debris removed, and doors closed.
- Members of Sonoran Sunrise Grove will be available to assist you with luggage and unit cleaning.
- Dispose of any trash you may have in the dumpster. Any recycling must be taken with you down the mountain.
What to Bring
- Campers: You are responsible for bringing sleeping materials including: pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags.
- Sturdy comfortable shoes the terrain can be rough.
- Medical Insurance Card
- We will not be near shopping so remember all personal supplies including: tooth brush, tooth paste, allergy medication, soap, shampoo, sun block, sun glasses, brush, powder, vitamins, and pain relievers. (All items I have forgotten on trips).
- Offerings for rituals.
- Songs and skits for the Bardic Night.
- We will have vendors, raffles, and auctions bring cash or checkbook.
Prices Per Person
All prices below include the meal plan, which is not optional.
We are unable to offer a family rate for Indoor Accommodations. Sorry!
Indoor accommodations (3-4 people per room minimum):
$ 200 - Indoor Rate
Child's indoor rate will be the same as the adult rate (per child)
If the $200 Indoor Rate is paid IN FULL by October 31, 2009, the Drink Plan will be included at no extra charge
The Drink Plan will be $20 in addition to the accommodation rates after October 31, 2009.
Camping accommodations (limited space):
$ 150 - Adult Camping Rate
$ 160 Camping Rate paid IN FULL by October 31, 2009 will include the Drink Plan.
The Drink Plan will be $20 in addition to the accommodation rates after October 31, 2009.
$300 - Family Camping Rate, which includes two adults and up to two accompanying children.
$ 75 - child's camping rate (per child)
There will also be a drink plan (Bottled water, lemonade, tea, soda, coffee, etc.) available for $20 at the door. This includes a reusable souvenir mug or bottle.
Day Rate - For one full day of attendance either Friday or Saturday (from after breakfast until 11:00pm at the latest), the day rate will be $75. This will include access to all workshops, lunch, and dinner. You must leave the Ranch by 11:00pm and if you drink ANY alcoholic beverages, your rate will increase and we will REQUIRE you to stay overnight.
$50 of the price is non-refundable. NO REFUNDS available after April 1, 2010.
Registration Terms of Condition: Cancellation of your registration must be received in writing (via e-mail or postal mail) no later than ONE WEEK prior to the event. Failure to cancel your registration using these guidelines will result in a bill for the full amount of the registration fees being sent to you.
We don't have a childrens' program at this time. We feel they would be happier with a sitter. However, if you are bringing your child, a parental form must be signed and mailed to us by April 15, 2010
Parents are responsible for their children. Please contact us if you have any questions about this.
For more information, contact the Grove at: SD @ sonoransunrisegrove.org
Copy and paste
the address into your e-mail client and remove the spaces.
Go To Festival Application Form
Go To Our PayPal Page to Register with a Credit or Debit Card
