Columbus' ComFest Kicks Off At Goodale Park

Thousands will descend on Columbus’ Goodale Park June 27 through June 29 for the annual Comfest celebration. Comfest features blues, jazz, rock and acoustic. Music has been the mainstay for more than 40 years and now draws tens of thousands of people. Seth Moherman, who attended his first ComFest in the 1990s, has returned to make a documentary film about the event. “The only thing that would make it better is if there were less people there because it would make it less crowded,â€? Moherman says. “But everybody wants to have a good time, it’s an amazing event so what do you do? Tell people not to come?â€? ComFest bills itself as “The Party with a Purpose.â€? There’s no admission charge but money raised through sales, say organizers, helps support social services organizations and green initiatives such as solar energy and recycling. Moherman says there’s a definite edge to the event. “What they’re all about is very left-wing political views,â€? Moherman says. “Some people love it and some people don’t.â€? Political views notwithstanding, that hasn't decreased attendance. Organizers suggest people visit ComFest on Friday or Sunday to avoid the largest crowds. "It’s definitely a victim of its own success," Moherman says. "The general consensus among a lot of the organizers is it’s gotten huge, it could grow more in the park. There seems to be this general consensus that they've reached this plateau."