"We assured the city was that we would make sure that what we did was tasteful and it would be family friendly," explained Garfield.
City Council is in discussions to regulate suspensions within the Springfield limits. Click here to read more on suspensions.
"It is an art of choice, and it is something that people choose to do on their own. You shouldn't necessarily be forced to see it if you don't want to see it. But a lot of people really enjoy the art of it," said Garfield.
Festival organizers set up a bounce house to entertain and distract children from shows parents were wary of. Also, members of the Springfield Police attended every burlesque show to ensure nothing "inappropriate" was displayed.
"A lot of the art that's hanging around on the walls in here has tape on it. For whatever reason, the city doesn't like exposed flesh. And a lot of our artists paint naked bodies and they paint things like that," detailed Garfield. "So we had to go through and tape up things so the city was happy with what was on display."
The Immersed in Ink Tattoo and Arts Festival has traveled the country over the last seven years. Organizers said the convention typically brings between $100,000 and $200,000 to the local economy. About 100 artists travel with the show and patronize area businesses during the 3-day event.
"I like Springfield. People are nice. People are nice. They tip really well here," said artist Vinnie Hott Dogg. "What's really cool about it, when you do a really cool tattoo and they get up and you know they are done. And they see it for the first time you know completely finished. And they just can't stop smiling. And that's just like awesome. That's what it's about."
Hott Dogg is working on a piece for his friend and fellow artist, Jason Rainbolt. The portrait is of Douglas Adams, the author of 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.'
"The best way, I always describe it to people, as it's kind of like having a conversation with someone that you have absolutely no interest in whatsoever," explained Rainbolt as he was getting his arm tattooed. "That's about, that describes the feeling of getting a tattoo."
While Rainbolt has many tattoos, Ally Mitchell only has one.
"It's for my grandmother. She died on Christmas Eve three years ago," explained Mitchell with tears in her eyes. "I just think of how much love I have in my heart and just how amazing she was. And who I am today is because of her."
Many at the festival understand the initial shock of the counterculture events, especially to people unfamiliar with alternative art. However they hope the public won't judge a book by it's cover. Or a person by their tattoo.
"Body art and tattooing has become very mainstream over the years. Some people just need to look outside of the box and realize it doesn't make you a bad person," said Garfield. "And just because somebody's tattooed doesn't mean that they are stupid. It doesn't mean that they are not intelligent. It doesn't mean that they are ignorant. It just means that they've chosen to live a different lifestyle. And it's okay."
To see more about the tour dates of the festival, click here.
"Tattoos to me signify hope," agreed Mitchell. "If I can go through the pain of getting a tattoo on my spine, I can go through anything."
Springfield is the only city that forced festival organizers to make last minute changes before the doors opened. Due to the holdups, people who work at the festival said they are unsure if they will return back to the Ozarks next year.
