WOODROCK FESTIVAL RETURNS IN AUGUST

Sheriff Lorey doesn't expect trouble at pro-marijuana event in Ephratah

EPHRATAH -- "Woodrock 97," Ina Kurz's controversial pro-marijuana festival,
sparked debate and not a little fear in local residents and law enforcement
agencies when it kicked off last summer.

This year, "Woodrock '98," is set to go on Aug. 8.

But it's having a much smaller effect. So small, in fact, that the Fulton
County Sheriff's Department, in contrast to to its command post and strong
police presence of last year is planning only activity for the area.

"I don't expect any response other than routine patrols," Sheriff Thomas J.
Lorey said today.

Kurz, owner of the Rockwood General Store and organizer of the event, feels
that the gathering will be smaller this year.

Last year, she estimated a turnout of about 2500 people. Police say the
number was probably much lower.

This year, Kurz said she expects around 1000 people to show up at the
Rockwood General Store on Route 29 in Johnstown to give their support for
Thomas K. Leighton, the Marijuana Reform Party's gubernatorial candidate,
and the de-criminalization of marijuana.

Even so, Kurz said, "you can never tell about these things."

Leighton is expected to attend and be one of the speakers.

"Woodrock '98" is a rally to legalize and lobby for Leighton. Even so, Kurz
stresses that this year's event won't get out of hand. "It's not a drug
party," she said. "I don't support that." Kurz also doesn't support driving
while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, either. She emphasized that
she wants a safe gathering.

Police, though skeptical, don't expect trouble. Last year, however, the
event sparked a strong police presence at the scene, with Lorey establishing
a command post and using off-duty deputies to maintain order.

Problems arose last summer at the gathering during the late night when
Woodrock participants were asked repeatedly to quiet down by Deputies, the
sheriff's department alleged. After failing to quiet down, the party was
broken up, the Sheriff said.

"Compliers left," Lorey said. "People who didn't comply were arrested."

Kurz herself was not arrested at that time, but she was charged shortly
thereafter for allegedly selling alcohol to a minor.

Kurz says that she hopes such things will not happen at this year's festival.

What, "Woodrock '98" is, she says, is to get the state to pass
de-criminalization legislation. Such an action would curb the "excessive
use of force by police" in drug matters.

Kurz doesn't expect a police presence at the event. "You have to roll with
the punches," she says. She plans to warn the participants not to do
anything to ruin the festival and will have signs posted warning people as
to what they can and cannot do.

Kurz has also invited two top county officials to the event: County Judge
Richard C. Giardino and District Attorney Polly A. Hoye.

"Woodrock '98" will include five bands, candicacy petetions for Leighton and
T-shirt vendors.

Kurz hopes to continue Woodrock as a tradition, holding the pro-marijuana
festivals for some time to come. "as long as I can," she noted.

Despite their lack of concern, Lorey said the sheriff's department will be
ready to respond to a large turnout or trouble at the event if needed.

Checked-by: Melodi Cornett