The weather cooperated for the most part, although it was cooler than many JulyFests in the past. But people smiled through the odd rain shower and kept on festing.
There was a palpable energy in town that only JulyFest brings — beginning on Friday afternoon and carrying right through until after the Longboard Race on Sunday.
Cpl. Chris Newel of the Kimberley RCMP is pleased to report that police had few problems this weekend, with the overwhelming majority of JulyFesters behaving themselves.
With a large influx of people, many consuming alcohol, police take extra precautions to ensure everybody has a safe enjoyable weekend, Newel says.
“Police did face a number of people consuming alcohol in public and some noise complaints, but there were no assaults or other crimes reported,” he said. “There was one 90-Immediate Roadside Prohibition issued, there was three drug seizures, four subjects were arrested and held in custody for a period of time, and several violation tickets for Consume Alcohol in Public or Minor in Possession of Alcohol. Police attended a few noisy parties but not as many as previous years.”
Newel says the local detachment would like to recognize the efforts of the organizers Darren Shaben and Chamber Manager Mike Guarnery, as well as Mountain Eagle Security and all the volunteers for putting on a great event while maintaining the safety of the participants and spectators.
“Hats off to the participants, organizers, businesses, volunteers and residents of Kimberley for a successful 2016 Julyfest,” he said.