45 Years of Woodstock Nation
I am filled with nostalgia on the anniversary of The Woodstock Music and Arts Fair. However, I have not attended the annual reunion since 1990. I was supposed to be there for Woodstock 38, but plans changed.
In 1990, my family and I joined a few hundred people camping on the field at Max Yasgur’s Farm. An artistic Mommy created tie-dyed clothing with children, including my young daughters. A few acoustic musicians performed, including Jesse Colin Young of the Youngbloods.
Bowls of delicious vegetarian stew were distributed in the evening. All the garbage was collected and cleared on Sunday. The biggest annoyances were a dozen drunken locals who listened to Creedence all night.
Access to what is now called the “Woodstock Festival Field” ended after Alan Gerry built Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. There is a 15,000 seat amphitheater, an indoor theatre, museum and restaurants on the former field. Bring a credit card.
45th Annual Woodstock Reunion
In the spirit of Woodstock, I should be able to spend a weekend on the field. It should be a place for aging dreamers to pitch a tent once a year, to listen to songs and stories from 1969.
Tonight’s event is too organized and restricted.
Back To The Field is a movie. The “four-hour Director’s Cut” of Woodstock will be shown at 8:30. It is billed as
a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see it WHERE IT HAPPENED!
In 1969 and 1990, common sense was the only rule on the “Woodstock Festival Field.” In 1990, I saw one policeman directing traffic. There will be security tonight, to enforce these rules:
- No smoking
- No bottles
- No alcohol
- No lawn chairs
- No camping
- “hanging out will not be allowed”
I expect a much larger reunion for the fiftieth anniversary. Sadly, that reunion will not be held at the “Woodstock Festival Field.”
Only memories last forever. Happy Woodstock anniversary!