I find your username absolutely striking, since I've referred to myself as a "ridgerunner" for many years, specifically because I grew up playing barefoot near Chestnut Ridge. I wish that I had seen your posting some time ago. I notice that it has been several months since you posted. I would have like to have discussed some of these issues with you.

I am 33 y/o. I lived in Derry and attended St. Joseph's Church for the first 18-20 years of my life. I can't go into details without revealing to others who I am, and it is my wish to avoid any embarrasment to my family and friends who still reside in Derry and are actively involved in the parish. At the time of the incident, I was nearly four y/o. I vaguely remember having a blanket (or something) thrown over my head by my grandfather and being rushed away from the festival; however, I have heard various stories; so to be truthful, I don't really know if I was there or not. I assure you, I am not crazy! The entire tragedy was shrouded in so much mystery as I was growing up, I hated to ask if what I thought I was told was reality! I certainly remember the shame endured by the priest at that time (Fr. Wilt)....He was my favorite, a cigar smokin', Harley ridin priest. It just seemed like he was some how blamed for the incident and never forgiven; nor did he forgive himself. You are absolutely correct about the whole vibe you feel in that town. There is affection and nostalgia for the past, but something weird goes on. Perhaps you are correct that PTSD is the culprit. I can attest to the heroin problem affecting the town. Thankfully, that addiction skipped my cohort, but seems to plague my successors. I truly loved my town, but there was definitely a sense that people did not welcome newcomers and had MAJOR issues. I am okay today, but it has taken a long time to shed a lifetime of mental illness and flattened affects. You really raise some interesting questions. I am a graduate student now in the social sciences and am intrigued by the possibility of your theory. Thanks for posting. I've never been able to find any background about this incident, in historical terms or other, online. I appreciate it. Take care.