Berkley Days to implement new security protocols following 2023 fights

BERKLEY — After fights broke out at last year’s Berkley Days festival, organizers will be upping the security for this year’s event.

Berkley Days will be returning May 9-12 at the Berkley Community Center, 2400 Robina Ave. The fights caused the 100th edition of the festival to shut down early.

“A record number of attendees, not all with good intentions, compelled us to abruptly shut down the fair and seek refuge in our homes. For a long time, we held the presumption that Berkley was immune to such negative experiences. Yet last year taught us a sobering lesson: anything can happen anywhere at any time to anyone without warning,” Berkley Days Committee Chair Denise Downen said while speaking at the Berkley City Council’s Feb. 5 meeting.

Downen discussed a new comprehensive security plan for the 101st Berkley Days festival, which involves the installation of a secure perimeter fence with designated entry and exit points. Organizers also will be introducing a nominal fee to access the fairgrounds.

“We are committed to having a robust security presence featuring private security personnel and collaborating closely with our local law enforcement,” she said. “This combined effort is aimed at fostering a better crowd control, enhancing overall safety and creating an environment (where) everyone can enjoy the event without fear.

“Our decision to charge an admission fee is not just a financial consideration, but a strategic move to deter individuals with ill intentions from attending. By implementing these measures, we hope to reclaim a sense of security and community that defines Berkley. Berkley Days isn’t just an event, it’s a jubilant celebration that weaves together the threads of history, community bond and giving back,” she continued.

At last year’s festival, on Saturday, May 13, more than a dozen fights broke out across the fairgrounds that forced not only Berkley Days to close that day, but canceled the last day of the event that was supposed to occur the following day.

“Normally, it’s a very quiet weekend,” Berkley Public Safety Detective Lt. Andrew Hadfield said. “Everybody has a great time. We’ve enjoyed that peace and quiet of the Berkley community for a long time. Last year changed a little bit with social media, where some groups had posted it and drew the attention of kids from out of the area. Specifically, a lot of the juveniles that we were dealing with were not from the area. They were driving over 30 minutes away, they weren’t buying ride tickets, and in speaking with them after the incident, they were basically coming there to fight other people that they had had issues with.”

In his 20 years of work, Hadfield said, he had never seen anything like what happened on that night.

“Obviously, it wasn’t something that directly affected Berkley Days or anything to do with Berkley Days; it was just the venue and where they decided to cause their problems,” he said. “Most of them were either having previous issues with someone else and just wanting to settle it there or were just trying to cause a scene intentionally. And so our goal is just to make sure that any type of incidents like that are handled … right away.”

“We’ve spoken with the Berkley Days committee and are working towards the extra security measures that they’re putting in place in regards to fencing and additional security personnel, as well as looking at our personnel that will be there, responding and available during the weekend,” Hadfield said.

Downen also said that there will be a no-bag policy for the event, though diaper bags and purses will be permitted. Backpacks and masks will not be allowed at the festival.

“These proposed changes represent a collective commitment to the safety and well-being of our community,” she said. “We seek your support and understanding as we embark on this journey to make our event secure, enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons. Together we can ensure that Berkley continues to be a place where celebration and community thrive.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the event with support for the security changes, with Council member Dennis Hennen stating that while no event is going to be risk-free, he believes the balance of security here is reasonable.

“I’m very satisfied and feel very secure with this going forward, and very pleased,” he said. “I know you guys worked very hard to make this happen, and I really appreciate the effort that you put in, in bringing this to us and that we can continue to have the Berkley Days in our city.”