MexFest Bash : Rock Rolls Crowd Across the Border

About 27,500 people, most of them from California, reveled Tuesday in what promoters said was Mexico’s largest rock concert--the much-touted MexFest bash at Caliente Race Track here.

Despite fears of security problems--about 600 security agents were on hand from Mexico and the United States--officials reported no serious incidents as of early evening. There were scattered scuffles in the crowd, but, overall, the situation appeared to be relatively orderly.

The eight-hour affair featuring six rock bands was scheduled to last from 4 p.m. to midnight. Afterward, many concertgoers were expected to continue celebrating in Tijuana nightclubs before returning to the United States.

“Everything has been just great,” said John Lynch, president of Noble Broadcast Group, which owns rock radio station XTRA-FM (91X), the event’s co-sponsor.

Jorge Hank Rhon, owner of Caliente Race Track, the other co-sponsor, said that the prospective success of the concert could lead to similar border events. “This is a good-neighbor thing,” said the long-haired Hank Rhon, striking at the cross-cultural theme that sponsors have proclaimed from the outset.

However, the vast majority--up to 90%--of the concertgoers appeared to be from the United States. The hefty $22 and $26 ticket prices were more than many Mexican families earn in a week.

While staged in Mexico, the concert scene could have been transplanted from the United States. Some souvenir boothes carried signs saying “No Aceptamos Pesos”--we don’t accept pesos. The theme of cross-cultural cooperation apparently did not extend to accepting the Mexican national currency on Mexican soil.

Before the concert, promoters had worked hard--and apparently successfully--to quell the fears of young Americans who might be hesitant to come to Mexico. During the concert, officials said they would prefer not to arrest rowdy youths but would instead escort them from the concert back to the border.

Obey the Law

In yellow flyers handed out at the gate, concertgoers were advised to obey Mexican and U.S. laws. In particular, they were told that U.S. Customs officials would not tolerate their taking drugs back into the United States.

In case they were arrested in Mexico, patrons were informed of a sobering fact about Mexican law: “You might be considered guilty until proven innocent.”

At the race track infield, where concertgoers gathered, the scene early in the evening resembled a high school rally. There were only a few early signs of rowdiness, although some people had clearly consumed too much beer. The scent of marijuana, omnipresent at so many concerts, was only nominally evident.

“The whole scene seems incredibly mellow,” said Eric Holzman, merchandising director for 91X, as he walked through the crowd.

Though there were some complaints about long lines for beer and margaritas, concertgoers seemed to enjoy the show. “Everything seems great,” said John Connolly, 23, of San Diego.

His friend, Christine Byrne, 18, of San Diego, said her mother was a little bit nervous about her coming to Mexico for a concert. “But everyone seems friendly,” said Byrne, a student at San Diego State University.