Rainy weather sent partygoers seeking cover under porches and ponchos during Saturday’s High Fest, contributing to a low-key celebration to kick off the final Spring Quarter fest season.
The annual block party was not unlike years past, with few disturbances and no need for additional assistance in the area, Athens Police officer Matt Warren said.
“(High Fest) is always one of the most tame fests,” said Warren. “It’s been that way for years.”
Only eight arrests were made in the High Street area between 3 p.m. and 1 a.m., including a felony drug arrest, according to an Athens Police news release. The remaining consisted of alcohol-related offenses.
“It was cold and wet,” Warren said. “That’s usually not a good sign for parties. I was lucky enough to be in a vehicle.”
Though some High Street residents opened their doors for partygoers early in the morning, the celebration seemed to peak during late afternoon, said Maegan Harder, a sophomore studying education.
“I didn’t think it was nearly as busy as last year,” Harder said. “At every house I went to, it was very easy to get to the keg. Last year, there was always a massive crowd around it.”
The party died down about midnight after police warned two residences about noise levels, according to the release.
Sophomore Breanna Carrero said she decided not to take part in the celebration in order to avoid the cold.
“A big problem for me was the weather,” she said. “I’d rather not have to freeze in the rain.”
Even though sidewalks and front lawns were not jam-packed, participants still attempted to make the most out of the celebration.
One such partygoer was Ohio University graduate Chris Barnes. Barnes, along with three other DJs, blasted music in front of a house on High Street.
“I do this because I love to play music for people,” Barnes said.
Though police officials said the celebration was tame, freshman Kwame Minnis described a high-charged and rowdy atmosphere.
"(I) saw somebody jump off a balcony into a pool,” he said.
For Michael Keister, an OU alumnus, the allure of High Fest continues to bring him back to campus.
“High Fest is the most underrated fest of all time,” he said.
kg278810@ohiou.edu
