The organizer of Supercrawl says the goal is to be prepared for anything that could happen.
Tim Potocic confirms some new security measures are in place for this weekend’s festival on James Street North, including water filled traffic barriers at key pedestrian entry points.
He says it’s a response to a new global trend that sees terrorists using vehicles as weapons, adding that we don’t live in a bubble and are taking the precautions that we feel are necessary without creating a police state.
James Street North is closed to automobile traffic for eight blocks from King Street towards the waterfront.
Scheduled programming for the event includes big band headliners, Sam Roberts, The Sheepdogs and Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.
Visitors can also expect murals, interactive installations and theatrical performances peppered along James Street North and surrounding area.
Potocic says providing the opportunity for discovery is what builds excitement every year.
In 2016, Supercrawl attracted about 200,000 visitors over three days.
Supercrawl runs until Sunday.
To safely accommodate people attending the 2017 festival, the City of Hamilton will close the following streets from Sept. 7 to 11, 2017:
- From 1 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, to 5 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, James Street North between King Street and Strachan Street; and
- From 1 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 8 to 1 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, York Boulevard between Bay Street and Hughson Street.
HSR routes 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 20 will be on detour throughout the closure.