2. The Destination Was Difficult To Get To

It was a normal thing in those days to see millions of people stuck in traffic, all trying to get to the venue in New York town, Bethel. The crazy standstill traffic meant many people had to get to the venue on foot. As a result, the road was closed, causing many people to get stuck on their way, unable to get to the road of the festival. One time, Arlo Guthrie announced on stage, “The New York thruway is closed, man.”

The thruway was actually opened on the day of the festival, but it took concerted efforts from the police to keep people safe. Two exits—Newburgh and Harriman—were closed to keep the massive throng of people from gaining access into the festival ground. There would have been a stampede.