Palmerfest a success

by Rosie Lukanc and Natalie Myers
For The Post

Despite gusting winds, sound system problems, missing audio technicians and a shrinking party area, Palmerfest 2001 was a Saturday filled with water-gun wars, enthusiastic musicians, shopping carts full of alcohol and flying couches.

But this might have been the last year for the block party. With new housing on the street taking up space, Palmerfest might have to end, said Athens Police Department Chief Richard Mayer. Starting today, additions start on three Palmer houses, which will all but remove the area used for this year's stage.

"If we can't close off the street next year, we won't have a Palmerfest," said Kevin Hoffland, OU senior and Palmer resident.

But several residents were optimistic about Palmerfest's future.

"I don't see how they can stop it," said Missy Hintz, an OU junior living on Palmer.

And nothing stopped this year's party either. The music ended at 11 p.m., but parties continued throughout the night. A few partygoers were injured by the flying bottles and were taken to O'Bleness Memorial Hospital by emergency medics. O'Bleness Supervisor Matt Riffle said about four people were treated and released.

Mayer said he had no estimation of how many arrests were made. But about five people were taken to the Southeast Ohio Regional Jail for various offenses.

"I don't think it's as big as last year," Mayer said. "The crowd seems to be more mellow."

The crowd started gathering early Saturday, even though weather and technical difficulties postponed music for a while. The bands were scheduled to start at 11 a.m., but a lack of wires and extension cords delayed the musical kickoff until 1 p.m., said Jim Bookwalter, OU senior and Palmer resident. The late start cut the time each band performed.

"Just about every disaster that could possibly happen has happened," said Mike Alarie, OU senior and Palmer resident.

However, band members did not seem to care about the delay.

"The later the better, (the bands) say," Alarie said.

The day started with roped-off yards and warmer weather. Partygoers stayed on porches and roofs, enjoying the bright sunshine with water fights and music.

But the water did not stay in the yards for long. By afternoon, cars and pedestrians were targets of hoses, water balloons and water guns as well.

"It was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon," said Dan Haug, an OU freshman. "The combination of music and outdoors is a great way to welcome summer."

The main band, Red Wanting Blue, started their set at about 10 p.m., playing to a large and enthusiastic crowd. The crowd and band members exchanged everything from beer bottles to kitchen utensils and even a couch.

Regardless of the delayed starts, water melees and the party's questionable future, attendees from all over enjoyed the block party.

"On my way here, I hit a deer - but I still came to the party," said D.C. Griffin, a student visiting from the University of Pittsburgh. "And it was worth it."