FI Star - Invasion Guide for Day Trippers and Everyone Else!

Note: This is an updated post from earlier in the morning. A bit more fine-tuned.

We’ve got some promo graphics to post today that outline what’s ahead July 4th, Invasion of the Pines, this Thursday.

But here’s some general advice. If you heading for the Invasion itself in FI Pines arrive early or be sure to have wristbands for Pines venues. It’s not in like in the old days, not at all: there are paywalls everywhere and for an average 6 to a 7-hour span paywalls rule. The dock area remains a free zone but space is limited, to the early person goes the best spot, that’s life. These paywalls are gone by 7 p.m..

If money is a factor it’s a walk over to the Grove, or water taxi there. Best advice if on a walk take some bug spray, avoid tick areas, stay on the paths. The park land can appear like a maze at times but the way ahead is always there. If you get lost someone will be around to give directions. The parkland is a quiet beautiful wilderness area. It’s a good place to decompress from the hurly-burly of the Invasion activities in the Pines. There’s a lot of freedom to be found within its confines just remember though it’s also a federal parkland.

Violations that somehow come to the attention of Park rangers (e.g. open drug use and or sexual activity) may result in ticketing under federal criminal violation/crime rules. Just saying…be mindful or your immediate surroundings.

Once you arrive in Cherry Grove, dances and other events can be found without a cover charge.

Good ferry service all day and night. Water taxi service will be around too just remembered it’s you and a lot of others looking for that quick ride too so expect lines and again not a bad idea to get on line early or make a reservation online.

Parking is always an issue in an around the ferry dock. If your heart is set on parking nearby prepare to wait on long lines in your car before getting a space, and again arriving early rather than later always the better strategy.

Parking in the nearby neighborhood may be legal in certain areas but why not simply park at the train station and take the shuttle, a bit more to spend but far less headaches all around.

It’s going to be fun day with lots of people there so keep that in mind too: welcome to the crush!

Our panel….

First promo: Where it all begins, at 11 a.m. shape up for those taking the boat to the Pines. Then the walk from the Ice Palace to the boat leaving for the Pines with attendant good wishers abounding. That particular boat about noon or so is not for the general public. Check with the Ice Palace for eligibility for passage.

Second promo: in and around the dock at Cherry Grove Cherries is offering primo seating but at a cost, reservations a must. The Island Breeze has not advertised a similar deal but they usually too, for a price, allow for reserved seating to see the sights. Check with them for more info. The Cherry’s post also a reminder that there are free events in Cherry Grove there and elsewhere occurring on this date too even as there are paywalls in the Pines for that same period of time.

Third promo: the event schedule once the boat lands in FI Pines, free event. Again, public seating/standing limited unless you have got yourself a wristband to the Pavilion or Blue Whale. Be early…

Fourth and Fifth promo graphics: It takes two to tango, the full schedule for FI Pines venues in two posts.  In the comments section below see a promo graphic breaking down wristband prices.

Sixth and Seventh promo graphics: the ferry schedule, best you are going to get. There may be some cancellations of specific trips to adjust to Invasion demands, or even add on trips. There is only one good source to keep track of this info: check the ferry website and/or Facebook page for up to date pop up announcements.



Updates as needed to come…