CAVE-IN-ROCK - While thousands of Insane Clown Posse fans are expected to flood a small community in Hardin County for the band's annual "Gathering" that starts today, state and local law enforcement agencies said an enforcement plan is in place.

"The Gathering," a four-day festival hosted by the Insane Clown Posse and its record label, runs through Sunday at a privately owned venue near Cave-In-Rock. According to the 2000 census, Cave-In-Rock has a population of less than 400.

Festival plans have stirred some controversy as a handful of residents and church leaders have voiced concerns over the band's lyrics and rowdy reputation. Illinois State Police Capt. Harry Masse, District 22 commander, said law enforcement officials have one concern - safety.

"We are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best," Masse said at a meeting last month. State Police troopers and deputies from surrounding counties will be assisting the Hardin County Sheriff's Office, which consists of five deputies and Sheriff Tom Seiner. Seiner said he has applied for a state grant to pay for the additional deputies' time.

Seiner said he has been planning for the event for more than a month and has talked with law enforcement officials across the nation to set up an enforcement plan. He said he took advice from the sheriff of Licking County, Ohio, where "The Gathering" took place last year.

Ten deputies will be working the area around the clock, Seiner said, adding that from what he has heard, "the event has been pretty tame" in the past five or six years. A camper also will be set up in the area to serve as a command post for police.

Seiner said officers from the USDA Forest Service and Illinois conservation police will be on hand to police areas outside the festival.

Marc Beginin, ICP's lawyer, said the event promoter hired a private company from Ohio to provide security within the venue. He said "85 to 100 experienced security personnel" from Tenable Protective Services will be on site each day.

Tenable Protective Services provides security to the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns stadiums, Beginin said, adding that the company has worked security for past "Gatherings." Representatives from the company did not return phone calls requesting comment Wednesday.

Besides the concern of patrolling thousands of concert-goers, Seiner said residents and attendants should use extra caution when using the county's rural roads. He said the road to the venue is not very wide and will be heavily traveled this weekend.

With the near-100-degree heat that is expected to stick around Southern Illinois for the rest of the week, Seiner and Masse expressed concern for the health of those attending the event.

Seiner said the extreme heat can lead to dehydration, especially when alcohol is a factor. He said one ambulance will be set up within the festival grounds and two ambulances are available through the county.

Beginin, who said safety is the primary concern for the festival, said medical services will be available within the venue 24 hours a day.

bethany.krajelis@thesouthern.com / 351-5816@thesouthern.com / 351-5816