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Update: Diligent security is about safety, Feast Fest responds

Letter writer says invasive security checks add to an event that wasn't really meant for families
fast-food
Reader Ed DeVries said he isn't impressed with the recent Feast Fest in Bell Park. (Supplied)

In response to: Letter: Reader no longer has appetite for Feast Fest

We’re very sorry you felt this way.

Our No. 1 concern is for the safety of patrons, next is the adherence to city bylaws, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regulations and emergency services.  

To ensure the absolute safety of our patrons, we invest in the highest profession of security available within Sudbury, which includes bag searches and pat downs being mandatory for all licenced events.  

These searches include the exclusion of any outside food or beverages being permitted on the event grounds.  There is no other or better way to ensure that additional alcohol and/or illegal substances do not enter the event grounds.  

Unfortunately, no one can be exempt from this standard search in order to ensure that our grounds are clear from illegal substances or alcohol consumption, which we would otherwise have no control over.

As every event is different in nature, it’s always best for patrons to visit an events official website for information on items that are and are not permitted on the event grounds. For this particular event, those listed items are available at www.feastfest.ca/fast-facts.

We look forward to enhancing the event for 2018 and bringing Sudbury the highest quality of food service, entertainment and safety.

Warm regards,

Paul Fairley
Festival Partner
 

Original letter:

My partner and I attended the Feast Fest event at Bell Park. At the entrance we were told we could not have our lawn chairs and should either leave them there or we could be refused entry. 

The security that was hired for the event performed very invasive security checks preventing people from bringing in personal items drinking bottles backpacks, etc.

Security staff were dressed like swat team members complete with utility belts, non-lethal weapons and pepper spray.*

Is this really necessary at a family event during the day? I was quite insulted by the intrusive manner that people were being handled by security. 

Many that were turned away because they had unauthorized items, I'm certain will not return. 

We stayed a short time and left early because of the oppressive atmosphere of this event. It was advertised as a food festival when there was representation from MMA fighters, Wilson golf clubs, lots of beer, hotdogs and some poutine. 

If this is a representation of what is to come with concerts at Bell Park, I will not be attending. 

I go to the park to relax, be entertained and certainly not to be invasively searched by swat-team-type security. 

Ed DeVries 
Sudbury

*Clarification: Sarah Burant of Maximum Security, the firm contracted to provide services at the Feast Fest event, clarified that employees of the firm do carry a utility belt, but they do not carry pepper spray.