Generation X marked the spot this past Saturday at Salt River Acres in Oil City as the legendary ninth annual Rock-N-Reggae Bash music festival drew at least 6,000 people to bask in the sun while listening to some of the Midwest's most popular bands.

Upon waiting in the average two-mile-long line of cars to enter the festival grounds, the audience was treated to a loose and friendly Woodstock-type atmosphere of music lovers enjoying arrays of intoxicants and exposing their winter-worn flesh to the gloriously sunny and warm weather.

"I just like watching the people," said Ron Johndro, Bridgeport resident and parent of two former CMU students.

"It's a good day to be outside," he said, explaining that the last time he was there a few years back it was an eclectic day for weather - which included conditions ranging from sunshine to snow, resulting in mud. The weather conditions are often a gamble for a festival such as this, which takes place in the latter spring season. But there were no complaints this year.

In reference to the large selection of bands along with the many boutiques and other vendors, Johndro said he liked the festival and how it was organized.

He and his friends were especially awaiting the performance of Rev. Right Time and the 1st Cuzins of Funk, a local guitar-driven funk rock band.

"The Reverend rocks," Johndro said.

Other bands to grace the large festival stage included the reggae and world music bands Immunity, Universal Xpression and Third Coast, which featured former members of the band Jah Kings. More rock-oriented bands such as Duke Tumatoe & The Power Trio, along with a final performance by Mount Pleasant's Red Fish Blue Fish, favored bluesier styles mixed with jazz and funk. The alternative, hard-rocking ska and reggae sounds of Daddy Longlegs were also a highlight to the show, as the group featured ex-Botfly singer Craig Griffith.

Justin McKnight, Livonia senior, enjoyed the performances of the day, particularly Red Fish Blue Fish.

"It was good to see Red Fish Blue Fish today, being that it was their last complete show together. They did a great, unbelievable show," he said.

Midland's 93.3 FM hosted the event, with radio personality "The Captain" entertaining crowds with antics and giving away prizes.

"I wasn't too fond of the 'Boob Contest,'" said Farwell junior Meadow Hunt in regard to several women exposing themselves on stage while a video camera was recording in an incident influenced by "The Captain." Hunt believed the show should have a better emcee to facilitate a more positive community atmosphere at the event.

"I don't know if I'll listen to 93.3 for a while (because of this)," she said. "But, other than the negative stuff, I am happy that the festival brings so many different people together in such a beautiful place."

The free atmosphere seemed to influence people to cut loose and soak up the rays of sun before exams the following week.

Matt Howell, Milford senior, said he attended the event to finally see what all the hype was about.

"I came here because it was about time. It is my senior year and I have never been here because I always felt I should be studying (this weekend) but it was quite worth the trip," he said.