Enough Already - Allow Woodstock Reunion

The time has come for the Town of Bethel to come to its senses and permit Roy Howard and Jeryl Abramson to legally hold their annual Woodstock reunion.

Every year it is the same story from the town when it comes to allowing a gathering at the famed Yasgur Farm grounds to celebrate an era from our past. This year is no different.

Does this mean that the town will halt people from coming? No - they will still gather whether the town likes it or not.

Woodstock had an enormous impact on many people for varied reasons. Some want to gather to relive a time from their past, others look at it as a sign of the future. Whatever the symbolic reasons, people want to commemorate that special weekend in history.

The arguments against permitting the annual event from happening are wrong. Especially with Bethel Woods now open, there should be a spirit in Sullivan County to encourage the annual Woodstock reunion.

Bethel Woods is probably the single best thing to take place in Sullivan County since the Borsch Belt Hotels were alive and well. What Allan Gerry did for our county single handedly is absolutely amazing.

This does not take away from the fact that our county and state are spending huge amounts of monies in Sheriff and State Police patrols at the concert venue.

Bethel Woods is in its inaugural season, and there has to be a feeling for crowd control and what events could attract criminal activity. Unfortunately, certain crimes come along with certain events.

A Woodstock Reunion at Yasgur Farms can work.

If permits are in place there will be no illegal camping. Proper security measures will be guaranteed. There will be an orderly way to control the crowd so they can enjoy the music just like at Bethel Woods.

The original message of Woodstock will be there - love, peace, and music. Without permits, people will still gather, and the responsibility will fall on the town of Bethel and the county, costing us additional tax dollars. The fears of sex, drugs, and rock and roll will not be squashed.

The approach of officials should be - what can we do to make Woodstock enjoyable, safe, and profitable for the town, not trying to stop it. Political powers in Bethel need to look at the positive side not only the negative. Put personal politics and agendas aside. There is much to gain from a yearly Woodstock anniversary celebration.

There is an argument that the yearly Woodstock event should not be held because of environmental impacts and because the noise results in cows producing less milk. What about Bethel Woods? Do cows produce less milk because of all the traffic and noise from the concerts there? Of course the answer is no!

The opportunity is still there to make this year’s Woodstock event successful for everyone concerned. Woodstock will never go away, so it is time that we deal with it!

Come on Bethel - Do the right thing once and for all.

Email Bill