(HURON COUNTY, ON) - Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind Bean Festival Cruise Night participants and spectators to comply with all laws and regulations in an attempt to make tonight's event safe and enjoyable for everyone.
As part of the 53rd Annual Zurich Bean Festival large numbers of car enthusiasts and spectators are expected to turn out for the Bean Fest. Cruise Night starts at 7:00 p.m. and is followed by a Fireworks display at dusk. As in previous years, cars will be travelling through the towns of Hensall, Exeter, Crediton and Dashwood before returning back to Zurich where they initially started.
The majority of Cruise Night participants and spectators are safety conscious and law abiding. However in previous years Huron County OPP officers have had to take enforcement action, when a very small number of participants used this event as a licence to operate their motor vehicles well above the posted speed limit, and in a dangerous manner. With streets lined with pedestrians and spectators, vehicles have been seen "fishtailing" and performing "burnouts". Spectators and bystanders have also been observed contravening the Liquor Licence Act, by consuming alcohol on sidewalks and streets.
All participants, whether drivers or spectators, are reminded that Huron County OPP will be monitoring tonight's event closely. Expect "zero tolerance" when it comes to those that choose to partake in illegal and dangerous activities at this family friendly event.
In addition to the regular weekend summer compliment of officers, additional officers from the OPP West Region Highway Safety Division (HSD) will be assisting Huron OPP with their efforts. Additional emphasis will also be placed on Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) checkpoints in targeted locations.
Huron County OPP encourages all participants and spectators to stay alert, stay safe, obey the laws and enjoy the 53rd Annual Zurich Bean Festival "Cruise Night".