I’m not a jazz fan. I’m even less of a heat fan.
So I don’t attend the annual Jazz Fest in Sioux Falls each summer. I also try to avoid the traffic mess near the venue, Yankton Trail Park.
I think it is great that such a cultural event is held here. Seriously. There are some great artists who attend. And most people behave themselves.
But apparently the event has a dark side you don’t read about in the Argus Leader.
For local law enforcement, it’s like an extended St. Patrick’s Day.
A friend of mine is a correctional officer at the Minnehaha County Jail. He said this weekend and Monday—thanks to Jazz Fest—will be one of the busiest weekends of the year at the jail, with 70-80 new “guests” spending some time in the local bastille for everything from DUI, public exposure, public drunkenness, and warrant checks.
I know the jazz folks think they’re a little smarter than the rest of us. True, perhaps. They’re apparently just not any better behaved.
Have fun—responsibly—while at Jazz Fest. If you can’t, bring bail money.
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