Sturgis North has found a replacement for the Moore property.
Chief Judy Wilson of the Neskonlith Band confirms that band land on 50th Street NW will be the venue for the main music stage for the Sturgis North Motorcycle Rally and Music Festival to be held July 13 to 17.
“Our Salmon Arm reserve community members have held meetings since early January to discuss issues and concerns in regard to the proposed Sturgis North event, and the members agreed last week for (band) council to move forward on this initiative and to work jointly with event organizers to detail safety plans, traffic plans, insurance coverage, etcetera,” Wilson stated in a press release.
She pointed out the event site is located on the upper bench reserve lands, and an environmental assessment is to be conducted to ensure there are no long-term impacts. She said Sturgis North has willingly complied with all Neskonlith Band requests.
Band councillor Tammy Thomas added: “Early involvement of the band was key; the organizers provided information we requested and provided access to their lawyers and key committees for any concerns we had.”
One of the features of the pilot partnership will be a cultural village on the grounds entitled, Salute to the Secwepemc, to educate and promote Secwepemc Nation’s history and culture.
“Both Sturgis North and the Neskonlith Band believe this partnership will be a long- term relationship, and adding the Secwepemc Village provides the band an opportunity for storytelling, drumming, a First Nations market, and various other interesting and educational attractions for the visitors...,” states the press release. “It is anticipated this will generate revenues for both band members and community organizations.”
Sturgis site manager Steve Hammer said the 29 acres of Neskonlith land, which he describes as the old CKXR tower land, will also accommodate the main music stage with the headliner bands, refreshments, food and vendors.
Regarding camping, he said: “At this point we’ve capped the camping that we were selling on our website until we do the final layouts and see what we actually have left. We’re pursuing other camping areas and a lot of people are providing private campgrounds so it won’t be a problem for people coming to town.”
He said Sturgis will be submitting an application to the Agricultural Land Commission this week for two properties near the fairgrounds, in order to use them for camping. One is the same property on 10th Avenue SW the Roots and Blues Festival uses for camping. If approved by the ALC, Sturgis would have to apply to the city for a temporary use permit.
Hammer said shuttle buses are still planned to take festivalgoers from the fairgrounds to the main stage site. He said organizers might go back to the original plan of having everything shut down at the fairgrounds by 9 each night.
The new site, although smaller than the Moore property, is easier to deal with as a site organizer, said Hammer.
“Potable water being the big one,” he said, explaining that Sturgis is discussing with the city getting access to a city water line that goes by the entire property.
Asked if he has concerns about traffic on the highway, he said no more than with the Moore property.
“We’ll be talking with Dee’s Highway Control and see what she can arrange for us.”
Band Coun. Rock Denault underscored that the Neskonlith Band will be involved at the planning level to provide direct input on safety, traffic and other issues.
“We were respectfully engaged and involved in the overall process – that made all the difference in this initiative and that will ensure its success.”
Band coun. Joan Manuel added: “It’s a great opportunity and joint business venture for our community and surrounding areas. True engagement at all levels and collaborative planning will make it a safe, enjoyable, successful event for our communities and the public in attendance.”