Insane Clown Posse coming to Etna and residents are Pumped!

The Insane Clown Posse is coming to Etna Township, and some township officials and residents are worried about what will happen when thousands of the rap-metal band's fans descend on the area. (They'll bring money)

"If there's something I could do to keep them from coming here, I would," Trustee Dick Knapp said. (Just like he would stop Wal-Mart if he could. NOT)

The Insane Clown Posse intends to hold its annual Gathering of the Juggalos July 13-16 at Frontier Ranch Music Center. (Where Hookahville was held) The gathering, named after the band's fans, is expected to attract as many as 5,000 people to the music center, which stands on York Road in Etna Township.

Area officials and business owners have lauded the impact concerts at the music center have on the local economy, but Knapp said some residents (little old ladys) have called him to express concern about the Gathering of the Juggalos, an event organized by the Insane Clown Posse's record label, Psychopathic Records.

The Ionia Free Fair recently turned down an opportunity to host the 2007 Gathering of the Juggalos, according to the Ionia Sentinel-Standard. The fair made the decision after talking to the host of the previous gathering and law enforcement personnel. The manager of the Ionia Free Fair was quoted in the Sentinel-Standard as saying the host of the previous gathering said the event was rowdy, and there were a lot of problems. (Made by city goverment)

Knapp wants to prevent any problems from occurring at Frontier Ranch. (Then he should stay away and keep his mouth shut.)

"Is it a bad element?" asked Knapp. "Who knows? I do know there are a lot of residents (little old ladies) with concerns."

Knapp asked the Licking County Prosecutor's Office if there is anything the township can do to stop the event. He said he was told that because the gathering is taking place on private land, the township can do nothing.

The Insane Clown Posse has been around since 1990. The band has a dedicated fan base, which has helped it obtain platinum and gold albums sales. Rappers Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope are recognized by the black-and- white clown makeup they wear and their hard-edged music.

The four-day event at Frontier Ranch will boast performances from close to 100 bands, including Insane Clown Posse, on multiple stages. Tommy Lee from Motley Crue, rapper Too Short and the hip hop band Digital Underground are just a few of the acts confirmed for the event.

The Web site publicizing the gathering notes there will be numerous events and attractions, including carnival rides, open court basketball and a scavenger hunt. (Sounds like fun to me. Satan must be involed.)

Marc Beginin, an attorney who represents Psychopathic Records, said local officials and residents have little to fear from the Gathering. Promoters have met with the township's elected officials and police to allay any concerns, Beginin said. (Was Dick Knapp at this meeting? He don't act it.)

"We have 24-hour police protection, security, EMS. It's a pretty tight ship," he said.

Still, Etna Township Trustee Gary Burkholder plans on keeping a close eye on the gathering.

"When you've got a group coming in with a so-called reputation, there are obviously going to be concerns," Burkholder said. "We just want everything to go smoothly."

The trustees have talked to the Licking County Sheriff's Office, and the sheriff's office intends to do everything it can to make sure the gathering does not inconvenience area residents. (See)

The promoters of the event agreed to allow deputies inside Frontier Ranch during the four-day event, Major Rod Mitchell said. In addition, the promoters are covering the cost of the deputies' salaries. (See no cost to city)

"With us inside the venue, I think we can keep a lid on it," said Mitchell. (a resonable person.)

Uniformed deputies will work from a mobile command center set up inside the venue. Deputies have operated from a mobile command center at previous concerts at Frontier Ranch, but Mitchell said there will be even more deputies assigned to the gathering.

"We're also putting more cruisers in the adjacent neighborhoods," Mitchell said.

Officials from the sheriff's office also are working with their counterparts from West Licking Joint Fire District and the Ohio Highway Patrol to coordinate a safety plan related to the event. Based upon the pre-planning, Mitchell is not worried.

"In my opinion, I think it's going to be business as usual, to a certain extent," he said. (See)

Beginin also believes the event will be safe. Aside from agreeing to pay for the deputies, promoters have hired private security personnel, Beginin said.

And to appease neighbors, Beginin said all acts will leave the main stage by 11 p.m. In addition, Beginin said neighbors will be invited to come to the carnival free of charge. (I get free tickets! Yahoo!)

As for the Insane Clown Posse's fans, Beginin said area residents should not believe some (some not all) of the sensational things written about them.

"They're so close. They're really like a family," he said. "They don't fight each other." (yet, They may kick Tommy Lee butt)

Knapp (a.k.a. Chicken Little) remains concerned, but he said he is happy promoters agreed to work with the township and the sheriff's office.

"It sounds like they are going to be prepared, which is good," he said.