No Free ‘Fake Fest’

A Reno, Nev., man was busted for selling complimentary tickets to the Nevada State Fair during an evening that featured a tribute band concert. The entrance fee was $7.

Fake Fest 2006, an August 26th concert at the fair featuring Led Zepplica , Pump, and Powerage, was sponsored by Reno radio station KOZZ 105.7.

The station promoted the event, issuing free admission tickets to both the fair and the concert, provided that fairgoers pick up the tickets at the local Bully’s Sports Bar.

But one enterprising man obtained the free tickets and allegedly proceeded to sell them to people outside the fair, according to sheriffs. Herschel Rosenbaum was charged with obtaining money under false pretenses and found with more than $400 when arrested, Washoe County Undersheriff Mike Haley said.

Nevada State Fair boardmember Greg Williams said GA tickets for the fair were $7 and Rosenbaum was allegedly “out on the corner selling the free ones.”

It is unclear how many of the free tickets Rosenbaum was able to sell before he was detained by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, or how much Rosenbaum was charging for the tickets.

The sheriff’s office has reportedly invited Rosenbaum’s patrons to fill out reports to be reimbursed for the free tickets.