A three-day rave-type event last weekend at the Green Springs Inn infuriated some neighbors who complained to county officials about noise, drug use and people camping on their lawns.

"It's a big drug party with really loud music," said Marsha Hartwein, who pleaded with Jackson County commissioners for help Wednesday.

The "EMERGE+N+SEE 2006" was billed on the event's Web site as a "Burning Man"-style event, referring to a weeklong arts festival in the Nevada desert that draws more than 35,000 participants.

Adam Hanor, who owns the inn with his wife, Jennifer, said he couldn't speak for organizers of the event, which drew about 800 participants.

"We were totally happy that they had this event here and we hope they have it again," said Hanor. "They treated us with respect and all issues were treated promptly and responsibly."

Referring to angry comments he received from some neighbors, he said, "We were more worried about some of our neighbors than those who attended."

Hanor said based on the level of responsibility shown by event organizers, he believes that the proper authorities were notified and that all required permits were obtained.

"If we're doing anything wrong, we will do everything to rectify it so we can do it right next time," he said.

Hanor's wife said they tried to meet neighbors' concerns, even offering to put them up in a hotel. Some of the residents took them up on the offer, she said.

She also said she wasn't aware of any drug use during the event, pointing out there were no medical issues and no drug overdoses.

Living in a rural area sometimes means putting up with chainsaws, logging trucks early in the morning or a neighbor shooting a gun, she said.

As to this event, which she described as an "amazing art festival," she said, "It's three days out of the year. This isn't something we do every weekend."

Event organizers could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Hartwein said participants pitched tents in neighbors' yards or blocked driveways.

She said she awoke Saturday morning and found a tent in her driveway. Hartwein said she tried to tell the people to move away.

"They were so crazy they couldn't talk to you," she said, adding they appeared to be on drugs.

Commissioner C.W. Smith told Hartwein that he would contact the Oregon Liquor Control Commission to see if there have been any violations. Adam Hanor said the inn has the necessary permits to sell alcohol.

Sheriff's deputies told neighbors that the county doesn't have a noise ordinance, but Smith said there is a law against disorderly conduct, which he thought might apply in this situation.

Sheriff Mike Winters said prosecuting someone for disorderly conduct would require enough evidence to stand up in a court of law. In addition, deputies have to amass enough evidence so the district attorney will want to prosecute it.

Winters has been urging county commissioners to pass a noise ordinance, which would allow him to cite those who violate it.

"There needs to be a county noise ordinance to put some teeth into this," he said.

Neighbors living nearby had difficulty sleeping during the event, they said.

Neighbor Bill Buck said the bass notes in the music could be heard at his property, about a quarter-mile down the road. "I don't have anything against them partying up there, but it's too late," he said.

After a sleepless night of loud music, Buck said, "I went up there and yelled at them the next day."

Buck said one of his friends and a neighbor who went to the event told him there were drugs available. "It was mostly flower children," said Buck.

Another neighbor, Gordon Wolfe, said he wasn't as concerned about what was going on at the event, but he was disturbed by the noise.

"I'm not into the dope-smoking, way-out music," said Wolfe, adding the participants were "camped out all over the place."

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or dmann@mailtribune.com.