While organizers search for 8Fest's newest venue, members of Student Senate are less than enthusiastic about one potential spot.
Senators had an overwhelmingly negative reaction to the possibility of 8Fest being held at the Athens County Fairgrounds this May and expressed concerns about how it would affect town-gown relations and police enforcement.
Off-Campus Life Commissioner Bradley Evans said he was concerned that the often-muddy BYOB fest would bring too many rowdy students Uptown if it were located closer to campus.
There's the possibility that students will continue to party Uptown when it's over
he said.
Dominic Petrozzi, the fest's founder and executive producer, expressed interest earlier this week in holding this year's installment of the annual number-fest at the Athens County Fairgrounds. Last year, 7Fest was held on private property about 8 miles from campus.
I think it's a terrible idea to hold it at the fairgrounds said Residence Life Commissioner Johnny O'Dell. This could be a huge hassle especially if you have 20-something-thousand students walking up Court Street.
8Fest will take place May 21, a week after Palmerfest and two weeks after Mill Fest, and Evans said he was concerned the Athens Police Department would need additional enforcement for the third weekend in a row.
I think it's bad for the city and it's really going to cause a strain
he said.
Evans said he would draft a resolution that senate does not support the idea if the other senators remain opposed.
About 17,000 people attended 7Fest last year, and Health and Safety Delegate Mary Kate Gallagher worried that such a large number of students could damage the area.
It could technically ruin the fairgrounds
she said.
Athens resident Jamelle Hakmoun disagreed.
I really don't think that 8Fest could mess up the area more than the demolition derby
he said. A closer place
especially the fairgrounds
would be a good idea.
Andy Burnette, Ohio Student Government Association delegate, said the city's economic problems might make hosting the fest worth the risk. If 8Fest were held at the fairgrounds, its organizers would pay the city instead of the person who owns the property.
We might need 8Fest to financially support the fairgrounds
he said. We can make it work if that's what it takes.
@ThePostCampus
1
