Phish aficionados have phreaky time August 5, 2003 - New Brunswick Post By Staff They made the trek from all across the United States and Canada. Sixty thousand Phish phans descended on Northern Maine's decommisioned Loring Air Force Base on the long weekend to participate in a jam and spectacle called IT. Together they created the state's largest tent city, one with it's own water supply, hospital, general store, amusement park and even a couple of parades. "We got lucky," said Don Flatt, a fan from Saint John. "We crossed the border at Limestone, Maine, just north of Florenceville and avoided a lot of traffic. I spoke to some people who hit the line just north of Houlton and were in traffic for more than 12 hours." Because of heavy rains before the event, camping was reorganized, causing huge traffic tie ups. Despite such delays, no one was complaining. The party revved up Friday evening and kept going right through Monday. "Everyone here just wants to have fun," says Flatt. "There are so many people here, but I haven't seen one fight." They came for the community, the fun, but mostly for the music. The main attaction was Phish, of course. One of North America's most popular jam bands, they attract an eclectic crowd of young and old aficionados who come for the band's 60s and jazz-inspired extended musical improvisations. "Trey Anastasio was on top of his game", said Flatt, "This is only my third show, but every time I come I'm always impressed at how well he plays guitar. But it's when the whole band is playing off each other and jamming out when Phish really cooks!" Many fans have seen the band dozens of times. One of the reasons they keep coming back is because the band plays different sets every night. This weekend, Phish played six sets of music plus a special bonus show from the base's old control tower at about 2 a.m. Sunday, complete with dancers on rapelling ropes and a psychedelic light show. After the festival, small border points such as Limestone, Van Buren, Madawaska and Fort Kent, Maine, were kept busy as Canadian fans crossed the border to return home. About 23,000 vehicles rolled away from the concert site, taking from Sunday night to Monday afternoon to clear the former base. It will take about 10 days to clean up the site, dismantling sets and restoring order. Thirty-five arrests were made on the weekend for various infractions and crimes: drugs, domestic violence, assault, shoplifting, mischief and two outstanding warrants were executed. Traffic accidents were generally minor with two or three exceptions. However, before the concert, an organizer was killed in a single-car accident near Caribou, Maine. More than 2,200 people were treated for physical ailments, most of those, too, of a minor nature. Business in the small Maine communities were pleased with the weekend demand for food and drink, fuel, rain gear and other necessities and would welcome a return concert. Copyright © 2003 New Brunswick Post