The third annual Frendly Gathering took over Windham, Vermont for three days of music madness and camping fun. Snowboarder Magazine sent Avert Guldemond into the thick of things to report on the “Frendly” event.

Words: Avert Guldemond

Now a two-year veteran of the festival following status, I am beginning to understand the draw for many summer music goers across the globe. What could be better than combining all the best of the sunny months into a condensed block of awesome? You get camping, seemingly a three-day soundtrack, and friends from all life’s adventures in one place. Everyone is smiling, sipping, smoking, and singing as if in complete harmony with their surroundings. Add the old ski resort setting, food and a blanket, and have a seat and enjoy the sunshine. Welcome to the Frendly Gathering 2012.

Hitting Vermont with a musical line-up far overdue for a state who seen the worst this year, and come back stronger than ever, The FREND’s knocked it out of the park. Nearly 35 acts on five different stages set throughout the resort kept the crowds active all weekend, soaking up the backwoods vibe as they hiked old trails to the next venue. Shows alternated between the Main Stage at the base and the Wooden Tee-Pee stage mid mountain during the day. As the night crept in, we climbed higher to the hidden DJ Nest. An Ewok-ish tree fort nestled in the trees, DJ’s rocking all night long, and the stars above, natural as nature’s club lights.

Head to Snowboarder Mag to check out the rest of Avert’s story. Peep Insta-Awesome: Frendly Gathering for a slew of pics from the festival.