The all-night raves and concerts that neighbors of Bishop Castle say have plagued their remote Custer County homes are not living up to their raucous reputations.

Saturday night's rap and heavy-rock "Jam Fest" went off without a hitch, as did the all-night rave the weekend before. "It was wonderful. Everybody seemed to really be enjoying themselves," said castle denizen Phoebe Bishop, who reported 344 people attended the party. "But then I've never seen any animosity here."

The 160-foot tall castle -- in San Isabel National Forest on Colorado Route 165 -- has become a medievalesque host to all-night dance parties that have elicited a deluge of complaints from neighbors and county officials. The tourist attraction and southern Colorado landmark was built by Jim Bishop, who has toiled over his wooden and stone home for nearly 30 years.

Cars left along the highway, trespassing, public urination, overt drug use and pounding music are only a handful of the gripes from local residents.

But the past two weekends have seen reduced numbers and fewer complaints.

A roadblock was set up Saturday by Custer County sheriff's deputies and the Colorado State Patrol checked all ticket-holders for the evening festival, which started about 10 p.m. and ran until dawn. The castle does not supply alcohol.

[08/02/1998]