With your given resources, how much can you do to plan ahead for logistical disasters? How many logistical disasters can you even imagine, and which problems are more pressing than others? After creating these priorities, organizers must keep in mind that law enforcement was a very real force, and that the decisions of police authorities underscore and influence solutions to every potential issue. With regards to Woodstock’s geographical placement in upstate New York, in 1968 the very first New York State Police narcotics enforcement unit was established in response to the escalation of drug trafficking. The sweeping popularity of automobiles and direct public investment into improved infrastructure and well-made roads also mobilized violent groups and organized crime that had materialized around the demand for recreational drugs. By this time, the Baby Boomer generation had grown up into young adulthood and into a growing addiction to recreational drugs. Thus the steady stream of drug revenue perpetuated, pouring into the hands of increasingly sophisticated drug traffickers who could blend in well with—or some could say, were the foundation of the counterculture. Besides focusing efforts on drug trafficking, New York authorities were ever more vigilant in the wake of great social unrest in the country. That being said, authorities adopted a no chances” approach to law “take enforcement: everyone who was a part of the counterculture, a rather radical movement in itself, seemed relatively extremist in the eyes of authorities. Thus, basic profiling based on these perceptions perpetuated, and mass arrests on categorizations were rampant. Don’t forget to recognize that despite the squalid conditions at the event, there were, surprisingly, very few episodes of violence and conflict. Know your audience, and organize accordingly knowing what your audience ultimately can and can’t handle, and pay attention to the satisfaction meters! Certain “accidents” at the event ultimately became beautiful opportunities for improvisation by musicians and attendees: for instance, musician Richie Havens was forced to perform much earlier since all other artists were backed up in miles of traffic, and crafted one of his most well-known songs at Woodstock by making up words on the spot. Your Fellow Festival Organizers
With your given resources, how much can you do to plan ahead for logistical disasters? How many logistical disasters can you even imagine, and which problems are more pressing than others? After creating these priorities, organizers must keep in mind that law enforcement was a very real force, and that the decisions of police authorities underscore and influence solutions to every potential issue. With regards to Woodstock’s geographical placement in upstate New York, in 1968 the very first New York State Police narcotics enforcement unit was established in response to the escalation of drug trafficking. The sweeping popularity of automobiles and direct public investment into improved infrastructure and well-made roads also mobilized violent groups and organized crime that had materialized around the demand for recreational drugs. By this time, the Baby Boomer generation had grown up into young adulthood and into a growing addiction to recreational drugs. Thus the steady stream of drug revenue perpetuated, pouring into the hands of increasingly sophisticated drug traffickers who could blend in well with—or some could say, were the foundation of the counterculture. Besides focusing efforts on drug trafficking, New York authorities were ever more vigilant in the wake of great social unrest in the country. That being said, authorities adopted a “take no chances” approach to law enforcement: everyone who was a part of the counterculture, a rather radical movement in itself, seemed relatively extremist in the eyes of authorities. Thus, basic profiling based on these perceptions perpetuated, and mass arrests on categorizations were rampant. Don’t forget to recognize that despite the squalid conditions at the event, there were, surprisingly, very few episodes of violence and conflict. Know your audience, and organize accordingly knowing what your audience ultimately can and can’t handle, and pay attention to the satisfaction meters! Certain “accidents” at the event ultimately became beautiful opportunities for improvisation by musicians and attendees: for instance, musician Richie Havens was forced to perform much earlier since all other artists were backed up in miles of traffic, and crafted one of his most well-known songs at Woodstock by making up words on the spot. Your Fellow Festival Organizers
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