Max Yasgur have received such an honor. In 1997, the site of the concert and surrounding it was purchased by Alan Gerry for the purpose of creating the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. In August 2007, the parcel that contains Yasgur's former homestead, about 3 miles from the festival site, was placed on the market for $8 million by its owner, Roy Howard (1935-2013). Remembered for his free spirit and giving heart, Roy paid tribute to Max by hosting annual reunions. Yasgur Road and the Woodstock Audience Field will always be "Ground Zero for Peace"-"Carlos Santana". Joni Mitchell's song "Woodstock" (also
Max Yasgur also believed strongly in freedom of expression, and was angered by the hostility of some townspeople toward "anti-war hippies". Hosting the festival became, for him, a "cause". On the third day of the festival, just before Joe Cocker's early afternoon set, Yasgur addressed the crowd. Many of his neighbors turned against him after the festival, and he was no longer welcome at the town general store, but he never regretted his decision to allow the concert on his farm. On January 7, 1970, he was sued by his neighbors for property damage caused by the concert attendees. However, the damage