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City, University Officials Toy With Idea Of Reviving ‘Spring Fest’
By: Steffany Hiett
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After dangerous behavior at a recent Athens spring block party, city and Ohio University officials are coming up with new ways to cut down on the rowdiness.
In the aftermath of the arson committed at the block party known as Palmer Fest, Ohio University and city officials met last week to discuss possible solutions to the fest misbehavior.
Becky Watts, Chief of Staff to the President, says the suggestion of a university-sanctioned fest, is a strong possibility.
"There were a number of folks that came forward with suggestions of ways to improve behavior in our community. And some of the ideas that came forward related to the university hosting the event, a larger spring gathering each year at the university so that it would be an on-campus, sanctioned event," said Watts.
This wouldn't be the first time for Ohio University to host a fest.
The school used to hold an annual outdoor concert called Spring Fest.
Kurt Nostrant, a teacher at Athens Middle School and OU graduate, attended the original spring fests and says their revival could be just what the university needs.
However, along with the benefits, come concerns over funding.
Officials say the money problem will have to be solved if the fest idea is ever to move beyond the talking stage.