Good ways to help Gerlach/Empire?

[jasonk]

I noticed in the comments to the BLM during the EIS that some people in Gerlach don't feel we give them much economic boost in return for all the inconvenience, because we've already bought everything before driving through.

I'm thinking, I don't know, maybe I'd still shop in Reno, but in Gerlach buy things I'd like but don't critically need. Perhaps extra food gifts for Gate/Greeters/camp. If Gerlach is sold-out/limited selection, it won't be much negative impact that I couldn't get them, and if Gerlach has stuff, great.

Does this seem like a useful way to help Gerlach?

[lucky420]

It seems like it would if you’re buying from the Gerlach proprietors and not the pop up shops. Unless those pop ups are run by Getlachians

[jasonk]

It seems like it would if you’re buying from the Gerlach proprietors and not the pop up shops. Unless those pop ups are run by Getlachians

Yeah. Though presumably even if they're non-Gerlachians, they're still paying someone in Gerlach for use of space, probably a town permit too, and they're probably eating/sleeping/buying gas in Gerlach. So perhaps not completely worthless?

But yeah, I figured I'd go into a permanent store.

We need to get recommendations from Gerlachians.

[Simon of the Playa]

dont litter, be pleasant, don’t block driveways with your vehicle, keep the noise levels down, keep your speed low, spend your money, and smile.

pretend it is your little town being innundated by 80,000 “freaks”.

be your best self and be kind.

[Sham]

I became friendly with a few families in Gerlach over the years. There is truly a love/hate relationship with Burning Man among the local towns people. They will sit on the front stoop and watch the endless parade of freakish insanity go by their front doors, and complain incessantly about it.

We do tend to trample their usually quiet and peaceful world. Many new burners have never seen a tiny remote town like this before. Some think that this place is the beginning of their week of partying and that part is not fair to the town.

Buy water in the town and be respectful of the local residents and understand that you're invading their quiet utopia. Have lunch at Bruno's restaurant and tip your waitress well. On the way out, don't try to bathe in the sink at the restaurant. Don't get naked in the town and don't pee in the bushes.

[Skuzzy61]

dont litter, be pleasant, don’t block driveways with your vehicle, keep the noise levels down, keep your speed low, spend your money, and smile.

pretend it is your little town being innundated by 80,000 “freaks”.

be your best self and be kind.

Pretty much spot on there.

[some seeing eye]

Friends of Black Rock High Rock includes locals, get to know that group. If you can, come out for the 4th of Juplaya. Aluminum can recycling on playa kicks a small amount to the town. I don't know if it's the case, because I go North, but it used to be the fire department would wash cars with their pumper for a donation, we always kicked in a 20. When you stop in Gerlach or really any small town, listen to their stories. Leave the bathroom in Brunos cleaner than when you came. The other thing we need to work on is the relationship is with the Pyramid Paiutes.

This is all lore to bring your virgins up to speed.

[yowmoe]

One of the best ways to help is to SLOW DOWN... literally and figuratively!
Yes, you're excited, because you're ALMOST THERE...but speed kills (as we saw this year) and is insulting and irritating when applied to your interactions w/Gerlachians.
The townspeople are nice folks (I know from whence I speak...); be nice, be respectful and you'll get that in return!