Satsop

 

Satsop Riverfair and Tin Cup Races 1971 KCGB Kurt Cobain Book

 

Labor Day Weekend 1971 Mom and Dad set out for a few night's adventure at the Satsop River Fair and Tin Cup Race Rock Festival on a Saturday Afternoon. They parked in a neighboring field and headed in with a few friends to set up camp and join in on the festivities. Dad took a camera along for the ride.

KCGB Satsop River Fair 1971 Mom in Rain Gear       KCGB Satsop River Fair Mom with Friends   
There were large crowds in attendance as this was the first "legal" outdoor Rock Festival in the State of Washington.  Attendance was estimated at over 100,000 for the three-day event although official totals vary based on the high amount of counterfeit tickets. Dad does not even recall having tickets or a traditional turn-style entry. 
      KCGB Satsop River Fair Lady and Crowd KCGB Satsop River Fair Crowd Photo
There was a heavy amount of rain leading up to the event, which turned the farm site into a quagmire that led to slippery slopes and numerous injuries along with other drug-related issues that accompany events such as these. 
  KCGB Satsop River Fair Mud Prints         KCGB Satsop River Fair Mud TrenchKCGB Satsop River Fair Mud Trash Pile
Without adequate facilities many hit the river for a clean-up session that did not go unnoticed by the cameraman as well as those stationing themselves along the bank of the Satsop, catching an eyeful on what must have been a very chilly dip. 
KCGB Satsop River Fair River Clean Up     KCGB Satsop River Fair River Bath
KCGB Satsop River Fair Bathing Trio  KCGB Satsop River Fair Drying on River Bank
Despite all the problems and lack of funding -- the promoters ran out of money due to many factors, including the lack of ticket revenue, the show did manage to go on.  Delaney and Bonnie, John Hammond Jr., Wishbone Ash, Eric Burden, Jimmy Witherspoon, Charles Lloyd, Spencer Davis and Peter Jameson, Albert Collins, Steve Miller, the Youngbloods, and others.
KCGB Satsop River Fair Stage      KCGB Satsop River Fair on Stage

As the festival descended into confusion and financial disarray some, notably Ike & Tina Turner, Derek & The Dominos (with Eric Clapton), Quicksilver Messenger Service, War, Earth Wind and Fire, Leo Kottke, the Everly Brothers, and Captain Beefheart, either demanded payment in advance or found other reasons to not show up. They were stationed in a motel in Olympia but sat this one out. 

KCGB Satsop River Fair Porta Potty lines  KCGB Satsop River Fair Bus Transportation
It was at this Festival that my parents admit they were exposed to the sights and smells of the hippies smoking the dope. However, they have never admitted to partaking or experimenting, but Dad was able to capture the weekend in pictures.