Meters set last Sunday. And when I did stand up to catch a few glimpses of George Porter's incredible smile it was magical. Enough so for me to sit back down a rest a bit more. You don't need a costume and tons of beads to listen to music. If you MUST bring a ton of other gear, try a backpack or a fanny pack.
Big purses get heavy and are hard to keep up with.
You can purchase beer coolers that hang around your neck from street vendors on the way in to the fairgrounds. Naps are not a bad idea during the day at the fairgrounds, though. There are several big oak trees near stages where you can hear music and snooze a bit. I know, I know. Sometimes the music is too hot to leave.