The Okeechobeeings Have Landed! An Earthling Captures Our Favorite Creatures from Okeechobee 2018
Photos By Bryan Edward
The full moon has powers that I can’t explain, but I’ll try.
As I lie in the grass staring at a sky painted with all the stars of the universe outside of the quaint town of Okeechobee, FL, I begin to witness a peculiar sight. The heavens burst with light in an experience I can only compare to a supernova. It leaves me breathless, feeling like I’m floating through pure white. I see what looks strangely like a flying disc in the sky. It gets closer… closer… so close I feel like I can touch it. I reach up, and suddenly everything goes black.
I wake up, face down. Slowly rolling over, I open my eyes and regain focus. I’m surrounded with what appear to be giant art installations, stages, lasers, and some strange (but friendly looking) creatures. Everywhere my eyes travel, there are circular swirls – I get an overwhelming feeling that the swirls are some type of portal. It becomes clear that I’ve somehow transcended into another dimension. Did I enter the portal?
I spent four days observing this unique and magical space. It appeared that these beings had gathered for some sort of ceremonial celebration with ground-shaking music, breathtaking art exhibits and installations, and peacefulness meditation areas, and they lived in decorated camps ranging from modest to extravagant. The music was incredible, and the visuals were nothing short of a dreamscape, but none of the sights were as special as these beautiful creatures. I clutched my camera with sweaty hands and captured these beings in their natural environment.
Here are my encounters with the “Okeechobeeings” of Okeechobee Music Festival 2018:
As quickly as it arrived, it vanished. I awoke from a slumber to see no trace of the spectacular celebration I had witnessed. I quickly sat up, rubbed my eyes, squinted, but nothing – just a serene field on a farm in a quaint town in south Florida. Was it all a dream? Only time will tell. Legend has it, the Okeechobeeings arrive each year to celebrate life, friendship, and their love of music. Will I be back in 2019 to see if legend holds true?
You bet!