X-Fest Facing Permit Problems As Modesto Adds New Rules
MODESTO (CBS13) — A popular Modesto music festival draws big crowds, but also the frustrations of local businesses and now its permit is in jeopardy.
Downtown merchants say X-Fest prevents them from doing business and city officials worry the festival is getting too wild.
The promoter for X-Fest got permission 16 years ago from 60 percent of Downtown Modesto merchants to close off streets for the music festival. That permit is up for review on Tuesday, and some downtown businesses hope it doesn't come back.
"I don't think anyone should be able to not only close the streets, but fence them, and make it so you have to charge to get in," said Slater Home Furnishing owner Tom Slater.
The rock and hip-hop music festival draws an average of 20,000 people to Modesto each year, but a few downtown merchants say it actually hurts business.
"Businesses that are in the area that are not bars or restaurants can't really do anything. They close," he said.
Festival goers like Amanda Holm say they end up inside a lot of local businesses during the weekend event and feel it gives a good boost to the local economy.
"I stop at restaurants, even if it's to use the bathroom. I'll get a beer, whatever you need," he said.
This year, the Modesto City Council is asking promoters to follow new rules in order to get its permit. That includes security personnel remaining on site until two hours after the event ends and limits on alcohol sales.
Officials say the promoter told the council he wouldn't run the event if the downtown location is changed.
Mick Rubalcava, a former security guard for X-Fest, says he thinks the festival gets unfair negative publicity because it's a large weekend event.
"The next morning, downtown is completely spotless. There are people who drink at X-Fest, but it terms of the security and police they have, they have a ton and I've always felt safe there," he said.