“http://www.audiovideoweb.tv/Reports/LoF2009_Afterburn_report_final.pdf”

Sorry for the delay in publishing this report. We have been working on it
for a long time and it had to be approved by a lot of people who live in
more than one BM Region. Next year we hope to get the report out in a
timely fashion. Please send your questions to: Willard Skynyrd Devotionliner at devotionliner@gmail.com.

SUMMARY

Lakes of Fire, was the inaugural Great Lakes Regional Burn held June 25 -
28, 2009 at Willow Ranch in Lacota, Michigan. A collaborative effort by the
Burning Man Regional Contacts and community members from several states and
provinces surrounding the Great Lakes including Ontario, Michigan, Indiana,
Chicago / Illinois and Wisconsin. 546 attendees of all ages created and
enjoyed a range of art projects, theme camps, dance clubs, live
performances, and community celebration. The event was capped by the burning
of the S.S. Bacon a two story wooden boat effigy based on a historical ship
that fought on the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. This inaugural event
took many years to plan. The planning included a land search and planning
stage, prior to forming an organizing crew of 17 team leads and a not-for
profit not-tax-exempt corporation, Great Lakes Experimental Arts Inc., to
lead the event in 2009.

The land owner, Bim Willow, expressed strong support for the event and has
invited us to return in 2010. The local township passed an ordinance in
support of our event in 2009 (in lieu of fire permits which they did not
have). Feedback from participants has been consistently positive and ideas
are already floating for 2010. The event has banked a profit of $4,906.77
(year end tax and accounting fees still pending) to invest in future events,
site down payments etc.

The Board of Directors will begin meeting again in October and the Team
Leads will resume meeting in January 2010 to launch the second edition of
Lakes of Fire. While overwhelmingly a positive beginning, the organizers
welcomed suggestions on ways they could improve. All of the Leads logged a
“things that rocked” “things to improve” list for the next event. With a
solid foundation, we expect 2010 to be a year of growth in art projects,
theme camps, volunteer involvement, and overall attendance.

“http://www.audiovideoweb.tv/Reports/LoF2009_Afterburn_report_final.pdf”

Thank you

The Info-Bot for
Willard Skynyrd Devotionliner
devotionliner@gmail.com

Great Lakes Experimental Arts Inc.