Spring Fest was on the minds of local officials as Ohio University administrators and Athens politicians brainstormed how to improve fest safety following the arson on Palmer Street two weekends ago.
Although the annual Spring Fest was suspended in 1991 after steadily decreasing attendance, both Athens City Mayor Paul Wiehl and Ohio University President Roderick McDavis suggested bringing the party back during Wednesday’s town hall.
“(Spring Fest) was one of the things we talked about,” McDavis said at Wednesday’s town hall meeting. “We talked about maybe working with Student Senate to see what we might generate for next spring. … That was actually sanctioned by the university with the university and the city working together.”
City and university officials are trying to decide if an on-campus, OU-hosted fest would be a better alternative, in part because it would be under university control.
“We have barely scratched the surface. We’re just brainstorming,” said Ryan Lombardi, OU’s Dean of Students. “We have talked about hosting things on campus as an alternative.”
City officials such as City Council President Jim Sands remain skeptical, however.
“It is an option,” Sands said. “I don’t know if it is better.”
Spring Fest took place on the intramural fields at the end of Mill Street mostly during the daytime hours, Sands said. The fest took place early in May and offered food and music.
“I don’t know if alcohol would be a part today,” he said.
Athens City Council has yet to discuss the possible change, Sands added.
“What McDavis and Wiehl said they were going to explore were ways to better control the fests,” he said, “(Spring Fest) was just a suggestion. City Council will be putting together a subcommittee to discuss.”
In 1989, Spring Fest attracted 5,000 people, according to a Post article. This was a decrease from the previous year’s festivities held on the intramural fields.
In 1990, only 800 people showed up and the fest suffered great financial losses.
Part of the decline was attributed to OU banning alcohol from university events in 1988, meaning alcohol was not present at the 1989 or 1990 events.
OU canceled the fest in 1991.
Spring Fest was briefly revived in 1994 and was held during a weekend in May, but the fest did not return in 1995.
If alcohol is involved in a revived Spring Fest, the Ohio Investigative Unit might be able to assist in preventing underage drinking, said spokesperson Julie Hinds.
“As long as there’s alcohol involved, the agents have jurisdiction,” she said. “Our Athens office agents have good relationships with Athens Police and Ohio University Police. If a chief wanted us at an event, I’m sure our agents would be willing to assist.”
Regardless if alcohol would be involved, OU Police Chief Andrew Powers said his department would police it the same.
“I imagine we would continue to work with (Athens Police Chief Tom Pyle) and figure the best strategy to effectively police the event,” Powers said.
Powers said a sanctioned event might be safer because police could put up fences and prevent people from bringing glass in.
Wiehl could not be reached for comment.
ml147009@ohiou.edu
