Reggae lovers were not perturbed by the overcast weather April 17, day two of the Austin Reggae Festival.

Despite heavy showers that morning, festival-goers were treated to a rain-free afternoon with the occasional rays of sunlight slipping through to bake the soggy, muddy ground. 

No matter which way the weather swung, everyone had a good time swaying themselves to the happy-go-lucky melodies of the islands.

Crowds of mostly college and high school-aged kids surged through and around neo-hippie-reminiscent campgrounds in search of music, munchies and fun.The laid-back, chill atmosphere allowed festivalgoers to escape not only from the “stresses of society” but from society in general.  

Even security guards seemed to only be concerned with the safety of everyone. They wanted to have a good time just like everyone else.

The food was delicious and the vendors must have made a killing.  Renaissance-style turkey legs, chocolate-covered strawberries, child-sized bags of kettle-corn and even green cotton candy satisfied festival-goers who wanted a break from the dancing.

There were also plenty of mobile shops, which sported reggae legend Bob Marley T-shirts, flags, banners, blankets and other memorabilia.

Then, of course, there was the reggae.  The sunshine-infused music from Jamaica lit up everyone’s day; there never failed to be an enthusiastic pit of dancers at the foot of the stage.

Hailing from the Texas Hill Country, The Roots Revealers finished up their act as dark clouds quickly invaded the festival. 

Soon the exit was flooded with individuals attempting to evade the lightning.

The Reggae Fest seemed to be a much more relaxed version of Austin City Limits, where the shops, food and company were just as important as the central agent that tied everything together—the music. 

A breeding ground for fun, the Austin Reggae Fest was a celebration of the things in life that bring a smile to your face.