PRO-MARIJUANA EVENT SLATED FOR 2ND YEAR

Woodrock '98 set for Aug. 8 in Ephratah; host hopes police will be more
cooperative

EPHRATAH - While achieving a measure of fame, Ina Kurz raised the blood
pressure of her neighbors last summer when she hosted "Woodrock '97," a
pro-marijuana festival.

The promoter plans a repeat of the festival, but added she is hoping for a
peaceful gathering.

"Woodrock '98" will kickoff about noon Aug. 8 on the grounds of her
Rockwood General Store at the intersection of routes 20 and 10.

"I'm not a quitter. I think it's a good cause," Kurz said Tuesday,
explaining her decision to organize a second festival. "Marijuana is not a
harmful drug," she asserted, arguing it should be decriminalized.

With five rock bands, vendors and an appearance by Thomas K. Leighton, the
Marijuana Reform Party's candidate for governor, Kurz is predicting better
attendance this year.

Last year, authorities were expecting as many as 10,000 people. Sheriff
Thomas J. Lorey, anticipating a possible calamity, set up a command post in
this western Fulton County town and deployed off-duty deputies to maintain
order.

Kurz claimed about 2,500 patrons came and went throughout the day, but
Lorey estimated attendance of several hundred.

This year, he said, Woodrock will not run up the department's overtime pay
budget, "Due to participation at last year's event, we'll keep a normal
patrol in the western part of the county. If they disturb the peace,
though, and get out of hand like they did last year, we will take the
appropriate steps," Lorey said.

Lorey shut down Woodrock '97.

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)