In summary from our discussion at today's council meeting:
- this event last year attracted enough hooliganism to cause serious issues in Kelowna
- I have nothing against the organizers of the event, I just think this particular event has become troublesome
- I don't want to risk having the same serious issues happening in Kamloops, especially since there is a whole host of events we can choose from at this time, given our very good reputation as a host community
- and given we seem to have events already established that have broad appeal and which don't come with problems attached.
- we need to balance event attraction with possible impacts
Whether or not the PTB decide to host Wakefest or not, it would make an interesting study that might help with other events.
Posted by: Darryl Schmidt | February 15, 2008 at 11:10 PM
I think WakeFest Should be given a possible 2nd chance. I think if there was a limit on the number of tickets sold it could impact the level of problems caused. I also think if the company agreed to pay for extra policing costs to sustain the event it would be fine. It would be another event Kamloops could enjoy economic spinoffs.. and also have organizers consider Kamloops for other events when attempts in Kelowna fail..
Posted by: ben cloutier | February 18, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Kamloops would be a great place for wakefest, kamloops was one of the favorite stops on the wswbc wakeboard tour! one of the problems in kelowna the wakeboarding did suck, even if u were a wakeboard fan u didnt watch because nobody rides good on ruff water! on the river the waters always butter!!! and people will accually watch the pros ride.
Posted by: ..... | February 19, 2008 at 06:06 PM
I think kamloops would be crazy to turn down wakefest without giving it a chance. This event would Kamloops on a world wide stage. Thia tour is very well covered on Tv and in mags.
Posted by: Scott | February 20, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Kamloops would be stupid to have wakefest its just a bunch of drunk fucks
Posted by: cheif | February 23, 2008 at 08:57 AM
you are a silly uninformed man scott. wakefest is an awsome time and generates huge profits for the community lucky enough to host it. obviously there is drinking done at wakefest, but if controled properly by police and event coordinators it does not pose a problem. kamloops should strongly consider hosting this awsome event.
Posted by: andy | February 27, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Disgusting... The city has been screwing around with this proposal since November only to have it dragged through our typical backward thinking city council and city admin.
Penticton votes tommorrow and it appears that it will pass... hats off to another missed opportunity
Posted by: Kent | March 12, 2008 at 09:24 PM
scott, you must be some sort of loner who just sit's at home and just watches tv and read the newspaper.. I think you need to get out more! Kamloops has been my home for the past 4 years and has been moving slowly to improve it's image the last few year's. This event will not just bring a big spinoff but also world exposure! I really hope kamloops gets the event as it would be another milestone for the city! WAKEFEST OR BUST!
Posted by: Robert | April 02, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Joe Danger says yes to Wakefest in Kamloops. What a great chance for Kamloops. Come-on Kamloops look outside the Box a little , take a change
Posted by: Joe Danger | April 07, 2008 at 10:53 AM