The NEWS asked festival-goers what it means to a true fan. Here are some of their thoughts:

“It’s a love of the music and not just the scene.”

Kim Beury, 22, Boston, Mass.

“Everyone here is so friendly. It’s a unity thing, but it’s definitely still all about the music.”

Brian Farrell, 25, Cresskill, N.J.

“Nothing unto the world compares to this. There’s an amazing energy that comes from thousands of people you don’t even know. Who would think you could be covered in mud and have the best time ever?”

Malina Spirito, 20, Dumont, N.J.

“It’s adversity to deal with all the weather every now and then because you just want to have a good time.”

Megan Smith, 22, Rochester, N.Y.

“It’s dedication to this family. This is like 60,000 of your closest friends and it’s all about how you feel towards those friends and the music. There’s nothing like a Phish show and that’s why people keep coming.”

Nina Phillips, 23, Rochester N.Y.

“It takes a lot of patience to wait in lines and patience to actually see the band. Basically, it’s a lot of energy, love and commitment.”

Samantha Vukelich, 18, Mukwonago, Wis.

“It’s a faith in the people and your surroundings because it’s one big community. You have to help your neighbors and keep it clean.”

Katie Wallace, 20, Madison, Wis.

“It’s being able to put up with a lot of mud. This really is like one great big bush party.”

Sarah Squizzato, 23, Simcoe, Ontario