Neighbors OK With Juggalos’ Fest

This was the Gathering’s first year at Legend Valley, and though the fest has developed a reputation for unruliness over the years, it appears the July 23-26 festival stayed fairly tame. “We did have problems sleeping at night,” resident Larry Gerlach said during a town meeting, according to the Buckeye Lake Beacon. “The fireworks were the big problem.”

Legend Valley co-owner Steve Trickle agreed.

“The fireworks were a problem,” he said. “They did sneak fireworks in. We will do better to check people’s bags to keep fireworks out.”

Other residents applauded Trickle during the meeting.

“Steve is growing a business and playing within the law. Fireworks are beyond his control… You will have some hooligans in every group. None of that is Steve’s fault,” venue neighbor David Budd said.

Another neighbor agreed. “The concerts before Trickle were a hell of a lot worse,” he said. “We sit outside and listened to it.”

Town officials complained that communication with the festival promoter was an issue, but said EMS services contracted for the event were adequate, the paper reported. Jacksontown is expected to schedule a post-concert meeting with the promoter, Trickle, and local law enforcement and hospital officials to assess how things went.

As for whether the concert will be held at Legend Valley again, Trickle said during the meeting, “I can’t answer whether they are coming back next year.”