The 24th annual Gathering of the Juggalos Festival in Thornville, Ohio has drawn thousands of horror-obsessed fans who come together for four days of music, contests, sideshows, and more. This year’s festival, which took place from August 14 to 17, featured a variety of events ranging from wet t-shirt contests to the Queen of Cheeks competition. Juggalos, the dedicated followers of the rap duo Insane Clown Posse (ICP), flocked to Legend Valley, Ohio for the event, where they embraced the festival’s horror theme by donning face paint, tattoos, terrifying masks, and barely-there clothing.
The Gathering of the Juggalos Experience
The Gathering of the Juggalos Festival is a unique and rowdy event that has become a tradition for fans of ICP. The festival takes place in Legend Valley, Ohio, which offers more than 130 acres of grounds for the show and additional space for camping. Each year, the festival adopts a new theme to keep things fresh and exciting for attendees. This year, the festival embraced a horror theme, with Juggalos and Jugallettes dressing up in elaborate costumes to match the theme.
The festival is known for its wild and unpredictable atmosphere, where just about anything goes. From impromptu face slapping sessions to unexpected weddings, attendees never know what to expect when they turn the corner. One woman named LouLou was spotted walking around barefoot in a green leotard and micro-skirt, offering $6 face slaps and other services to festival-goers. Another couple, Toni and Krissii, surprised everyone by getting married at the festival, complete with a Faygo shower to celebrate their union.
The Insane Clown Posse and the Dark Carnival
ICP, made up of Violent J (Joseph Bruce) and Shaggy 2 Dope (Joseph Utsler), are the driving force behind the Gathering of the Juggalos Festival. The duo, known for their clown faces and outfits, have created a musical universe called the Dark Carnival, where characters introduced in each of their albums have their own storyline. While the music in the Dark Carnival can be violent, it is meant to serve as a metaphor for systemic oppression, according to reports.
Juggalos maintain that their community is not about violence, but rather about love and peace. They use clown-like face paint and the tradition of spraying Faygo soda on each other as a way to bond and grow closer. Despite being designated as a non-traditional gang by the FBI in 2011, ICP continues to make music and hold their annual festival, challenging the stereotypes associated with their fanbase.
The Wild and Unpredictable Events
The Gathering of the Juggalos Festival is packed full of events that cater to all tastes, from concerts and comedians to contests and sideshows. Attendees can enjoy parties, wrestling matches, and even a Freakshow Deluxe Horror Show, where scenes of flesh being taxed and tested are performed right before their eyes. The festival also features a Queen of Cheeks contest, where Juggalettes compete in butt-related obstacles to win the crowd’s favor.
In addition to the main events, festival-goers can participate in a variety of side shows and contests, including the Miss Juggalette Pageant, an art battle, a rap battle, a Juggalo flea market, and late-night parties. The festival’s lineup is stacked with musicians like Rakim, A Killer’s Confession, and Clownvis, offering attendees a diverse range of entertainment options to choose from.
The festival has not been without its controversies, with past incidents of drug overdoses and rowdy behavior making headlines. In 2013, a 24-year-old attendee died at the festival after reportedly visiting the infamous “drug bridge”, a marketplace for various recreational drugs that were used during the event. Collin’s death led to the closure of the “drug bridge” the following year, as authorities cracked down on illegal drug activity at the festival.
Despite these challenges, the Gathering of the Juggalos Festival continues to attract fans from all over the country who come together to celebrate their love for ICP and the Dark Carnival. The festival’s unique blend of music, contests, and sideshows creates an unforgettable experience for attendees, who embrace the festival’s wild and unpredictable atmosphere with open arms.
In conclusion, the Gathering of the Juggalos Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together fans of Insane Clown Posse for four days of music, contests, sideshows, and more. The festival’s horror theme, wild atmosphere, and unpredictable events make it a must-attend event for Juggalos and Jugallettes looking to embrace their love for ICP and the Dark Carnival. Despite its controversies, the festival continues to thrive, offering attendees a unique and unforgettable experience that they won’t soon forget.