Forty-four years after the legendary Woodstock festival, the concept of peace, love and music lives on – even in Murray.
A band performs at Clarkstock.
Clarkstock is an annual event on campus. The concept was created by Murray State graduate Neil Lovett in 2009 with the help of the Lee Clark Residential College staff and council for the 40th anniversary of Woodstock.
The event was held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday on the Intramural Fields for both students and community members.
The proceeds raised at the event benefited Main Street Youth.
“Main Street Youth is a great organization that gives underprivileged kids a place to go after school,” said Peter Hausladen, residential director of Clark. “The primary reason we put on Clarkstock is to raise money for this organization.”
This year, Clarkstock raised more than $500 for Main Street Youth.
“Raising over $500 for the cause was what the success of Clarkstock was based on,” said David Petrie, junior from Millstadt, Ill. “The fact that it was a total blast was just the cherry on top.”
The event featured live music by local bands. Since there was limited seating surrounding the stage, many gathered on the grass to hear the bands play. Regardless, the music was heard throughout the entire field. This year’s festival featured Barefoot and Blue, Peacock and the Feathers and Think Harder.
Other games and activities were also organized for those who attended Clarkstock. Volleyball, soccer, football and corn toss were a few of the games in which anyone could participate.
Clark also provided food and drinks. Tye-dye T-shirts, which were created for the event, sold for $10.
One difference among the previous Clarkstock festivals was the number of attendees. This year had the highest number of participants to date, Petrie said.
In the past, between 150 and 200 guests attended Clarkstock. This year, despite the cold weather, more than 225 came out to enjoy the activities provided.
“Even though it was the coldest Clarkstock on record, it was well attended,” Hausladen said. “The weather might have deterred some people from attending, especially in the beginning of the afternoon, but once people came out to the event they stayed for quite awhile.”
The event has transformed into a tradition at Murray State and has room for improvement.
“I have no doubts that each year Clarkstock can improve,” Petrie said. “I look forward to more bands, more people and ultimately more money raised for Main Street Youth. I cannot wait to see what next year has in store.”
Story by Hunter Harrell, Assistant Features Editor