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Found another festival for you guys to attend - this one in Washington State...

June 21, 2005

Nudist festival planned at park
County officials are reviewing plans for a clothing-optional music festival near Sultan.

By Jeff Switzer
Herald Writer

If organizers pull it off, techno music will pulse until 4 a.m. during an upcoming four-day festival at a nudist park north of Sultan.

Some county officials started reviewing the clothing-optional event on Monday and are scheduled to discuss what permits or licenses are needed this morning.

If the event is like previous ones elsewhere in the state, including in Mount Vernon, several hundred concert-goers are expected at the 320-acre Lake Bronson family nudist park property.

"We are campers, we enjoy camping, and also enjoy playing music," said promoter Scott Hansen of Lynnwood.

The site is promoted for "Stompin' In Da Woods 3," where 85 deejays are scheduled to perform July 1-4. Tickets are $30 for the four days, including camping.

"We have licensed nurses on staff, paramedics and full security. Have never had a problem, never had a fight, never had an issue," Hansen said.

Dance music is planned from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. on three stages, and hundreds of people are expected for the shows, daytime sports and camping, Hansen said by phone on Monday as he drove north from a similar outdoor concert in California.

Concerts such as this usually require a special events permit, and review by several departments, including the sheriff's office, said Craig Ladiser, county director of planning and development.

Lake Bronson officials could not be reached for comment.

Hansen said the private property has its own permits for camping, and stages meet county guidelines.

The average age of techno music concert-goers is 25, Hansen said. Of the four concerts that promoters have held since 2002, this year's will be the nearest one to the Seattle dance club scene, Hansen said.

DJs mix electronic bass and drums with other recorded tracks to make this style of dance music. Hansen said DJs are scheduled from 15 states and six countries.

Hansen said the official organizer, KlubStompers, has spent thousands of dollars on security, portable toilets and $2 million for insurance.

Nudity is optional, according to promotional materials.
(hidden cameras are mandatory - dd)

The group has held previous concerts in Tenino at Mount Rainier and at a Boy Scout camp near Mount Vernon, Hansen said.

Security guards at the event plan to screen for people bringing in too much alcohol and will eject drunks, Hansen said. No glass bottles will be allowed, he said, but other containers of alcohol won't be barred.

"We've always discouraged drug use at our events," Hansen said. "Our dance floor is for dancing. I have personally thrown people out of events before."

Everyone will have wristbands, and people younger than 21 will have a special mark on theirs, Hansen said.

The event is advertised for adults 18 and older, but previous events allowed teens as young as 16 if they were accompanied by an adult, Hansen said.

The event has been written up in music magazines and advertised on KNHC (89.5 FM) radio, Hansen said.

Lake Bronson's facilities have 13 flushing toilets and concert promoters plan to add 12 portable toilets, Hansen said.

"We'll have 20 security people walking around to make sure cigarette butts are picked up and there is no trash," Hansen said.

Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.