Scott Rawdon from The Buckeye Lake Beacon recently had the chance to catch up with Legend Valley co-owner Steve Trickle. During this short discussion Steve expresses his opinions on the two previous articles The Buckeye Lake Beacon published about Legend Valley. Steve briefly mentions the Gathering of the Juggalos. This article is more about the Legend Valley venue than The Gathering of the Juggalos.
I’m mainly posting this article because we have posted about the previous two. You can read this new article and find links to the other articles below.
From The Beacon:
THORNVILLE – Legend Valley co-owner Steve Trickle said an outpouring of support from his neighbors during a Licking Township Trustees meeting proves an anonymous resident didn’t represent other residents in saying Trickle wasn’t operating Legend Valley respectfully of his neighbors. “I do respect my neighbors,”
Trickle said. “I’m best friends with most of them.”
Legend Valley received national attention when it hosted the Gathering of the Juggalos July 23 through 26, which is an annual festival Psychopathic Records sponsors, featuring performances by the entire label roster as well as some well-known musical groups and underground artists. Robert Bruce, the Insane Clown Posse (Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler), and their label founded the event in 2000. A “Juggalo” is a nickname for Insane Clown Posse fans.
The Juggalos brought with them a reputation for rowdiness, lewd behavior and drug use which had some neighbors concerned. Law enforcement reported the event went smoothly with no arrests. However, an neighbor, who wanted to remain anonymous, came to The Beacon, complaining that the music was very loud and many neighbors agreed the venue was too loud in general. Trickle said many of his neighbors disagree with that opinion. He said the Legend Valley has concerts 18 out of 365 days per year. “I could do a show every weekend if I wanted to,” he said, but he sponsors five multi-day festivals per year. “I’m more than content with that,” Trickle said.
Of the Juggalos, Trickle said, “They surprised even me, honestly.” He said he understood people had concerns, but the fans were very respectful of the venue and he received more thank you emails from them than any other festival attendees. “The neighbors who support me are the neighbors who are adjacent,” Trickle said.
He said the historic venue continues to gain popularity. “That one person did not speak for the neighbors,” Trickle said. He said anyone with concerns or questions about the venue are welcome to contact him at [email protected]. “I’m very approachable,” Trickle said. “I respond to email every night, and I do respect my neighbors.”
Some neighbors expressed their support and agreed the venue is not disruptive.
“I’ve lived here since 1952,” said resident Ron Patterson, adding that former owners weren’t as respectful of the neighbors as Trickle. “At least he comes around and talks to you,” he said. “We’re all neighbors and we don’t have a problem with (Legend Valley).”
“My family and I live very close to the concert area,” said resident Michael White. “The neighbors that are having such a hard time with the concerts have never contacted me about their ‘Death Valley’ issues.” White said he was a little concerned at first about The Gathering of the Juggalos, “when I left work on the first morning and about hit a naked guy. But, I texted (Trickle) that afternoon and he assured me that no one on foot would be permitted past his house. I think the other neighbors around the venue were just scared of all the hype this concert was getting.” He said he doesn’t hear any neighbors’ complaints about the country music concerts at Legend Valley. “There is just as much stuff that goes on at those concerts as the Juggalos. Anytime you get that many people together there is bound to be something. I enjoy the concerts. I close my windows and turn the (air conditioning) on, and crank the fan. I sleep great.”
White said he and his family always drive slowly by the venue to see what is happening there. “We get a kick out of it,” he said. We support (Trickle) and his family.” White said the venue brings a lot of money to the area. “I don’t know who would not put their name behind their complaint unless they were afraid (Trickle) would stop giving them tickets, because he does go around to the neighbors that live very close and tries to make them happy,” White said. “The concerts are only three days that’s not forever.”
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