Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS A man monitoring the entrance to the tent revival gathering in New Ipswich speaks with the driver of an Indiana-registered vehicle on Saturday. The turnout has been smaller than expected.

NEW IPSWICH – A controversial gathering of people for revival in New Ipswich was expected, motivating the state of New Hampshire to pass a mandatory mask rule for gatherings of 100 or more.

On Saturday, all the infrastructure was set up but not many people arrived. Large tents were set up, and security prevented media from going on the property. A few cars arrived, mostly from outside of New England. The parking area had 22 cars and one large RV visible on the expansive area for parking.

A neighbor who has been monitoring the situation said Friday night approximately 70 cars showed up for a loud outside revival that was over by 10 p.m., which is when the town noise ordinance goes in effect.