Playa Del Fuego Inc.

Overview

Playa Del Fuego Inc., operating under the trade name FirePony Creative Society, is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Maryland. The organization is known for hosting the Playa del Fuego event, a mid-Atlantic regional Burning Man event focused on community building, art, music, and radical self-expression[1][2].

History

The first Playa del Fuego gathering took place on Assateague Island in August 1998, inspired by a group of East Coast residents who wanted to celebrate the spirit of Burning Man closer to home. As it grew, the event moved to Flemings Landing, DE, in 2001, and then to its current location in Tamaqua, PA, in 2018[1].

Mission

The mission of FirePony Creative Society is to foster an inclusive, participatory atmosphere that encourages artistic creativity and freedom of expression. The organization aims to attract, inspire, and nurture a diverse community that shares skills and ideas[2].

Events and Programs

• Playa del Fuego: This event is a collaborative community experiment featuring art, music, and a culture of play. It operates as a gift economy with no concession stands or cash transactions, except for ice and re-entry passes. The event is entirely volunteer-run[1].
• Constellation Burn: Another event hosted by FirePony Creative Society, aligning with the ethos of burner communities.
• Community Art and Civic Engagement Program: Provides grants to support innovative, collaborative art and civic projects in the mid-Atlantic region[2].

Operations

The organization is sustained entirely by volunteers who manage various aspects such as art grants, logistics, and event planning. It emphasizes the principle of Leave No Trace, ensuring that all participants pack out their waste[1][3]. FirePony Creative Society also offers opportunities for community participation through volunteering and leadership roles within the organization[2].

[1] https://playadelfuego.org/about/ [2] https://firepony.org [3] https://playadelfuego.org/glossary/ [4] https://playadelfuego.org [5] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/830352243