An Ontario Town Is Worried About Thousands Showing Up To A Party This Weekend
A massive annual gathering in Norfolk County, Ontario, is still set to happen this weekend, despite police and Premier Doug Ford urging otherwise.
The annual "Pottahawk Pissup" is held on the second Sunday of July every year at Pottahawk Island on Lake Erie, not far south of Simcoe.
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I can guarantee right now that you are going to see an increased police presence not only on the water, but off the water. For the enthusiasts coming to Pottahawk Point this weekend, we’re just asking them to use some common sense.
Ontario Provincial Police Const. Ed Sanchuk
The "pissup," which presumably involves a lot of booze, normally sees thousands of people grouping together to frolic in the lake and on the island. Referred to as "North America’s biggest boat party," it's hosted up to 10,000 people in past years.
Right now, officials say that's an extremely unwise idea, what with the global pandemic and all. They're also reportedly extremely concerned about people sneaking in from the U.S. to attend.
On Friday during his media briefing, Ford said he's "just not in favour" of the event going ahead, but he added that the "golden rule" is ensuring proper social distancing if people do attend. Photos of past years' events suggest that may be hard to enforce.