The OPP had much to celebrate this weekend–despite huge crowds and alcohol, they had only two incidents to report.
“For the size of the crowd and the amount of people who attended the bass championship and the other events, I feel it went very smoothly,” said Cst. Cameron Howard of the Fort Frances O.P.P.
Organizers gave rough estimates of the crowds ranging from 1,000 to more than 2,000 people over the course of the event, depending on what show was on. (Evening entertainment averaged about 1,700 people, while daytime activities and weigh-ins could go as high as 2,300.)
On Friday, July 28, a 45-year-old man was arrested at the Sorting Gap Marina. Police found him with marijuana and charged him for possession. He is scheduled to appear in a Fort Frances court on Aug. 28.
Two days later, on Sunday, July 30, officers were attempting to arrest three intoxicated men after a disturbance at the Sorting Gap Marina. Over the course of the arrest, a 30-year-old man was charged with assaulting a police officer.
The Thunder Bay man is also scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 28.
Three officers were on duty during the day, and three at night. In addition, tournament directors hired another six for Friday and Saturday nights as a precaution.
“It went well,” Cst.. Howard repeated. “It was well-organized, and of course there were a few people, but that happens.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
