‘Helps to keep everybody safe’: Beachburg Fair increases security following late-night issues

A security sign at the Beachburg Fair in Beachburg, Ontario. Organized have increased security measures this year following late-night incidents in previous years. (Kimberley Johnson/CTV News Ottawa)

The Beachburg Fair has been an institution in Beachburg, Ont. for 170 years.

However, the historic fair is running into some modern problems after some late-night issues in previous years forced organizers to increase security protocols in and around the Beachburg Fairgrounds.

Watching her grandkids ride the merry-go-round every year is something Tammy Laverdure loves about the annual fair.

“Oh, there’s always so much entertainment for the kids,” Laverdure says. “They just love it. As soon as you mention the Beachburg Fair, they’re all excited.”

The small-town event is a celebration of agriculture in the rural community. It includes a midway and a ‘Discovery Barn,’ where kids can meet animals during the day.

There are also entertainment and events in the evening, which President Brenna Jansen says is seeing increased security measures after alcohol-related incidents last year. Jansen says it included an assault on the fairground’s property.

“It’s very serious,” Jansen told CTV News Ottawa. “We know of the issues and that’s why this year we have worked very closely with the OPP and security teams.”

She says those measures include an increased police and security presence on site, as well as more patrolling in the surrounding communities.

Live entertainment and the bar will wrap up earlier than in previous years and serving limits have been changed. She also says shuttle buses are now offered.

While Jansen could not give a total cost for the added security measures, she said the budget is three times greater than in previous years.

“This is an event for our community, and that’s our priority is community and safety. And we’re going to do everything we can to ensure that our community is respected.”

Attendees like Lindsay Neifer say they appreciate the response.

“I think, honestly, it’s a better option because I know that there has been issues in the past. And just like increasing security helps to keep everybody safe.”

Still, some residents report disturbances near homes around the grounds. Kaylee Baulne welcomes the changes but would like to see more.

“I think what they need is to expand their security to the streets,” she says. “There are people that live closer to the fair on the other streets, and they’re like old people that they don’t deserve to have to get woken up to the screaming or to the fighting or to anything like that.”

The four-day event runs until Sunday, with many attendees focusing on the positives.

“I’m excited to be here. I wasn’t here last year, so we’re excited to be back,” says Brianna O’Brien.

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