Berkley City to Consider Banning Carnivals Due to Safety Concerns
In Berkley, a tradition dating back almost a century could be coming to an unexpected end. The city council is contemplating a ban on all carnivals following a series of fights that have marred the long-standing event, Berkley Days. This development comes in response to escalating incidents of violence in the last two years that caused panic among families and put undue pressure on local police resources.
Berkley Days, an annual event with a rich 98-year history, faced serious challenges in recent years. Rows amongst teenagers disrupted the festival, leading to early shutdown on Saturday night and three arrests near the festival grounds. The sharp increase in violence has disappointed and concerned event organizers.
Lesley Robbins, Co-chair of the Berkley Days Association, expressed his disappointment,” With all the hard work we put into this thing, having such incidents happen is really disheartening.”
A significant increase in security arrangements, with added fencing and security entrance checkpoints, did not prevent incidents from repeating. Chaos and fighting at the 2023 event led to a substantial hike in security measures. Yet, similar incidents recurred in the following year’s event.
In the past, the Berkley Public Safety department would dedicate two to four officers to oversee the event’s security. Due to the escalating violence, the department had to deploy 41 officers, with additional support from neighboring communities, resulting in a staggering one-day cost of over $13,000.
To combat these escalating challenges, a proposal for a city-wide ban on all carnivals is now being discussed in the Berkley City Council. While this could effectively kill Berkley Days short of its 98th anniversary, many community members and local residents express sadness and concern over the potential ban.
Despite the challenges and potential risks associated with hosting the event in its current form, several parents and community members have expressed their desire for the event to continue. Their voices reflect the significance the event holds for the community, both as a cherished tradition and a boost for the local economy.
The Berkley City Council will meet next Monday at 7 p.m. to discuss potential next steps for Berkley Days and manage these alarming trends plaguing community events.
