A collaboration between the City of Cranbrook, the Sam Steele Society and Alliance Traffic Group will help make this year’s Sam Steele Days more accessible and much safer.

“The society has been discussing ways to address the growth of Cranbrook’s largest festival for at least a year,” explained Christy Wheeldon, Sam Steele Society Chair.

The city-wide four-day festival, June 16 to 19, is expected to be attended by more than 20,000 with the majority descending into the downtown core early Saturday for the Sam Steele Days parade, the central fairgrounds at Rotary Park and activities on 10th Avenue and Baker Street, presenting challenges with congestion, safety and accessibility.

‘The Sam Steele Express’ will ensure free transportation on all regular routes and times of Cranbrook’s BC Transit buses on Saturday, June 18 to encourage our citizens and visitors to leave their vehicles at home or at their place of lodging.

Free transportation endorsed by MADD Canada will continue to operate in the evening hours on Saturday, June 18, via Star Taxi’s extended van sponsored by Alliance Traffic Group Inc.

East Kootenay area manager Brad Turner expressed on behalf of the fully certified company: “Alliance Traffic Group is very happy to contribute in a valuable way to the Cranbrook community because your safety is our business.”

In addition, their flagging team will control traffic during the parade line up and at specific intersections and crosswalks near Rotary Park.

The Sam Steele Express van will provide safe transportation at all registered sports tournament venues still operating in the evening of Saturday, June 18 to all sanctioned evening entertainment venues from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Folks will still have to take a taxi home or to their hotel, but the Sam Steele Express will improve safe movement and navigation enabling people to enjoy more than one event especially if they’re consuming alcohol.

This year the festival’s beer garden fundraiser will coincide with the Bocce tournament at Balment Park beside Western Financial Place and end at 8 p.m. The Sam Steele Society says this was implemented to support the success of local establishments who want to invest in evening entertainment.

“It’s really a winning combination for everyone,” stated Wheeldon, “The festival attendees win, the sports venues win and local businesses win! The festival exists to showcase everything about Cranbrook.”

Businesses should register with the Sam Steele Society if you wish to be included on the ‘Sam Steele Express’ route by April 30. Contact Maureen at (250) 426-4161.

Lead image: Brad Turner, EK Area Manager Alliance Traffic Group Inc. Photo by Sam Steele Society

Sam Steele Society

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