Merritt may be the next location proposed for the Sturgis North Motorcycle Jamboree and Music Festival.
The 2013 Sturgis North jamboree plans for Silvery Beach near Chase won’t be moving forward, according to information supplied to police.
Sgt. Gary Heebner of Chase RCMP told Chase council on April 9 that the event has been cancelled. He said it’s unknown if the jamboree will be located at the same site in 2014, and it’s rumoured organizers might be looking at a venue in Merritt.
Heebner told the Observer that police were informed April 5 by the Neskonlith Indian Band that Sturgis North was being cancelled.
Although neither Chief Judy Wilson of the Neskonlith band nor Joan Hansen, president of Sturgis North, could be reached for comment, Bob Holcombe, manager of the Motoplex Speedway and Event Park in Spallumcheen, which hosted the 2012 event, told the Observer he received an email from Hansen saying the event will be moving to Merritt. He wasn’t sure if she meant this year or next.
He also said he was told organizers were hoping to send out a news release this week concerning future plans for the event.
Matt Noble, chief administrative officer for the City of Merritt, told the Observer last week that the city had received no official overture from Sturgis North.
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District also received word from Chase RCMP that the Silvery Beach event has been cancelled.
Cpl. Mark Skotnicki sent an email April 9 to the CSRD, noting that the organizers have cancelled the jamboree and so restrictions on police officers taking leave during the event could be rescinded.
Brad Handel, owner of Techlectric, one of the businesses owed money from the 2011 motorcycle rally in Salmon Arm, said he doubts any of the local creditors will see payment.