Health Department Investigates Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreak at Blue Ridge Rock Festival

The Virginia Department of Health is investigating the Blue Ridge Rock Festival after attendees reported a widespread gastrointestinal illness following the event's abrupt cancellation due to severe weather concerns. Some festivalgoers cited unsanitary conditions, particularly related to portable toilets, as a possible cause. The health department confirmed that the festival violated numerous health codes but none severe enough to shut it down. Speculation has arisen that the cancellation was due to an impending strike by behind-the-scenes workers protesting poor working conditions. Organizers deny these claims and attribute the cancellation solely to safety concerns caused by the weather.