Wakarusa festival temporarily canceled because of rain, will resume Friday

Friday, June 6, 2008

The Douglas County Sheriff’s office shut down the music at the Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival at 8 p.m. Thursday to protect participants from dangerous winds and flash floods.

“It could be horrible or it could just be a bad thunderstorm,” said Wakarusa media coordinator Tasha Riggins,. “It’s not worth taking the risk for the fans, the bands or ourselves.”

Photo Gallery

Wakarusa, day 1

A photo gallery of the first day of The Wakarusa Festival.

Security had bands performing onstage announce the weather risk to festival-goers. The bands told the audience to evacuate the stage area and make their way to their tents or cars.

“Ultimately, it’s their choice,” said Britt McKeever, Wakarusa security member. “We cannot control whether or not they actually take our advice.”

Portions of the crowd evacuated to their camping grounds, while others didn’t feel the need to leave.

“I’ve been through a storm worse than what they think is coming here,” Andy Holmes, Wakarusa volunteer, said. “I think they’re jumping the gun.”

Venders had only tents to serve as shelter when evacuations began. An official PA announcement was made 45 minutes after the decision was made to evacuate.

“The only reason we’re taking our tent down is because we heard people talking about it,” said Dustin Looney, Chicago vendor. “I’m sort of surprised. They told us this morning they’re expecting heavy winds, but that’s all I’ve heard.”

Some campers who chose not to evacuate the premises were annoyed at the cancellation of music. They were not affected by the possibility of a storm and instead embraced it.

“I love the storm,” festival-goer Katie Tierra said. “It’s our daily bath and we’re not made of sugar. We’re not going to melt.”

Whether permitting, the festival will resume as planned Friday.

— Edited by Matt Hirschfeld

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