Phish phest expected to draw crowds to Vermont July 11, 2004 - Boston Globe By B.J. Roche Boston isn't the only place where locals are grumbling about security, traffic, and strains on the infrastructure while public officials scramble to accommodate an invasion by thousands of out-of-towners. In Coventry, Vt., a Northeast Kingdom town of about 1,000, they're gearing up for the final Phish concert at the Newport State Airport next month. More than 70,000 fans are expected at the camp-out Aug. 14 and 15; it's the last appearance by the jam band with a big cult following that got its start in Burlington, Vt., more than 20 years ago. ''It's going to be disruptive and a big inconvenience, but people are hoping they can get though it for the economic impact," says Selectman Michael Marcotte of Coventry. He says Phish-heads are expected to pump $10 million into a regional economy that could use a boost. Locals have been meeting regularly with emergency personnel and State Police, along with officials in Limestone, Maine, which has hosted three past Phish-phests. ''It won't be a scene like Woodstock," says Marcotte. ''The people who come to these shows are very polite." Article Copyright © 2004 Boston Globe