Organizers of Fort Smith’s Fireweed Festival expressed grief and dismay on Saturday after a shooting and subsequent manhunt disrupted the community event.
Witnesses reported multiple people being injured in a shooting outside bar and festival venue Dirty O’Fergie’s at about 2am. Police have ordered residents to shelter in place while a male suspect is sought.
Organizer Melissa Johns told Cabin Radio she was “absolutely devastated” by the overnight events.
In a Saturday morning call, Johns said the festival was essentially on hold while the police operation continues. The shelter in place order and uncertainty mean no firm plan to resume events can be put in place, she said.
“This is not a reflection of Fireweed Festival,” Johns said, adding organizers will issue an update as soon as they are able to develop a plan for the remainder of the weekend.
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The Fireweed Festival is an annual celebration of the community of Fort Smith. This year’s event began on Thursday and was due to run until Sunday evening, with most events happening at downtown venues or Queen Elizabeth Territorial Park.
Johns, speaking initially through tears just after a second RCMP emergency alert arrived on residents’ phones, expressed her distress at the impact of the shooting on the festival and the town.
She thanked the visitors who had arrived from as far as Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray and Yellowknife, and the small team that she said had worked 18-hour days to organize the event.
But in the circumstances, she added, there was no way the festival could safely open the park for families until police had a firm update on the operation to find the shooter.
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“This is so insane,” Johns said.
Police have said more information will be provided when possible.
The town’s Northern and Kaeser’s stores have each said they will not open while a shelter in place order remains in effect, as have a range of other local businesses.
The town’s community and recreation centre is also closed while the police operation continues.
