Burners Rush To Assemble Costumes Before Heading To Black Rock City

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- There are only two weeks until the Burning Man Festival in Nevada's Black Rock Desert, and the rush to get the perfect costume for the festival is on.

"We say, 'are you a burner?'" Uti (Ooh-tea), who owns Peidmont Boutique on Haight street said.

Uti leads customers through racks of glittery, shiny and even holographic spandex bodysuits, hot pants, and leggings to help them find the perfect Burning Man costume.

The weeks before the festival are almost as busy as Halloween - so busy that Uti has never been able to go.

But, she knows all of the tricks.

"The leg warmers, those are very useful because as you go through the Playa dust, it kind of sweeps it to the side," Uti said.

That dust protection makes the garments filthy by the end of the week, but Uti has a trick for cleaning them.

"You put a little vinegar in the water, because Playa dust is extremely alkaline, and it takes it out," she said.