In the summer of 1974, the Ozark Music Festival took place at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, Missouri, organized by Musical Productions. The festival was meant to feature bands like The Eagles, Jefferson Starship, and more, but quickly became a disaster, attracting drug pushers from across the country.
The festival turned into a haven for drug trafficking, with an alarming number of young people suffering from drug-induced effects. One young man died, and another was paralyzed. The scene at the grounds was chaotic, with residents experiencing property damage and theft.
Security measures were ineffective, with guards reportedly using drugs themselves and not enforcing rules around substances. Nudity, prostitution, and various drug activities ran rampant throughout the festival, causing chaos among attendees. The National Guard had to be called in to handle the situation.
Ultimately, the festival cost the state of Missouri a significant amount in damages and expenses. A documentary on the event has been produced by a Missouri filmmaker and is being screened in theaters. The legacy of the Ozark Music Festival remains as a cautionary tale of the dangers of large, uncontrolled gatherings.
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