I’ve been known in the past to be that guy who is always working and rarely takes a real vacation. This year, I decided to change that by adding a few “experiences” to my calendar—pre-planned opportunities for creative respite. One of those experiences was my long trek to Rothbury, Michigan, in mid-June for the Electric Forest Festival.

The Forest, if you haven’t heard of it, is a music festival that takes place in the middle of the woods—but it’s so much more than that. At night, the forest comes to life with magical lights, and as you wander, you keep discovering new surprises: performance artists, immersive art installations, endless music, scavenger hunts, entire shops where patrons barter and trade with junk, and countless other experiences curated to feel more like a dream than reality.

The festival was as much about art and imagination as it was about music. Wandering through glowing trees, stumbling across hidden performances, and watching people express themselves in so many ways reminded me of the power of creativity to bring people together. The sense of belonging was undeniable. Each of the hundreds of vendors you might meet would send you off with a heartfelt “Happy Forest!” and a genuine smile. Festival staff did the same, and strangers quickly became friends simply by sharing the same space.

There’s even a tradition of exchanging “candy”—colorful jewelry, pins, or trinkets. Many festivalgoers greet you with a playful handshake that ends with them sliding one of their homemade bracelets from their wrist onto yours. Candy was hidden throughout the forest too—in trees, little library boxes, shrines, and any nook where a curious wanderer might look. This was not the doing of the festival organizers. It has just become a part of the culture. People make their own candy, bring it, and share with others.

I left the Forest overflowing with inspiration and joy. Back home, I struggled to explain it; most often I’d just say, “You kind of have to experience it for yourself.” But after reflecting, I realized something important: the magic I felt at Electric Forest isn’t unique to the Forest, to Michigan, or even to music festivals. Those feelings of camaraderie, togetherness, and shared wonder are at the heart of public art.

And we have that here in West Virginia. We see it when we enjoy live music, theatrical performances, gallery openings, or any community event where people gather. In those moments, differences fade. Politics take a back seat. For a little while, we share in the collective joy, challenge, surprise, and inspiration that art can spark.

That’s why I believe so strongly in supporting the arts here at home. Electric Forest reminded me of how deeply art enriches our lives, but it also affirmed what we already have: opportunities, big and small, to come together and be inspired. The magic grows as more people show up—so let this be a reminder to seek out and support your local artists and happenings in Harrison County and beyond. Your support—even something as simple as attending an event or sharing word about it—really matters.

See you at the next shindig!

-Justin