"I'm very suspicious when I see bad behaviour blamed all on 'the locals'"

I wish I could share that sentiment - but I've often seen exactly that sort of situation - and in our beloved Maritimes. And, for that matter, in our beloved Cape Breton. It's not because the "locals" are less civilized than people elsewhere; it's because rowdies from other places don't bother travelling to a folk festival, but for the local rowdies, it's right down the road - so why not?

And like the other fellow said, they're often "young people enjoying themselves" - it's just that their brand of enjoyment doesn't fit into the folk scene.

I'm speaking with some authority, having been in my day both the local rowdy and the indignant folkie.