“3 Days of Peace and Music”

August 15th marked the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival.  In 1969, the message of peace and love along with the music of the era echoed throughout the hills of the Catskills.  Bethel, New York, just a few miles from G5 Insurance, welcomed Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, and so many more for what would become the most famous music festival of all time.

Max Yasgur, owner of Yasgur Dairy Farm in Bethel, leased 600 acres of his land to the festival when the original venue backed out.  Though many of his community members were less than thrilled with his willingness to host so many “hippies” as they called the attendees, Yasgur (a known conservative) welcomed everyone with open arms.

Half a million people reached Sullivan County despite the last minute venue change, road closures, and pouring rain.  The anniversary reminds us that something as small as a little bit of music can bring the masses together despite even the largest differences.  We’re proud to have this history right in our backyard!