Update August 12: John D’Esposito, the festival founder, met Monday night with Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato to discuss more accurately the issues surrounding Electric Adventure and how it can be better managed in the future, giving hope for its return to Seaside Heights. While the media first reported that there were 42 arrests and 34 overdoses, it is now understood that many of those hospitalized were actually treated for much less serious concerns. The meeting also touched on future partnerships to help educate festival-goers on the dangers of drugs. D’Esposito further agreed to reimburse the prosecutor’s office for its work and equipment put into the 2 day festival, and to donate money to the hospital where the attendees were taken.
“The media played it wrong, it wasn’t an out of control event. I’m a father of a 10-year old and an eight-year old –I too want to know where my kids are is going to be safe. If you don’t have events like this you’ll force the scene underground into warehouses, clubs and private parties and you won’t be able to watch over it.” – John D’Esposito
The future of Electric Adventure‘s new location at Seaside Heights, New Jersey is in jeopardy after this past weekend’s fiascos. After moving from its original location at Six Flags Great Adventure, Electric Adventure, with headliners like Flux Pavilion, DJ Snake, and Headhunterz, decided to test out the infamous Jersey shore for its two day long festival on August 2nd-3rd.
However, the festival took a turn for the worst when the young crowd, consisting of mostly teenagers, proved to be irresponsible, resulting in fist fights, alcohol induced illnesses, dozens of arrests, and a plethora of drug overdoses (although none fatal).
In two days, there were 42 arrests and 34 people being treated for adverse effects from drug consumption. Although the event organizers were well prepared for the near 6,000 attendees, they were not expecting the amount of drug use that had occurred.
While many attendees were not affected by this negativity, claiming they enjoyed the event and would want it to return, the mayor had a different idea.
“Mayor Bill Akers also says he will oppose a similar concert returning to Seaside Heights.”
Some attendees complained that although there was security, and illicit substances were on the list of prohibited items, they were not patted down thoroughly. I don’t know about you, but I actually appreciate when I am not strip searched at events. Rather than complaining about not having a cavity search, fans and customers should take on some more personal responsibility at these events to decrease the amount of issues in the future. Know what you are putting into your body, and be smart about it. Drink water. Go to the bathroom. Take care of one another. If you want our scene to stop having a bad name, stop giving the media a reason to give us one.
On another note, similar to Ezoo’s slight attempt at a PSA against drug usage (which was interesting, but not entirely beneficial), events and promoters should be more open to education. Increased security is not going to ever stop drug consumption, but knowledge on how these substances are affecting your body may decrease the amount of stupidity that is occurring.
If people want to stop seeing headlines like 2 Deaths at Veld Fest, Drug-Related Death Strikes Hard Summer, and Electric Adventure May Not Return to Seaside After Arrests & Overdoses, maybe we should start taking responsibility and initiative to fix this growing problem.
Source: NBC