The seventh annual Garden Of Eden Festival is set to take place August 31-September 2 at Haystack Mountain in Wilmington, VT.

“This year it’s all about the fans,” said guitarist Like Patchen. “We’re so grateful for all the support they’ve given us and we’re working hard to make sure this year’s Eden shows it.”

One of the goodies the band has lined up for this year’s event is a lottery where 60 lucky fans will be given the red-carpet treatment with VIP area access and an opportunity to meet the band. Winners will be drawn from the first 1,000 tickets sold through the band’s official Web site.

In addition, 20 names will be randomly selected to receive VIP laminates valid throughout the entire Eden weekend. Another 20 will be selected for laminates good for Saturday and likewise for Sunday.

“Eden has always been about thanking out fans for the support they’ve given us. This should be a fun way to connect with some folks we might not ordinarily get a chance to meet at a show,” guitarist Jon Trafton said. “At past Edens, we’ve often headed out into the camping area after sets to check out the scene and mingle with our friends and fans. It’s nice to have a show that’s so relaxed that way.”

Along with ticket bonuses, Strangefolk will give back to the fans by rewarding the best personalities from the band’s email discussion list. Winners will be voted by list subscribers in categories like “Best Review Writer” and “Most Likely to Quit School/Work to Go on Tour” for the Fan2Fan Awards.

Strangefolk are also encouraging aspiring musicians to bring their instruments along as the band will scour the camping area in search of jams they can join in.

The same weekend as Garden Of Eden, the eighth annual Brewer’s Fest will take over Mt. Snow, which is right next door to Haystack Mountain. In an effort to address the potential crossover attendees, Strangefolk and the Brewer’s Fest are offering a discounted price to folks who want to attend both events. Details will be posted on strangefolk.com when they are available.

The first Garden Of Eden Festival took place in Eden Mills, VT., in 1996. While the festival name stuck, the event has changed locations over the years.