Torch Fest

June 28, 2006

The line has been drawn in the “proverbial sandbar” on Torch Lake. On one side is a group of residents and others concerned for their property and the lake’s reputation. On the other side is a group of mostly Gen-X and Millennials( the MySpace Generation) looking to rock and roll, show off tan lines and have a good time.
In the center of it all is Torch Fest, which takes place this Saturday along the Sand Bar of Torch Lake (south end) near the mouth of the Torch River. Three rock bands including The Flask featuring Kenny Olson (formerly of Kid Rock) will perform on a floating stage while an estimated crowd of 5,000 plus will flock (boat) to the Sandbar to do exactly what? That is the question both sides are trying to answer. Just how will this years Torch Fest’rs behave?
Festival organizers and property owners agree on one thing they both want the partygoers to behave. After that there is very little agreement. Some property owners and others wish the event would go away, while organizers say they have a “legal right” to hold the party. Adding to the frustration of both sides is confusion on which governmental agencies have jurisdiction over the event.
Jurisdiction issues stem from the events location. Torch Fest is in three townships and two counties (Antrim and Kalkaska) which means two sheriff’s department, and at the state level there is the DNR and DEQ. Add in the marine safety divisions in ability to enforce certain laws and the waters of Torch Fest are somewhat murky.
“We are doing everything possible to make sure that things go well for everyone involved,” said Jason Price, event promoter and bass player for The Flask. “That means for the residents as well. I have met with the Torch Lake Protection Alliance (the property owners), the Township, law enforcement and the DNR and listened to everyone’s concerns. We are bringing in security, porta-potties, we are advertising that you need to come by boat and be respectful of private property.”
Representatives of the Torch Lake Protection Alliance declined to comment on the record, as did several residents near the sandbar stating “fear of retribution” for speaking out publicly against Torch Fest.
“They do have some concern. Last year some residents challenged partygoers who were trespassing. One property owner got into a heated discussion with some only to find the next morning a lot of vandalism to his property,” said David Grimm, Clearwater Township Supervisor. “I am not opposed to Torch Fest and I think for the most part a majority of others are not either. My concern is for the safety of the participants and the residents. What is most frustrating is this jurisdiction issue. Both the DNR and the DEQ have been inconsistent on this. As a township we have no say in the matter. As of right now this event is in the hands of local law enforcement, festival organizers and those attending.”
Grimm expressed his frustration with the DNR and DEQ saying that both were passing the “buck off on the other agency.” Essentially being told things above water were the DNR responsibility and once an anchor hits the bottom it falls on the DEQ shoulders. He is pleased with both sheriffs’ departments.
“I have spoke to both Sheriff’s and they are prepared. I like their attitudes. They are not opposed to this event either,” said Grimm. “They want people to have a good time, but they want them to do it responsibly and legally. They are not going to harass partygoers but if you are breaking the law they are going to enforce it.”
Of concern based on last years event is underage drinking, drug use, public intoxication and nudity.
“Some residents came to me last year with video they shot saying ‘look that girl took her top off.’ Again law enforcement is going to have to choose their battles and I am not sure we want to load up the county jails with gals flashing their breasts or guys mooning people. I don’t see the prosecutors wasting court dollars on that,” said Grimm. “I feel that law enforcement has committed to a warning system they will tell you to put your top back on or to stop flashing people. After that you do it again they will arrest you. What we have to be most concerned about is serious illegal activity such as drug use and minors drinking and people becoming intoxicated.”
Jason Price welcomes law enforcement’s presence and has hired additional security as well.
“We are bringing in Kid Rock’s concert security detail,” said Price. “We are glad that law enforcement is going have a bigger presence this year. We don’t want a few to ruin this for the rest of us.”
It is those “few” that concerns third generation Torch Laker Jack Graham (the only lake resident willing to go on record). Graham’s grandparents bought property by the sandbar in 1922 and he started spending summers on the lake in the mid 1950’s and recalls the days when “three boats gathered at the sandbar was considered to be too many.”
“I am a reasonable guy. I have no objections to people using the lake. I know some object to the music but I don’t mind that either,” said Graham, whose home is a stone’s throw from the center of the activity. “What I object to is the activities associated with the event. The physical and biological residue that is left behind, such as the broken glass, bottle caps and the other trash. I even had a used condom wash up on my beach. Look these kids have every right to use the lake, what we want is for them to use it responsibly and behave appropriately.”
Based on what he has observed over the past few years Graham wonders if that could ever be a reality. As for assurances from Jason Price Graham wonders how effective they will be.
“Personally I like Jason, he is an admirable fellow who has reached out and listened to concerns and he has made some nice gestures but I suspect they will be ineffective,” said Graham. “Look Joe Six-Pack isn’t going to wade 300 yards to use the bathroom. As residents, we want people to respect our property, not to trespass.” Graham also questions the promotional efforts pointing to the Torch Fest MySpace website.
“Some of the comments and postings at their MySpace site suggests already that inappropriate activity is being encouraged,” said Graham.
One Torch Fest partygoer promised on the MySpace site that he ‘will be there for sho! Rockin out with my c**k out.”
Some residents near the sandbar have circulated a notice to area businesses suggesting that if their business sponsors the TorchFest that 1,000 members of the TLPA would “boycott their business.” Price said several businesses have not stepped up to sponsor the event as they have in previous years.
“This boycott has scared off some businesses. I am funding some of this with my own money,” said Price. “I believe that we can make it work for everyone involved.”
As for now, everyone is taking a wait and see attitude. Those opposed realize that stopping the event this year is not a reality. Those organizing it are hoping to prove that the event can be a success.
Regardless of everyone’s stance on Torch Fest the message coming from both sides is clear. Be Respectful. Don’t Trespass. Come By Boat. Keep Your Clothes On, Use the Porta-Potties, Don’t Use Drugs, Don’t Litter and Minors Don’t Drink Alcohol.
Music starts at 2 pm with bands Shipwreck Union (former members of Uncle Kracker) and Jaugernaut taking the stage first with The Flask closing out the show. Post Torch Fest activities take place starting at 8 pm at Streeters Ground Zero Nightclub with several bands performing. For additional details visit www.torchfest.com