Maggie M. from Pennsylvania was the winner of the Propeller experience to "Win a Trip to Whizzbangers Ball & Watch Tyler Childers From Side Stage" that took place in June 2024. Below are some of Maggie's highlights from the experience.
As soon as I saw that Propeller was hosting a giveaway to Whizzbanger's Ball, I knew I had to get involved! Not only is Tyler Childers one of my all time favorite artists, but he does really incredible philanthropic work through the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund - which I think ties in perfectly with what Propeller is doing as well. So I watched videos, signed petitions, and got excited about the causes Propeller supports, but still could not believe it when I found out we had won!!
From the start, it was an incredible experience - working with the team to coordinate details was a piece of cake and made the lead up to the trip so easy. Our drive from Pittsburgh, PA to Glen Jean, West Virginia took us right through the New River Gorge area and all the nature it has to offer. When we arrived at the festival, the team had set up the cutest premium camping area for us - complete with fairy lights and rugs :)
Once Whizzbanger's Ball began, EVERYTHING was taken care of for us. My guest and I got to enjoy so many great foods from local vendors - barbecue, funnel cakes, and farm to table breakfast. We loved that the festival really focused on working with local businesses, even the Whiskey we had was made right in the area. There was a merch package waiting for us, complete with tshirts, water bottles (which REALLY came in handy since it was 90+ degrees the whole weekend), and fun things like fishing bobbers with Tyler Childers logo.
At the venue, we loved that the whole weekend had such a "family" feel to it. We have seen Tyler Childers perform before, and he and the band put on a great show no matter what, but to have such an intimate crowd who really supported every act of the weekend was great. We loved the camaraderie of all camping together in the heat, and sharing the activities as well. Not only were there artists performing all weekend, but activities that got us out around the Reserve and connected with the West Virginia outdoors. As part of our prize package we were able to rock climb and zipline on Sunday morning, which was so fun! The climbing team got us comfortable and pushing our limits to climb more and more challenging walls, and the zip line was such an adrenaline rush (the adrenaline made even stronger by the race to the bottom - which I won!).
Every act performing this weekend was incredible (and again, local!), and had us up and dancing and making new friends, or feeling all the depth of their emotion (and some did both). John R Miller and Arlo McKinley in particular were artists I had not known much of before we came, but can't stop listening to since. But one thing almost every person I talked to had in common was the excitement we shared leading up to the final show of the weekend - Tyler Childers.
When it was time for his set, we met up with our contact on site to go backstage. With artist passes in hand we made our way around, getting to talk to the crew who make the show happen every time. I just can't emphasize enough how great the people we met this weekend were - every person we talked to backstage was wonderful and so welcoming. When we got to our spot on the side of the stage, we were all shocked at how incredible the view was. From where we stood we were just feet away from the band, and got to see every detail of the show. It was so cool to look out over the crowd and see everyone singing along to every song! They played favorites - Old Country Church, Gemini, and Nose On The Grindstone - and I would've been happy if the show had just gone on forever.
This truly was the best experience, and I can't thank Propeller, Whizzbanger's Ball, and Tyler Childers and team, for one of the best weekends I can remember. We can't wait to go back next year :)
- Maggie M.
