I do have some points of my own to bring to the discussion, however. Far from being busted 100% of the time, Don Valley parties have a pretty good record for going off without much trouble. As I set out last night I recalled that I first attended a party in E.T. Seton back in 1999. It was a Moonshadow event that went on well into the next day–and it was right on the path just east of the railway bridge. And, of course, The Quanta held an event at the same location this time last year and it went off without a hitch. What was different this year? I think it would have been fine if it weren’t for the MS Walk setup in the parking lot nearby.

The environmental concerns raised here are certainly valid. What is the impact of a party in the woods anyway? “Leave no trace” is widely practised–I’ve seen outdoor areas looking cleaner after a party than before–but amplified sound and plenty of stomping is sure to take its toll. Is it worth it? You might not think so but I do–as long as steps are taken to reduce the impact. Incidentally, I was unable to find any specifics on the Don Valley conservation efforts in E.T. Seton. As near as I can tell it’s just another city park. But hey, I didn’t even make it to the party last night–so I don’t know exactly what is going on in the area it was held.

Finally, everyone should know that outdoor parties of this nature are hit-or-miss; you commit to uncertainty when you attend. It’s an adventure… if you want something nice and tidy you’ll have to stick to nightclubs and well-organized festivals.

why party in a ‘protected’ environmental preserve such as the Don Valley?

It is a world famous, environmentally sensitive, legislated, police patrolled, high profile piece of land. A strip of green space that the city takes fucking seriously.

And you geniuses throw a bush party there!?! Again! Are you fucking kidding me?

Look at your actions. Look at how stupid it is. This ain’t old school. Fool. Its just straight up not cool.

Real smart guys. And the party got busted (again)?

So, next time there’s a killer party raging on cherry beach on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, and lets just say the cops were to show up. They’ll take one look around and automatically assume that its the same batch of people with their bongos and glowsticks who party in the Don Valley – in their narrow minds. It won’t matter. Cops paint with a wide brush – no detail.

Throwing bunk, ill conceived bush parties kills our scene & can threaten over a decade of effort put forward by responsible promoters (F.Y.I. – I am not a promoter). Responsible organizers who, when faced with a police appearance at their party, have respectfully created a rapport and relationship that has the cops take one look around, a handshake at the end with the Sarge-in-charge and then the party continues – until 5 o’clock the NEXT afternoon. When was the last time a Don Valley party did that?

Additionally, wouldn’t throwing a party in a protected green-space seem against the core values of trance-centric way of doing things? Momma Gaia wouldn’t be impressed.

Each time these DVP parties get put into the grapevine-message board-circle of trance friends, it is invariably mentioned that the history of it getting busted is nearly 100%.

why do you have history repeat itself? Over and over…multiple bad decisions + inexperience -> police presence = negative results & publicity.

The ‘scene’ you’re trying to help create is actually damaging the overall structure.