AOA is A-OK with Armstrong Spallumcheen Parks and Recreation.
The parks and rec commission has given approval to local organizer Jesse Valstar and his AOA 2011 event, a two-day concert featuring 22 heavy metal bands from B.C.
The event takes place Friday and Saturday at the Hassen Arena.
“Some folks voiced some concerns and asked questions of Jesse during a recent meeting,” explained Armstrong Coun. Kelly Rowe, who, along with Coun. Sully O’Sullivan are council’s representatives on the parks and rec commission.
“Jesse had all the right answers. He’s done everything anyone could expect him to do in preparation of this event.”
Valstar, a bassist with the group Odinfist, assured the commission that the bands will shut down at 10:45 p.m. each night to alleviate noise concerns.
A disc jockey will spin music until midnight.
“Hopefully, this works out well,” said O’Sullivan. “It’s a $4,000 shot in the arm for parks and recreation.”
Valstar told the commission he’s hired a security firm and eight security personnel will cover the arena and IPE grounds throughout the event.
“The RCMP said the security firm he hired is first-class,” said O’Sullivan. “We’ll keep our fingers crossed that everything goes well. The kid organizing this is very level-headed.”
There will be onsite camping for people wishing to attend AOA 2011, and local catering groups will be involved.
A beer garden will also be set up for those 19 and over. Children under 19 will be allowed in the garden as long as they are accompanied by an of-age legal guardian.
