K-Days organizers detailed security measures at the festival after videos of “physical altercations” appeared online again this year.
“Explore Edmonton and K-Days are committed to the safety and security of all guests above all else,” a Wednesday news release read. “While there have been a statistically small number of safety and security incidents, anything above zero incidents is unacceptable to us and we will continue to work hard on our safety measures.”
Videos shared on Twitter show fights breaking out among patrons (and one between employees of a vendor). CTV reported that Edmonton police charged a 18-year-old man after bear spray was discharged on the grounds.
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Organizers said in the release there is a “significant” Edmonton Police Service presence and trained paramedics on the grounds each day, plus private security on-site or monitoring around the clock. They’re co-ordinated through an incident command centre, where law enforcement and security can liaise with event managers on the response to “any security issues or threats.”
There’s also CCTV video surveillance, metal detector screening and physical searches of guests at the gates by officials looking for “alcohol, weapons and other illegal substances or dangerous devices.”
There’s a “zero tolerance for weapons and other dangerous devices of any type,” according to the announcement.
This may sound obvious, but weapons are not allowed: no admission with firearms, explosives, stun guns, handcuffs, clubs, batons, martial arts instruments, knives, tools or laser pointers.
Other banned items include things that appear to be weapons or could be used as weapons, air horns, bikes, scooters and roller blades, drones, pets other than service dogs, fireworks, spray paint or markers that could be used to tag things, gang colours and unauthorized advertising.
Security also retains the right to determine if any other item is a safety risk to fairgoers, according to the K-Days website.
“We look forward to continuing to welcome all guests to enjoy a fun, exciting and safe atmosphere at K-Days for the duration of the event.”
Around 70,000 people pass through the gates each day at K-Days, according to the release. Available on the festival’s website Saturday’s lineup includes a concert from Ontario country act James Barker Band and Doc Walker.
