Vigil FAQ « Thread Started on Jul 14, 2008, 8:57pm »
What, where and when is the Vigil?
The vigil is a celebration of Shannon's life. Every year hundreds of people gather around his grave to celebrate him and his music with family, friends and other fans. It always takes place on the Saturday closest to Shannon Hoon’s birthday, which is on September 26. It is held at the Dayton/Fairfield Cemetery on Highway 38 in Dayton, IN.
What do people do there?
The vigil was NOT created to mourn Shannon’s death. Remember, it’s a celebration of his life and the vibe there reflects that. You’ll meet people from all over the world looking to meet likeminded folks, hear stories, meet the Hoon family and friends, jam with other melonheads, etc.
Who comes?
Shannon’s mom (Nel Hoon), his grandma (Vernie!), sister, brother, nieces, nephews, aunts, etc. Other people who have attended in the past or continue to attend are: Alba Thorn (Christopher Thorn’s mother), Jena Kraus (the woman that sang on Mouthful of Cavities) and China (old time friend and daughter of Grace Slick and Paul Kantner). Also, Mario (member of this board and current owner of Shannon’s Ford Galaxie) graciously brings the car to be admired by all. Nico, Lisa and the other band members have not yet attended.
How can I get there?
If you’re interested in flying, the Indianapolis airport is approx. 1 hour away. Also, the Lafayette Limo Inc. offers shuttle service from the Indianapolis airport to a few different locations in Lafayette. $27 one way and $50 round trip. If you are within driving distance consider car pooling. Just start a thread in the Vigil section of the forum and let people know that you’re looking for a ride or have extra room in your car. Chances are you might find someone to make the drive more interesting and will arrive in Indiana having made a new friend already!
Where should I stay?
Unless you spend the night at the cemetery, you will need to drive to Lafayette (5 minutes away) to get a place to sleep. Camping: The closest to the cemetery is Big Fish’n Campground Hotels:
-Knights Inn- 4110 State Rd 26 E (765) 447-5611 (800) 843-5644
-Best Western- 4343 State Road 26 E, (765) 447-0575
- Hampton Inn- 3941 State Rd 26 E (765) 447-1600
Red Roof Inn 4201 State Rd 26 E (765) 448-4671 (800) THE-ROOF
Ramada Inn 4221 State Rd 26 E (765) 447-9460 (800) 4RA-MADA
The Knights Inn is usually the cheapest and it’s where most vigil goers stay. They are melonhead friendly and have agreed to place us all together. Just mention that you want to be with the “Vigil group” when you make your reservation (and it doesn’t hurt to remind them during check in). We recommend making reservations far in advance. Sometimes the Vigil weekend will coincide with Purdue games and the hotels will be booked.
How long should I stay?
People start arriving as early as Wednesday. I recommend getting there at least by Friday so that you can see the grave when it’s not so crowded. If at all possible, don’t miss Vigilstock which is held on Sunday afternoon/evening.
What is Vigilstock?
Vigilstock is a music festival in tribute to Shannon Hoon. Bands come from many different states (and even from different countries!) who were inspired by the music of Blind Melon to pay homage to Shannon Hoon. The concert is held every year at Riehle Bros. Beach Club at a very affordable price. Don’t miss it!
Where do I buy Vigil shirts?
Vigil shirts are sold at the vigil and can be purchased in person there. If you can not attend and would like to get one, go to the Vigil Shirts Now On Sale thread.
How can I help Shannon’s mom make the vigil happen every year?
And we can’t stress this enough: NO DRUGS, NO ALCOHOL and NO VIDEO CAMERAS allowed! There are always undercover cops there to enforce those rules (well, and everyone else will enforce the no video rule). What you do at the hotel is your own business, but please don’t keep any illegal substances in your car. The local Police has a habit of pulling over Vigil-goers and searching their vehicles. They have threatened to shut down the vigil before, so please use good judgment and respect Shannon’s relatives as well as all others in attendance.
Re: Vigil FAQ « Reply #2 on Aug 24, 2008, 1:49am »
Thanks for clarifying that! I thought I remembered it as being 38 but I got the "address" from another website and thought that they were probably right. *Problem fixed*
Hello! I was wanting to know the address of the cemetery, if anyone knows it so I can mapquest it from my address. I am having a hard time finding directions. Any help will be appreciated.
I don't have a number for the cemetery but you really can't miss it. Just take I-65, Exit #168, follow the sign for Dayton (so that's a left if you're coming from Indianapolis) and just go down the street for awhile. You'll drive past two gas stations, keep going until you see the cemetery on your left. Again, you can't miss it.
I am going to the vigil for the first time this year !So excited ! We are going to camp out !Does anyone know how much it cost can we sleep in our van?
Aww, Melonamy, you will have a blast I had my first vigil last year and it rocked! I think you can sleep in your van, as long as you have somewhere out of the way to park it...