MARIJUANA FESTIVAL ENDS QUIETLY WITH FEW ARRESTS

Statewire

TOWN OF FAIRFIELD, Wis. -- The annual Weedstock festival that ended Monday
was quieter than usual, law enforcement agents said.

The event, held in a different town each May, led to the arrests of 27
people for marijuana possession and 43 others for minor traffic violations.
Five others were arrested for outstanding warrants.

Last year, there were 42 drug arrests, 18 other criminal arrests and 76
traffic citations.

The festival is held each year to promote the legalization of marijuana.

" What was going on mostly was people were arrested for small amounts of
marijuana, " Sauk County Sheriff' s Department dispatcher Paul Negast said.
" We haven' t had any calls or complaints from the area."

" It' s probably a bit more reserved" this year, added Lt. Rich Sereg.

The four-day event, which carried a $35 admission fee, was held in
Fairfield outside of Baraboo. The festival attracted about 1, 300 people
and vendors, as well as a heavy police presence outside the private
festival grounds.

Last year' s muddy and wet Weedstock in Ferryville drew about 2, 500.

Authorities said last weekend' s rainy weather probably prevented more
people from attending.

Copyright 1998 Associated Press.

Checked-by: Richard Lake