Dreadlock-adorned music fans and stroller-pushing parents trickled into the Athens Fairgrounds throughout the day Saturday at The Big One festival for musical acts, street vendors, comedians, local art and films. Despite the rich Athens culture present at The Big One, most festival-goers and performers expected a higher attendance.
At 2 p.m., food vendor Mauvette Gregory was asked how business was. She shrugged, looked up and down the path and said: How does it look to you?At 10 p.m., Gregory was still disappointed, she said. It was sold for much more than it was. I was told there was going to be a minimum of 5
000 people and look - no one is here.
When I first got here I thought (the crowd turnout) was pretty weak. It wasn't as big as I was expecting for something called 'The Big One ' said Brad Lochar, guitarist for Homemade Parachutes.
Donnie Davisson of the bluegrass group The Davisson Brothers said that while they are used to playing for thousands of people, it didn't change their performance by playing to less than 10 people at the Sunshine Daydream Stage.
I don't care who all you have here
when you have that many bands playing
it's hard to get a good crowd in front of every stage
Davisson said.
After repeated attempts by The Post, The Big One's coordinator, Curtis Manley, was unavailable for comment on attendance numbers, expenses and his reaction to the event.
Although the stands were close to empty, many of those in attendance appreciated the wide array of musicians and their quality sets.
I've seen over one thousand bands this summer and these (bands) here are some of the best I've seen yet
said a man who called himself Lucky, who was passing out fliers for a glass-blowing class to make bongs.
This is more laid-back. It's not as intense as some festivals I've been to
but that's a good thing. Everyone here has been real friendly so far
said Lindsay Calvert, a freshman dance major.A row of tents and buggies behind the grandstands hawked tie-dyed T-shirts, glass-blown pipes and burritos.
For the Offenbergers, it was the first Athens festival they felt welcomed as a family.
We can't seem to get out of this corner
said Aaron Offenberger, whose children had been playing in the kids' spot, which comprised a slip 'n' slide, a maze and an inflatable castle.
Dale Barber, bassist for Crackers & Jam, said he would have liked to see beer everywhere
which would make the event more like the spring flings at Ervine's Big Red Barn.
Lindsay Calvert said she thought the designated, over-21 beer garden, located in between the Molson Coors Grandstand Stage and the seating area, was an inconvenience.
I don't really care about drinking. I wanted to dance in front of the stage
