Laura Doud, a photographer who has covered rock festivals such as Lollapalazoo and Horde, said Woodshock more than measures up to its high profile competitors.
"I thought it was wonderful," she said. The bands that played are almost all from Columbus, and there wasn't one that played that played that wasn't very good. It was probably the best time I've ever had at a show like that."
A large croud of people under a blazing summer sun with the added effect of aggressive music playing into the night could be a recipe for trouble. But Buchenroth said he knows why only one arrest has occured in the festivals history.
"Fair prices on tickets, water, and food - we're not out to gouge anyone," Buchenroth said. "The show has always policed itself. Nobody wants to be kicked out and nobody wants to get hurt. Instead of just throwing people out when they're upset, we talk to them and ask them why they're so upset, and if we can help. The indians come into play on this, they're the best peace keepers to have.
Doud agreed with Buchenroth about the festivals conditions.
"The grounds are kept clean and there is good security," she said. "Alot of times at festivals, your afread someone will run off with your purse or something. This one was very well handled."
Talent-wise, Buchenroth has had some of the best in underground hard rock grace his stage. In addition to independent acts from all over the country, heavyweights like The Mystick Krewe of Clearlight (featuring Jimmy Bower of Down), Mushroomhead, Flaw, Pro-pain, Five Pointe O, Lure 609 and Bonz of Stuck Mojo are all Woodshock alumni. They have all helped lead to slow but steady national attention for the festival.
"I've been trying for years to get labels to check out my lineups," Buchenroth said. "Woodshock is just sick with talent. I realize now that its just a matter of time before it really hits," Buchenroth said. The Midwest is getting ready to explode and Woodshock is going to be right in the heart of it.