Officials call Woodstock anniversary ‘success’

By FRITZ MAYER
Posted 8/21/19

BETHEL, NY — Sullivan County and Town of Bethel officials are calling the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival of Music and art a “memorable success.” The long weekend came …

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Officials call Woodstock anniversary ‘success’

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BETHEL, NY — Sullivan County and Town of Bethel officials are calling the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival of Music and art a “memorable success.” The long weekend came and went without any major incidents, despite the fact that other events, such as the Little World’s Fair in Grahamsville and Porchfest in Callicoon, were going on simultaneously.

“Peace and love prevailed yet again in Sullivan County, 50 years after the example was set in Bethel,” said Sullivan County Public Safety Commissioner Rick Sauer.

“That was a direct result of a team that had planned for this for more than a year and the general public, who were here entirely to enjoy the fun and camaraderie.”

“Our traffic plan was a success, and this was in part due to the public honoring our request to avoid unnecessary travel in the area of Bethel Woods. I’m pleased to have been part of the exciting and historic weekend in Sullivan County,” said Capt. Christopher Zaba, who led the New York State Police contingent assigned to this weekend.

“I want to thank everyone who spent this weekend working to ensure people had the best experience possible,” stated legislature chairman Luis Alvarez. “Together, we defined Sullivan County as a very special place in the minds of thousands, spreading goodwill and good cheer around the world. It doesn’t get any better than that!”

“Nothing can surpass those three extraordinary days in the summer of ’69, but we certainly came close in the summer of ’19,” observed District 1 legislator Scott Samuelson, who lives in and represents the Town of Bethel. “I hope all who visited us experienced the best our residents and businesses offer, and I welcome them to return!”

“The Town of Bethel is grateful to all the agencies that participated in the planning of the Woodstock 50th Anniversary this past weekend and all year long,” said Bethel Town Supervisor Dan Sturm. “Their great work together allowed thousands of visitors from around the country and the world to see all we have to offer here in Bethel and Sullivan County, and we showed that we can have top-notch, well-attended events with hardly any disruption to our local community as well. Our hope, too, is that people return again and again.”

“The word from residents and visitors was that the experience was incredible,” said Roberta Byron-Lockwood, president and CEO of the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA). “All were happy, and all were left with a fond memory for the next 50 years. We are delighted with the results of this historic event!”

And Bethel Woods was pleased with the performances that were turned out by some of the same people who performed at the same spot half a century ago. “We maintained the best parts of the monumental event that happened 50 years ago: powerful musical performances, excited guests, the all-important sense of togetherness. With the support from state and local law enforcement, traffic pile-ups were a thing of the past. Though Anniversary Weekend has concluded, Bethel Woods is proud to continue this legacy of community and civility for years to come,” said Darlene Fedun, chief executive officer of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

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