By Mark Wineka
mwineka@salisburypost.com
The traditional week of activities connected to J.C. Price American Legion Post 107’s celebration of Memorial Day will have a bolstered security plan this year.
Salisbury City Council approved Tuesday the security plan and a temporary permit for the post to have its carnival.
But council also gave Police Chief Mark Wilhelm the authority to shut down the carnival if things ever get out of hand, as they apparently did last year.
Mayor Susan Kluttz said a citizen filed a complaint in 2008 after the Memorial Day events, and it prompted “a thorough investigation” by Wilhelm’s department.
The police chief reported his findings in closed session, the mayor said, adding the council was “alarmed by some of the events that took place.”
As as result of the investigation, Kluttz said, she asked that a formal security plan be submitted before any temporary permit was approved this year.
Kluttz said she knew “this carnival is a treasured community tradition,” and she would not want to see it end because of the actions of a few people.
Wilhelm met with J.C. Price Post officials Monday, and the two parties developed some security guidelines for May 25-31, when the various activities take will place on the post grounds.
In the past, the post hired two security officers to supplement four provided by the carnival operators.
This year, Wilhelm said, he will assign five additional officers who will work the whole week at the events.
“We were understaffed last year,” Wilhelm said.
Alcohol sales will be contained to one building, Wilhelm said. People will be scanned for weapons as they enter the building, and no alcohol will be allowed to leave the premises.
The first two days of the weeklong celebration, a Monday and Tuesday, will include a gospel-singing event from 6:30-9:30 p.m. From Wednesday to Saturday, the officers will be needed from 6 p.m.-2 a.m.; on Sunday, from 1-11 p.m.
Commander Mae Carroll of Post 107 said J.C. Price American Legion has been part of the community since 1921, and its annual Memorial Day week of celebration has been going on for generations to honor the memories of those who gave their lives for the country.
Over the years, the festivities have helped support activities for at-risk youth and the community at large, she said. Carroll called this year’s security plan “comprehensive.”
Councilman William “Pete” Kennedy said he attended the carnival as a young man and has taken his own children and grandchildren.
“This is a lifetime event for me,” he said.
Kluttz said she liked that the city had an official plan in place and that the post was taking ownership of it.
“Let’s give it a run and see how it works out for us,” Kluttz said.
Mayor Pro Tem Paul Woodson said he liked the continuity of having the same officers on site every night.
Councilman Bill Burgin questioned why alcohol was being served on the site and said he couldn’t see the connection between that and a carnival meant mainly for children.
“Is that a necessary component?” Burgin asked of the alcohol, and would people be allowed to take alcohol to the carnival?
“I don’t know about last year,” Wilhelm said. “They won’t be doing it this year.”
Carroll said the post building where the alcohol will be served is removed from the carnival grounds. She and Wilhelm described it as two events on one property.
The place where alcohol will be available holds up to 360 people and will have three security officers and two police officers, Carroll said.
Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263.