The 2019 LaSalle Strawberry Festival is moving.
Council has approved it to be temporarily relocated from Gil Maure Park to the Vollmer Complex because of flooding at the park.
"This is the best option for this year. Safety is always the number one concern for the Town of LaSalle," Deputy Mayor Crystal Meloche said during the Thursday meeting.
The record high water level of the Detroit River and the ground saturation from recent rains have flooded Gil Maure Park and the parking lots, boat launch, properties along Front Road and areas at the end of Laurier Drive. Town administration said catch-basins overflowed and the puddling of water in the parking lots and in the park will make the setup and operation of the festival very difficult and unsafe.
"We have received solid information from the emergency planning side, and we can expect high water levels to continue into July," said LaSalle Fire Chief Dave Sutton. "If there is a flooding event that weekend, the high water levels are not likely to improve over the duration of the festival."
The event runs from June 6-9 and features a carnival, fireworks, a parade, entertainment and of course local strawberries.
"Administration has met and devised a plan and will continue to evaluate criteria for safety and logistics," said Julie Columbus, director of culture and recreation. "Final details are being explored and staff will ensure all logistical components will be coordinated appropriately."
Work is underway on the electrical options, water for vendors, portable toilet locations, off-site parking, shuttles and LaSalle Transit routes, fencing, entry gates, signage, location of fireworks and emergency plans.