FREDERICKTOWN — Rowdy behavior and injuries at ROCC Fest on Saturday have officials rethinking security precautions for future years during the Christian music festival in Fredericktown.
At least two teens were injured by people “moshing” — when those in the crowd bounce and slam into each other. A muddy patch of ground in front of the stage was filled with teens deliberately sliding and running into each other during Saturday’s event. The concerts were held on the high school practice field.
More volunteer security personnel were present at this year’s festival than in the past, because some of the bands anticipated having fans who were expected to mosh, according to event organizer Mike Brake.
Brake said 40 security personnel were present toward the end of the evening, when two squads were called for separate injuries.
Fredericktown EMS Chief Rick Lanuzza said one teen was knocked unconscious and checked out by squad personnel, but the family refused transport to the hospital.
Another teen suffered a leg injury, and was transported by squad. While the injured youth was transported, the concert was temporarily stopped and the crowd was warned that the event would be shut down if the moshing continued.
A parent who said his 13-year-old daughter was injured has contacted the insurance carrier for the festival. The parent declined to have the squad called for his child, and the family reportedly sought medical treatment on its own.
Fredericktown Police Chief Jerry Day said that in past years, “horse play” and injuries had not occurred at the event. He also said that additional safety concerns about this year’s concert were not brought to his attention.
Day said that while he was aware someone had been found by security to have alcohol at the concert, by the time an on-duty police officer was notified, the alcohol had been poured out. Brake said the person with the alcohol was escorted away from the concert.
“If we had seen anyone with alcohol, especially kids, they would have been charged,” Day said.
Brake said the committee felt ahead of time the additional security personnel would be adequate.
“You know what they say about hindsight,” he said on Monday. “We will as a committee work really hard to address the safety issues a little bit better. We’ll shut it down if there’s any moshing.”
Day said that although the youths were involved in rowdy behavior, he believed no one was intentionally injured, and the moshers were not breaking any laws.
Brake said that although the security problems were unfortunate, he was pleased that so many youths were there for the event, adding that exposing teens to a Christian message was why ROCC Fest was created.
“People got hurt, and I hate that,” Brake said. “Believe me, this is heavy on my heart.”
