The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #93962 Message #1815219
Posted By: WFDU - Ron Olesko
21-Aug-06 - 01:11 PM
Thread Name: Compare US/UK approach to 'festivals'
Subject: RE: Compare US/UK approach to 'festivals'
"I've never been to any folk festivals outside the UK or Ireland, but the idea of a dry festival seems a bit odd."
As noted in one of the other posts, there are reasons for this - usually insurance and/or licensing with state and local authorities. Another reason is that some festivals here in the U.S. feel that alcohol will detract from the "family" atmosphere they are trying to create.
I do think that even after all these years, Americans still suffer the effects of prohibition. Americans never really learned to embrace beer or wine as part of a celebration without suffering the stigma of "alcohol".
On the other hand, I question the need to have alcohol to have a good time. Some of the posts I've read on Mudcat make it sound like a session could not possibly occur without a couple of pints. Perhaps because we never really had the "pub" culture here in the U.S. and often music was made on the front porch, parlour or in the kitchen. You do not need alcohol when you are comfortable with family and friends.