Recent Fest Problems

     

     With the recent fire that house fire that occurred during OU’s well know Palmer Fest many are still wondering what the future holds for OU’s spring fests.  The fest ended early three out of the past four years due to fires.  The recent house fire was the topic of the recent town hall meeting led by OU’s president Roderick McDavis, and Athens mayor Paul Wiehl.  During the meeting they talked about creating a safe positive environment for the Athens community.  After this weekend’s annual Mill fest going off without any major incidents I would say that their message was clear.  Out of all the arrest at Mill fest only 56% of them were actually OU students.  The university also reported that they had 200 volunteers, part of OU’s “Green Team” on hand to look over the crowd.  The university also invested $13,000 on Mill fest safety well worth the money.    



     Palmer fest is one of OU’s biggest fest second to Halloween and it attracts a lot of outsiders.  Most of the problems that we experience during the fest are because of outsiders.  They come to OU and see the party aspect, and then get the idea that anything goes.  They trash our school for one weekend then leave us to deal with the bad reputation. Which is because of what they did.  Just because we have these fest doesn’t mean that laws don’t apply.  With the switch to semesters next year talk of moving some fest to the fall might not be such a bad idea.  I think it will cut down on a lot of the outside visitors and lead to a better environment for OU’s students.  As well as let the students still have their annual fest continue, which are now considered a part of OU's heritage.  This move might also keep away some of that crazy party school reputation that we have here at OU.  

By: Matthew Joseph


Clark, Ryan. "Mild fest weekend on par with 2011 Oak and Mill arrest tally." The Post. The Post, 15 May           2012. Web. 16 May 2012. <http://thepost.ohiou.edu/content/mild-fest-weekend-par-2011-oak-and-mill-arrest-tally>.