Ep. 69: Ballard's- Beyond The Reggae Fest Debacle

Block Island was rocked by the news that on Monday August 8th several incidents of violence which began at Ballard's Reggae Fest culminated in a dramatic mid-trip boarding of the Block Island Ferry by armed Coast Guard personnel. On board, the scene was chaotic. Several passengers were involved in a brawl that left some with injuries from either knives or razors. Terrified crew members and passengers not involved in the melee legitimately feared for their lives. 

The next morning Ballard's proprietor Steven Filippi went on air with Providence radio personality Gene Valicenti and claimed that no incidents had occurred at Ballard's and that his reggae festival was peaceful and laid back. But once dozens of videos began circulating on social media, it became apparent that not only was Filippi lying about the events of the day but he also felt that Ballard's itself bore no responsibility whatsoever for the incidents that took place on the ferry that was loaded with patrons who had spent the day at the festival.

The Town Council took no immediate action other than to schedule a meeting for Thursday during which members of the community could voice their opinions on the matter. The meeting was packed with concerned citizens all appalled at what had transpired. At that meeting the council announced that a "show/cause hearing" was scheduled for Monday August 22nd during which evidence will be presented that may or may not end up in penalties for Ballard's.

Meanwhile, it has been business as usual at Ballard's. The bar is open, the private (?) beach is full with customers, the well marketed booze still flows and the registers continue to ring.

The question is...why?