Boonstock open house

Photo: Contributed

Boonstock production and society representatives are planning to give a presentation at a forum at the Penticton Chamber of Commerce on July 8.

The forum had originally been planned for this month, but was rescheduled to the later date.

"The idea is to share with interested parties some of the details of our venue, entertainment, motor traffic, public safety and medical hygiene plans and encourage broader, deeper participation from the business community," said Mark Ziebarth, chairman of the Boonstock Entertainment and Arts Society.

Included in their information is that organizers, working very closely with the Penticton Indian Band, the local RCMP detachment  and the Provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Bureau, have invested a tremendous amount of energy and money in grading and preparing the land on which the event will be held.

They have engaged contractors to provide necessary services and met government rules and regulations with respect to safety bonds, ratios of security personnel on hand and emergency services and access, said Ziebarth.

The public will be invited to ask questions regarding these plans at the forum.

Organizers will further describe a variety of ways in which local businesses and communities can participate in the festival, planned for the August long weekend, to make it a richer experience for patrons.

Business owners/operators will be able to learn more about the service contracts which are available.

Community groups will have opportunities to provide labour in exchange for donations to their organizations.

Okanagan College students behind ENACTUS have already volunteered more than two dozen students to assist with the sale of liquor and other beverage services throughout the entire festival.

ENACTUS students have operated beer and wine concessions at the South Okanagan Events Centre for several years.

Boonstock received an endorsement from the chamber in late May and recently announced its board of directors.

A stakeholders' meeting with others, including the RCMP, was held in early June.

The RCMP said at the time they presented a much improved plan, but they still had a few concerns following the meeting. At the time, organizers had not yet submitted their liquor license application.

The status on the application was not available on Thursday.