Innkeeper told not to use 'Alienstock' as name of event
LAS VEGAS (AP) — An innkeeper who expects an unknown number of campers to be attracted to her tiny Nevada desert town by a "Storm Area 51" internet hoax has been sent a cease-and-desist order over her use of the name "Alienstock."
Attorneys for Matty Roberts and associates, who broke ties this week with Little A'Le'Inn owner Connie West, said they told West on Thursday to cancel events scheduled Sept. 19-22.
West didn't immediately respond Friday to telephone and email messages.
However, she vowed Tuesday, after Roberts withdrew his support for "Alienstock" at her property, that she would go forward with about 20 musical acts on a stage she planned to have erected near vendors and merchandise.
"I'm still doing the festival with the 'Alienstock' name on it," West said. "I'll just worry about the legalities later."
Roberts, meanwhile, announced plans to appear Sept. 19 at an "Alienstock" party at a downtown Las Vegas venue just blocks from where the annual Life is Beautiful music and art festival begins the following night.
His attorneys, Matthew Callister and Mitchell Bisson, told West she has to stop selling camping tickets, take down her alienstockparking.com website, and quit referring to Alienstock.
"You did not provide my clients with any detail or explanation as to how Rachel, NV could support or withstand the influx of people expected," the letter said. "You are no longer affiliated with Alienstock."
Roberts, 20, of Bakersfield, California, created an internet sensation with a Facebook post suggesting people rush the gates of the remote, patrolled and protected Area 51 Air Force military research and test base.
The site has long drawn fascination about extraterrestrial life, UFOs and conspiracy theories.
The U.S. Air Force responded with warnings for people not to try to enter secure areas. Local and state authorities have said people will be arrested if they do.
On Tuesday, two men from the Netherlands were arrested on suspicion of trespassing at a U.S. government reservation where the military conducted bomb tests until 1992.
Deputies said the men told them they wanted to gather and post internet video of Area 51, which is at least 20 miles away.
Roberts' attorneys on Thursday also demanded from West a list of people who they say bought 2,400 camping tickets.
West, who was still clearing desert sites this week for campers, has said she'd allow up to eight people per site, raising fears that more than 19,000 people might overwhelm the remote town of about 50 permanent residents.
The events in Rachel and Las Vegas are not connected with festivities hosted by the owner of an alien-themed business in another tiny Nevada town, Hiko.
"This event is on," Alien Research Center owner George Harris said Friday of his "Area 51 Basecamp" plan.
Hiko is about a 45-minute drive from Rachel. Both are more than 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Las Vegas.
Harris said he expects at least 4,500 ticket-buyers for his Sept. 20 and 21 festival featuring 60 food trucks and vendors, eight live bands during the day, and speakers and movies after dark.
"This event is a cultural event," Harris said.
