We're coming up on another holiday weekend. The official kickoff to summer. I've spent this weekend on motorcycle rides, attending and photographing parades and going to music festivals.

Today, I'll be headed off to the Elements Music Festival in Lakewood, PA. If you haven't heard of it (or Lakewood for that matter), I wouldn't be surprised. Elements is much like Mysteryland. Remember that big EDM fest that happened at Bethel Woods in 2014 and returned twice after that? If you don't remember the name, you might recall the extra traffic and loud noise coming from Hurd Road that weekend.

It's been a long time since I've been to a festival on a large scale, but Mysterland was one of the most photographic and interesting ones I've ever gone attended.

Why?

Sure, the music was interesting. I found a few artists I really enjoyed (even though EDM isn't my normal jam).

The backdrop was beautiful (when isn't it at Bethel Woods?).

The people watching was amazing. From horsehead maskes, to LED outfits and tutus, there was always something (someone?) to look at and photograph.

I hung out with some great people I work with on a regular basis. Jonathan Charles Fox and Mike Sakel both joined me in taking in the sights and sounds. Mike was way more into the music than anyone else I knew.

I made new friends there. People who I still talk to now. I haven't seen them since Mysteryland, but we connected and enjoyed each other's company. Shoutout to you folks—because people like that are the reason these festivals are so popular.

The music is fine, the location is nice, but the groups of happy, carefree, and excited/intense people are what make the whole thing.

I'm hoping for the same thing later today when I drive north to the relatively sleepy NO !!!! area of Lakewood.

Elements Music & Arts Festival will not only have some great DJs with great sets, but it features local art installations and food from the region as well. This festival is big on sustainability. And if you read the newspaper with any regularity at all, you know we are too.

This time I'm taking along staff writer, occassional photographer and my partner in the back corner of the office fending off the flies and munching Chex Mix, Elizabeth Lepro. She's going to put glitter on me, and I'm going to let it happen.

So, wish us luck in our journey today, and check back online and on Facebook and Instagram for photos of the whole adventure.