Fest’s A Dung Deal

Although the organizers of an upcoming music festival at The Downs racetrack in Santa Fe, N.M., will have to wade through a bit of muck to meet the conditions of their special event permit, they’re keeping the focus on the long term.

First-time promoters Shaun Parrish and Jud Careswell of Kaos Productions would like to use the horse racing track for future events following Santa Fe Musik Fest August 10-12, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Before any other shows can take place, Kaos will need to live up to its end of the agreement with the county and the racetrack owners Pajoaque Pueblo. The promoters have already addressed noise, trash, alcohol sales, security and parking issues, the paper said.

But one noteworthy clause reportedly requires Kaos to donate a portion of profits from the festival to rid The Downs of a "mountain of horse manure" that has kept the track from being used for years amid pollution concerns.

The Downs previously hosted The Grateful Dead, Horde Fest and Santana, the paper reported, but closed in 1997.

"I didn’t just show up to have a party," Parrish told the New Mexican. "I want to revitalize The Downs, and I needed something to make some money so I can do that."

The festival is set to feature performances by more than 100 acts including Blue October, Blues Traveler, Citizen Cope, George Clinton and Wu-Tang Clan, among others.