The fair is a major fundraiser for the La Ronge Elks Club. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

safety

Elks Club hiring security team for upcoming fair

May 27, 2025 | 1:45 PM

There will be enhanced security at the upcoming La Ronge Elk’s Fair in July.

The service club will be contracting eight team members through 306 Tactical Security at a cost of $20,894. Over the last two years, there has been an increase of incidents involving bear spray and other disruptive behaviour. The hiring of highly trained security personnel is a proactive measure to protect fair attendees.

“One of the things we always try to do is have our debrief at the end of the fair from last year and what options and what things we can do to make it better, and those things were at the top of the list,” said Elks member Curtis Skalicky.

“We decided we need to be reaching out and seeing if we can find some sort of security company to come in and help us make sure these types of things are reduced, if not eliminated.”

In an effort to cover some of the expenses, the Elks Club have reached out the Air Ronge, La Ronge and Lac La Ronge Indian Band councils for financial contributions. The club asked La Ronge council for $2,536 for security, plus an additional $2,464 for in-kind support. All members of council were supportive of the request with the exception of Coun. Abby Besharah.

LOCAL LEGACY

'We lasted over 40 years togather': Former owners return to celebrate Sound City's 50th anniversary

23h ago

Extreme Weather

Conditions favourable for severe storms in Saskatchewan on Saturday

Jun 14, 2025

Police work

Man's sudden death deemed non-criminal: Prince Albert Police

Jun 14, 2025

The Elks Club have not heard back yet from the Air Ronge or Lac La Ronge Indian Band councils. Skalicky noted even though what is being requested from the three communities won’t cover the entirety of the new costs, attendees likely won’t be asked to pay more admission or other fees.

“I would assume we will be absorbing those costs, but at the end of the year, we will take a look at it,” he added.

“You don’t want to price yourself out of a good entertainment value for the community. I don’t know what the total cost will come in at, but we are definitely not wanting to pass those costs on to the patrons that come in and enjoy the fair.”

The La Ronge Elk’s Fair will be held July 18-20.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com