Local Officials Deny Application to Revive Camp Bisco

The return of Camp Bisco is in doubt now that officials in New York’s Schenectady County have denied Gathering of the Vibes founder Ken Hays’ application to revive the festival. According to the Daily Gazette, county officials released a 22-page denial that listed a variety of objections to the proposal, including concerns about traffic congestion, the lack of a zero-tolerance drug policy, the lack of contingency plans for severe weather and more.

The county’s objection has come despite the fact that Hays has already received a green light from the state police, the Department of Health and the state’s Department of Transportation. Officials have said that Hays may resubmit his application, but that it must include a contractual agreement for law enforcement agencies to provide at least 20 traffic control officers, as well as drug-sniffing dogs at entrance gates and 50 officers that will be stationed throughout the festival grounds.

Hays refused to disclose the festival’s lineup until everything had been approved, but he said that this year’s event would cater to an older audience and would still feature the Disco Biscuits as a headliner. He also noted that the event would be scheduled for July 16-18.

As previously reported, Camp Bisco went on hiatus in 2014 after running into permitting issues with local officials. Previous organizers MCP Presents went on to host the inaugural Hudson Project last summer, though that event is now on hold as well.