The recent Sol Fest camping festival in Florida, which experienced incidents such as emergency situations, arrests, and complaints related to law enforcement, has made an announcement about these occurrences through their social media channels.
‘We did whatever it took to create a new welcoming home, starting a year in advance meeting with officials and preparing the venues at our own expense’.
Their statement continues, ‘Through it all, Sol Fest has had our unwavering commitment- we’ve poured our time, energy and resources into making this vision a reality’.
‘The road hasn’t been easy- your support has been the driving force that kept us going’.
The three-year experience of Sol Fest has been marked by unforeseen difficulties, including the the tragic passing of the venue’s CEO and the need for a new location’.
During a meeting with Holmes County commissioners prior to Sol Fest, Holmes County Sheriff John Tate stated that although he had spoken with organizers ‘about a year ago’, and that he hadn’t received any official notification about the event until two months before it was scheduled to begin.
Last year, Sol Fest decided to shift its location from Campbellton, Florida, and New Brockton, Alabama, to Vortex Spring, a water park campground in Ponce De Leon, Florida, encountering opposition from local officials.
On May 2-5, 2024, Sol Fest took place despite facing difficulties in its organization and location.
During the event, a fire broke out in the general admission campground, causing damage to four vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of this accidental blaze. Several attendees publicly expressed concerns about security issues, an overwhelming police presence, and excessive search and seizure tactics from local law enforcement at the festival.
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office posted information about the arrests made during and after Sol Fest on their Facebook page. A total of 26 individuals were detained at the festival site for charges related to drug possession, including ‘possession of THC vape’, ‘gummies’, or ‘marijuana’ alone.
Here is the official statement from Sol Fest:
Sol Fam, we have an important announcement to share with you. After 3 years together, Sol Fest will be taking an indefinite hiatus. This festival has always been a labor of love, a way to celebrate life in honor of our dear friend Sol while celebrating the music, art, and community that means so much to us. This chapter has been difficult to close as our journey has touched the lives of many, including Sol’s friends and family. We’ll be sharing more updates and memories soon, so please stay tuned.
The journey has been filled with unexpected challenges, starting with the heartbreaking loss of the CEO of our first venue and relocating in days. We did whatever it took to create a new welcoming home, starting a year in advance meeting with officials and unexpectedly preparing the venues at our own expense.
Through it all, Sol Fest has had our unwavering commitment, as we’ve poured our time, energy and resources into making this vision a reality. The road hasn’t been easy, but your support has been the driving force that kept us going. We want to extend our deepest appreciation to the entire team, volunteers, friends, and family who helped us bring this to life.
Thank you to 10,000+ beautiful souls that came from every state and all around the world. We are truly grateful for your support that has empowered us, independent promoters and hundreds of incredible independent artists, to create 3 special festivals together. We’re so grateful for each and everyone one of you. This isn’t goodbye, Sol Fam. For now, hold your loved ones close and keep the Sol Fest spirit alive!
You’re not welcome in Holmes county. I live 5 miles from vortex and could hear the noise you call music. You took a quiet community and created a nightmare. We love our peace and quiet here. Let’s keep it that way. We see what the owners of vortex thinks about the community. It’s all about the money.