“Utopia” is the perfect way to get out of that stuffy home in which you’ve been trapped for the last several months, safely gather with friends over the upcoming Labor Day weekend, and raise money to support LGBTQ+ artists and nightlife workers negatively impacted by the global pandemic.
The four-day LGBTQ+ open-air retreat takes place on a private lake in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains September 4 through 7. Organizers promise the 500-acre complex will feature robust safety protocols to protect guests as they take part in beach activities, hiking, yoga, and more, including music and performances by DJs Dan Slater, Joe Pacheco, and Spencer H.
Utopia is going all-out on safety protocols. The retreat will allow 225 guests. All guests are to wear facial coverings indoors, in music areas, and whenever there is a possibility of coming within six feet of others.
Everyone on the site must adhere to a two-part test mandate. Part one takes place three days prior to the event at various testing locations around the tri-state area, as well as via an in-home test. Those who test negative for the coronavirus, will undergo a second test administered upon arrival while the guests remain in the safety of their cars. Only after passing the second test are they allowed into the event. As a further safeguard, all cabins will be occupied at 50 percent capacity with a four-person maximum.
If a guest does test positive upon arrival the individual and any other persons in their vehicle will be refused entry and sent home to self-quarantine. On the bright side, though, they will be issued a full refund and given a 50 percent off code for the next event.
Utopia is being produced by noted LGBTQ+ fundraiser Jake Resnicow, who has pledged to donate $50 from each Utopia pass sold to help LGBTQ+ artists and nightlife workers impacted by the global pandemic. The funds will be available to qualified applicants through grants administered by a registered 501(c)(3).
“People are going to gather, whether they are allowed to or not,” Resnicow observed. “Our mission is to get people tested. We’re trying to find a way in this new world to provide jobs and get an entire industry restarted on a small scale.”
Resnicow has also pledged to issue full and automatic refunds for all tickets and credit card fees in the event there is another lockdown in Pennsylvania, or Utopia is canceled for any reason.
All-Access Passes for Utopia, including four-day/three-night accommodations, start at $699. Each boutique cabin has its own private bathroom, shower, A/C and heat. For more information, visit TakeMeToUtopia.com
