National Rainbow Gathering 2011 Part 2

National Rainbow Gathering 2011 Part 2

m.examiner.com | Jun 24th 2011 10:14 PM This evening in the town of Cougar, WA local residents met with unofficial representatives of the Rainbow Family to discuss their concerns and vent their frustrations about the impending gathering. While much of the concerns were put to rest many still fear the impact the gathering will have on the land. Others voiced concerns of unruly travelers panhandling at local businesses and addressed the groups reputation for drug use. Representatives for the gathering refused to downplay the seriousness of such behavior and expressed to the community their same concerns for the “sick spirits” that come to be healed at the gathering. Even though the official start to the gathering is days away members of the Rainbow family have been in the Gifford Pinchot National Forrest preparing the land and meeting with local officials for well over a month. Local law enforcement guaranteed the community they will be following “all laws without discretion” to insure the safety of the community. The federal government has also deployed 64 federal agents to the gathering site. While many are excited to venture into the woods for their annual “family” gathering, travelers must be advised of unusually harsh weather conditions for this time of year. Parking is not completely organized and there is still a considerable amount of snow on the ground once you reach the site. Travelers are being urged to wait a few more days to make their journey until the last of these wrinkles can be ironed out. If you or someone you know plans on attending the gathering be sure to come prepared! The cold weather has caught many off guard leading them back into town to gather more supplies. Volunteer shuttles have been going back and forth to help travelers reach their destination, but those are few and far between. While the impact may seem great on these small communities surrounding the gathering there is only one thing that is for sure; they’ve only just begun.


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