Post by Gabbee on Jul 14, 2008 20:57:40 GMT -5
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:
The Knights Inn is usually the cheapest and it’s where most vigil goers stay. 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. They usually go up in the afternoon and go very quickly! 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?
Please refer to the Vigil Fundraiser thread on the Vigil section of this forum for more information.
And we can’t stress this enough: NO DRUGS and NO ALCOHOL allowed! There are always undercover cops there to enforce those rules. 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.
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
4110 State Rd 26 E
(765) 447-5611
(800) 843-5644
-Best Western-
4343 State Road 26 E,
(765) 447-0575
4343 State Road 26 E,
(765) 447-0575
- Hampton Inn-
3941 State Rd 26 E
(765) 447-1600
3941 State Rd 26 E
(765) 447-1600
Red Roof Inn
4201 State Rd 26 E
(765) 448-4671
(800) THE-ROOF
4201 State Rd 26 E
(765) 448-4671
(800) THE-ROOF
Ramada Inn
4221 State Rd 26 E
(765) 447-9460
(800) 4RA-MADA
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. 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. They usually go up in the afternoon and go very quickly! 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?
Please refer to the Vigil Fundraiser thread on the Vigil section of this forum for more information.
And we can’t stress this enough: NO DRUGS and NO ALCOHOL allowed! There are always undercover cops there to enforce those rules. 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.
