(WHAS11) The Forecastle Festival is a local success story.
In just nine years, a small festival with a few local acts has flourished into more than 100 performers and crowds in the thousands.
Last year a number of felony drug arrests gave the event a black eye.
Along the waterfront, it is a collaboration of cultures. No matter your age, kick your shoes off, get up and dance, and just relax.
The large list of more than one hundred performers attracted people from across the country.
Patrick Swanson, from Chicago, said “…because the buzz, even up there, was buzz for Forecastle.”
And as much buzz as there is for the lineup and all of the activities inside there is even more about the authorities, as police are cracking down after 16 arrests at the festival last year; arrests stemming from felony drug charges. Police said most of the drugs were found by undercover officers.
This year, festival goers said authorities were still cracking down in a big way. Katelyn Johnson, attending the festival, said “It seems pretty tight around here.”
Many people are trying to forget the negative aftermath of last year and focus on the positive message of this weekend.
Like the Eco Village that teaches environmental learning. Zach Carson, with the Sustainable Living Roadshow, said “They are always trying to find new ways of bringing positive messaging and positive edu-tainment into the masses, so I think they do a great job and we’re happy to be a part.”
It’s a weekend where the music flows in the air and the festival hope it can rid itself of the dark clouds.
