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Tim Aguilar spent three years documenting Swampfest, an event born from the wild imagination of Trey Jones. Swampfest is a unique and chaotic DIY playground set in the Florida swamps, attracting enthusiasts of extreme sports, firework battles, and unsupervised fires. Trey Jones orchestrates a weekend of mayhem for hundreds of thrill-seekers, offering an experience that culminates in ashes.

Swampfest thrives on the very dangers that most event organizers dread. The festival reaches its peak when fireworks start zipping through the crowd, occasionally landing on unsuspecting participants. The grand finale of the weekend is the annual bonfire, where every piece of wood used to create this code enforcement nightmare is tossed into a pit and set ablaze, leaving behind a scorched landscape dotted with nails.

Jones’ vision for Swampfest ensures an experience that exceeds all expectations, albeit in the most unpredictable ways. Participants encounter semi-skateable obstacles, graffiti-covered castles, and makeshift boats, all while dodging homemade fireworks. The event is notorious for its high-risk activities, often resulting in more ambulance rides than one can count.

Aguilar’s photographs capture the essence of Swampfest, showcasing the raw, unfiltered chaos and camaraderie that define the event. Through his lens, we see the blend of adrenaline, creativity, and recklessness that makes Swampfest a one-of-a-kind experience. The festival’s unpredictable nature and Jones’ relentless pursuit of the extraordinary ensure that Swampfest remains an unforgettable adventure for all who dare to attend.

   
     
     
     
     
       
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
       
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
         
  Sep 6th - Sep 28th 2024    
  Reception: Sep 28th 2-4pm    
       
         
         
         
         
         
    300 South Thomas Street
Pomona, CA 91766
 
     
       
         
 
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