I read your article titled, “Harmony Park is on a hot seat,” last Wednesday.

I have been a regular attendee at Harmony Park since 2004. Each year, I attend at least one or two music festivals at this venue. I am an avid music fan, camper and love many of the bands that play there each year. It’s also a great place to make friends.

I found the sheriff’s comments very disturbing and highly inaccurate. I invite the Tribune to witness a music festival firsthand. It’s apparent that you have never attended an event at Harmony Park. In my nine years of attendance at Harmony Park, I have yet to see a single fight at this venue. It does not draw that type of crowd.

Most of the regular Harmony Park attendees welcome you with a “Welcome Home” sign as you approach the gate at any music event. I have been to many concerts over the years, including some at Somerset, Wis., and others in Alpine, Wis., as well as traveling down to Orange Beach, Ala., for Hangout Festival. Harmony Park is the only music venue that I would tell others that it’s safe to bring your kids to. Harmony Park holds a special place in my heart.

I met my husband, Joe, at Project Earth (put on by Wookiefoot at Harmony Park) in 2009. We were married in September 2012. Project Earth is one of the most family-friendly events that happen each summer at Harmony Park. I have attended with friends and their kids, including babies. They usually have a part of the campground that is very kid friendly, and they often have a “kiddie village” set up during music events for kids to play and interact with games. The kids have a blast!

My husband and I have seen the state trooper officers at Harmony Park and even tossed a football around with one of them. Hostility does not exist at this venue, and I have yet to witness a fight there, ever. The majority of attendees respect the law, the officers and the park rules.

The comments do not reflect the actual experience at Harmony Park. You are more likely to be struck by a bus than be met with any hostility. You will likely see many hugs given, but see guns? No way.

I would be happy to discuss further with you about my nine years of experience at Harmony Park if you would like to contact me. I am sure others would like to help you get an accurate picture of Harmony Park as well.

 

Danielle Albrecht
Minneapolis