Like last year's, 7 Fest a foamy mud-fest

A field full of ankle-deep mud did not seem to hinder party-goers at this year's 7 Fest, as an estimated 17,000 partiers flocked to the fest's new location southwest of Athens to enjoy a day of drinking and music.

The usually quiet hills between Athens and Albany (7755 Williams Road) rang for miles with the event's music, which included entertainers such as Mike Posner, DJ Edski, Jesty Beatz and Bourbon Kings.

The event rounded out OU's fest season, which had been plagued by violence and arrests. Despite the mud and the alcohol, though, this event was relatively calm, though the Ohio Department of Public Safety's Investigative Unit reported Sunday afternoon that liquor agents had arrested 51 people at 7 Fest. The arrests were mainly for underage drinking, the ODPS release stated.

Meanwhile, area businesses and individuals tried to make a buck off the event, with some providing impromptu taxi service and parking spots, and a carry-out/gas station on Rt. 50/32, advertising cold beer with huge banners along the four-lane.

Like last year's 6 Fest at a different location, mud became the fashion-statement of 7 Fest, with revelers taking to mud wrestling and painting their faces and bodies with mud. Many celebrants lost their shoes early on, and barefoot party-goers lined the country roads as they looked for rides home Saturday afternoon and evening.

"I came to 7 Fest because we just graduated from college, and our friend from OU is graduating in a few weeks, and this is our last college hurrah," said Mandy Ahlstrom, who graduated this spring from Bowling Green.

Armed with cases of Natural Light, beer bongs and lawn chairs, students began crowding the streets of Athens around 11 a.m. waiting for shuttles to the Alexander Township party spot. Many locals and students took advantage of this chance to make money, charging party-goers $5 to $10 per person for a ride to the event.

The normal 15-minutes drive to the location took at least 30 minutes as traffic was routed about three miles farther than the usual direct route, and cars stretched back along Williams Road, which had been made into a one-way route to keep the flow of traffic running smoothly.

Those living close to the field where 7 Fest took place also took the opportunity to make money off the partiers, as many along Williams Road charged party-goers $20 a car to park in their yards and driveways.

But was it all worth it? Most students said absolutely.

"This was about getting drunk with all of my friends before we graduate," said OU senior Justin Hauenstein. "This is my first number-fest; it took my fest virginity."

Hauenstein said he and his friends took to mud wrestling early in the day, and by the end of the evening had to ride home in the bed of a truck.

"I would say that it was calmer than past years," said Nikki Lawler, an OU senior. "Usually, when I remember the past two years, all I can think about it is beer cans flying everywhere. I saw that for five seconds one time this year, so it wasn't as bad."

Some partiers, however, did complain about what they characterized as "aggressive"� police tactics at the event.

The Athens County Sheriff's Office had no prepared release about the event Sunday morning, and Sheriff Pat Kelly could not be reached for comment Sunday before The NEWS' print deadline.

7 Fest organizer Dominic Petrozzi did not answer his phone Sunday morning.