The price of UTBS

I know my response to the "Under the Big Sky" festival is a hair late, but there is something I would like to get off of my chest regardless of whether or not this note gets published.

I was hired to tend bar for this year's festival, and the operation was unorganized. Ingredients for drinks advertised were not supplied, and the station I was working at ran out of most alcohols well before the first night was over. On top of all of that, the price for a single can of beer was $14.50, and a single mixed drink was $22.

I understand the extra work and labor involved with putting on a festival and upping the prices on food, drinks, etc., but to charge that much money on top of the expensive ticket, travel fees, and hotel (because no camping was offered to guests) is a sin against humanity.

I am sure many people had to scrounge up money just to see some of their favorite artists in their favorite state. In the article written by the "Whitefish Pilot" on July 19, it was stated that around 20,000 people from all over the world attended the festival.

This does not make for a diverse festival when the cost of going to it is that high. When considering the entire planet, I would imagine that well over 90 percent could not even afford to attend an event like "Under the Big Sky".

To ask someone to pay that much money for a drink or a ticket or a sandwich or even a water is a sin, and I will never support or attend that festival or any other like it again.

Lita Ryan, Missoula