STARKS CONCERTS ANNOY NEIGHBORS

STARKS - Despite low attendance and the lack of a permit, the pro-marijuana
rock concert Freedom Festival went forward last weekend.

While the number of concert goers was down, neighbors still complained that
loud music kept them up Friday night and in some cases Saturday night as well.

And while recent concerts also organized by Donald Christen have drawn
fewer ticket holders than hoped, the Madison concert promoter plans two
more shows this summer and fall.

Christen, who faces $8,700 in costs associated with a long legal fight
against the town as well as a court order prohibiting him from promoting
mass gatherings, is going forward with Hempstock and Harvest Fest in August
and October respectively.

The yearly three-day pro-marijuana rock concerts have been an annual source
of controversy, at their peak attracting thousands of people and causing
noise, parking and sanitation issues.

Since the town passed a restrictive new Mass Gathering Ordinance in 2001,
attendance has dropped because of the ordinance and a heavy police presence.

Christen, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, has said he is
attempting to meet the requirements of the ordinance but says Starks
Planning Board members simply don't want to give him a permit.

Last Thursday, however, Superior Court Justice Donald H. Marden sided with
the planning board, rejecting Christen's last minute appeal of the board's
May 14 decision not to grant him a permit.

Attorney Kenneth Lexier, who represented the town, said the board had no
choice but to reject Christen's application because of concerns about the
water supply and because Christen had no proof of insurance.

Lexier said Christen should apply earlier next time so he would have more
time to meet the requirements.

"No planning board has the discretion to deny somebody a permit if you meet
the criteria," he said.

The ordinance places tight restrictions on gatherings of more than 750
people for more than six hours.

It seems clear that the weekend's concerts did not meet that level.

Harry Brown, owner of the site of the concerts, estimated the peak of last
weekends attendance at around 300.

"It was not an event of the size that would have made money," said Brown.

He said the event did have "positive energy," however.

But while the attendees were a tiny fraction the crowds of past events when
over 10,000 people were estimated to be present, it was still too loud for
some neighbors.

Penny Emerson, who is also a member of the planning board, said loud music
kept her up after midnight both Friday and Saturday night.

Several other residents who declined to be named said noise was a problem
Friday night although Saturday night was not as bad.

Emerson said the ongoing concerts disturb the quality of life in the small
rural town of about 500 people and mar the town's reputation.

"It is just a nice peaceful place and a safe place to be able to raise your
children," said Emerson. "That is not what people think about when they
think about Starks, they think about Hempstock or freedom Fest.