The third annual Chuckstock music festival offered music, food and good times, but most Eastern students failed to take advantage of the free event.

Saturday’s day-long musical showcase at the Kiwanis Amphitheater boasted, at its peak, a crowd of about 100 people, including students, residents and a few dogs.

Decades, Ryan and Shane, Motherlode, The Amy White Band and Eleven Days were the featured musical acts.

Each band performed for at least an hour despite the muggy weather, and food vendors were on site to provide refreshments for spectators.

“This is seven hours of pure goodness,” Ryan Groff, a senior music composition major, said during his mostly acoustic set with Shane Reichart, a senior industrial technology major.

Groff and Reichart, former members of the band The Last Resorts organized Chuckstock 2002 with the help of Charleston’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Groff said they started Chuckstock three years ago because Charleston didn’t have much of a music scene.

“Students complain about the lack of music in Charleston, yet they don’t come out when we do this,” he said. “It doesn’t make sense.”

For Chuckstock 2002, Groff and his fellow organizers advertised more and booked bigger acts in an effort to attract a larger crowd.

“We have five local groups, and they’re great. We’re going to take advantage of this amphitheater,” Groff said.

Gaye Harrison, a member of Charleston-based band Motherlode, has played every Chuckstock.

“It’s always great fun for musicians to play in a relaxed atmosphere, and it’s nice to be playing in our hometown,” Harrison said.

Eleven Days, the closing band from Shelbyville, also had a good time.

After their set, the small, yet enthusiastic, audience prompted the band to play an encore.

“I really liked Eleven Days,” said Jamie Farrier, Charleston resident. “I think the city should definitely put on more events like this.”

Chris Thompson, senior vocal performance/music major, agreed Chuckstock is a great concept.

“It’s a very good thing, but I wish more people would come,” Thompson said.

Another student, Susie Bue, a junior biology major, thought the musical acts were superb.

“I think the bands here deserve to play bigger venues, ” Bue said. “I hope they’re not insulted by the lack of people, because I know a lot more students would enjoy this.”

Despite the sparse turnout, Groff was not too disappointed, and vowed to continue to sponsor music in Charleston.

“We lost money last year, and it looks like we’re going to lose money this year, but we’re happy to put the effort out,” he said. “These are just the first steps.”