Residents weary over Rainbow Gathering

CUBA, N.M. (KRQE) - A far out gathering of thousands of people is set to begin July 1 in the Santa Fe National Forest just outside the village of Cuba, N.M, but some residents want to bring plans back down to Earth.

Wednesday night, apprehensive residents met with members of the 2009 rainbow gathering to discuss their concerns.

The decision by the Rainbow Family to have their gathering in Cuba came in the last two weeks.

The annual Rainbow Gathering at designated national forests has a history stretching back almost 40 years. Some of that history has included a drug use, public nudity and run-ins with the authorities.

So when Cuba residents learned that thousands would be gathering in the area, some said they were overwhelmed.

"Because they're such a large gathering of people, you have a lot within the group that are probably going to be uncontrollable," resident Monti Miller said.

Miller and hundreds of other residents showed up to hear Rainbow Members talk about the upcoming event.

"We're hoping we can allay some of the fears that are natural that a small town would have," Rainbow Family Member Garrick Beck said.

Rainbow Members have already begun building their village. They said they will be self contained with water, sanitary systems and security.

9,000 - 12,000 people are expected to attend the month-long event this year.

The mayor said authorities from many jurisdictions will be ready if they're needed.

"Well, it's new for us. We're trying to do the best we can to cope with it. It's going to happen. We'll see how it goes," Mayor Richard Velarde said.