Important news: site regulations and Metro track work!

I put out the initial press release about this event a couple days ago. Hail Columbia has just posted the site regulations on their Facebook page. The most important things you need to know are what not to bring. There’s a lot of regs for this space because it’s near the White House, so please read these and comply. The most important thing to know is that you cannot bring weapons and you can’t put anything down on the ground at any time.

Don’t bring weapons or anything that could be mistaken for a weapon. Do not bring blades, even ceremonial or dull ones – no swords, no athames, no exceptions. No staves or walking sticks. Personally, I’ll be leaving even my inch-and-a-half mini Swiss Army knife at home. If you aren’t sure, and you aren’t willing to surrender it, don’t bring it.

Don’t bring djembes that you want to set on the ground. Either bring a smaller drum or plan on carrying your drum the whole time. Do not bring metal hang drums. Anything that is visually similar to a bomb or suspicious package will be investigated or simply eliminated.

Don’t bring signs on sticks. Don’t bring paint. If you want a sign, make your sign at home. If you want to paint your face, do it at home.

Don’t bring glass bottles.

Don’t bring folding chairs, canopies, or any other “structures.” Don’t put things down on the ground.

Do prepare: Wear or bring comfortable, layered clothing and shoes that are weather-appropriate. Consider bringing a snack and/or drink in plastic containers. Make sure that you will have all your personal items on you at all times – in a backpack or bag, not something you put down on the ground.

The multiple law enforcement agencies involved in this effort are not going to take anything lightly. Don’t push them. This is about religious freedom – what is important to bring is yourself, your spirit, your energy, and your intent.

In order for you to get yourself there, the best plan is to take Metro. Unfortunately, Metro will be doing track work on most lines that weekend. The part of the Red Line between Farragut North and Union Station will have significant delays and disruptions of service. Metro has more information, including recommendations to use the bus lines. If you can’t get to Farragut North, the closest Metro to Lafayette Park, the nearest unaffected Metro station should be Dupont Circle, to the north on the Red line, and McPherson Square on the Blue and Orange lines. Please take this information into account and plan your travel times accordingly!

I’ll see you there!