MANCHESTER, Tenn. — A multi-colored parachute billows in the breeze at Bonnaroo. The flowing fabric spans 45 feet in diameter and is hoisted by anyone who wants to join the fun.
The Parachute People can be found at a colorful tent within the “Nonprofit Village” that’s near the center of the festival grounds.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, a group of friends gathered at a festival in 2014 with a large parachute reminiscent of elementary school gym class. Since then, parachutes have appeared at festivals around the nation at different events.
Organizers said there is more to their mission than reminding attendees of laid-back school days. They strive to build a community through playful activities that improve mental health.
With a tent full of paint, bubble guns and inflatable chairs, their makeshift Bonnaroo headquarters appears to be a beacon of happiness.
Kat Shuler, an adviser of the group’s board of directors, joined in February. After taking the time to reflect on her life and the effect she wants to have, she decided the Parachute People match her aspirations perfectly.
“They embody everything that I stand for,” Shuler said. “It was a no brainer to join.”
Along with parachute games at the beginning of concerts, the group also hosts educational sessions throughout the four-day festival. Communication, resilience and burnout prevention are just a few of the topics that members discuss.
With hundreds joining the parachute activities, lifting it up to sit beneath or bounce inflatables on it, teamwork is emphasized.
As light as it may look, the material is heavy and requires effort from everyone involved to get the fabric moving in the air. The parachute has four colors — red, yellow, blue and green are symbolic of the body, spirit, mind and community, they say.
“We use the parachute as like a metaphor for releasing the things that have holds on us,” Shuler said.
Attendees who want to experience parachute joy simply need to join the group once the parachute unfurls. For first-timers and seasoned Bonnaroovians, the parachute is an iconic part of the festival.
Tori Crisp returned to the Farm for the seventh time this year. Having participated in the festivities before, this was her first time leading the wave. Standing in the center of the parachute with brightly colored flowers in her hair and a matching floral shirt, Crisp conducted the wave with her fellow festival-goers following her every move. Crisp shared the Parachute People’s philosophy.
“The inclusivity, the diversity … everyone is there, everyone is having a good time,” Crisp said.
As she cartwheeled out of the center, cheers rose in unison from the circle. For a moment, strangers and friends were connected through childlike glee, as four colors rippled in the wind.