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The Okanagan Trail Riders were holding a sanctioned event in the Bear Creek area when they discovered they weren't alone in the bush.
Upwards of 500 people had gathered for a rave billed as the "Toxic Tea Party" involving three stages and more than 20 bands.
President of the Okanagan Trail Riders Association, Ken Umbarger, says it was a quite the scene.
"RCMP arrived at the scene shortly thereafter, but the numbers of partiers by this point had grown and enforcement was not an option given lack of the RCMP's resources."
Umbarger says damage control seemed to be the only logistical course of action.
"A meeting was held with the promoter and RCMP at which time it was stated that no government authority had sanctioned or condoned the event."
Umbarger says the promoter of the rave agreed to a number of conditions in order to keep things under control including only one fire pit and garbage clean-up. But Umbarger says, despite the promoter's good intentions, things fell apart.
"By 10:00 am numbers had ballooned to some 500 ravers. Fire pits were seen through out the area and a couple of kids drinking booze were collecting admission of $40 per person. Alcohol was being sold with no regard to age or permitting."
Umbarger says the police were called again to have the fires put out and the Okanagan Trail Riders made sure all of the garbage was cleaned up.
"Members of the Okanagan Trail Riders is a non profit association and members have been stewards of the Bear Creek area for three decades.
Government needs to do more to support a managed approach to the area.
Legally, events on Crown land held "for profit" require a licence and permit. We intend to follow through and insure the organizers holding events for profit are held accountable.
The Okanagan Trail Riders Association has been working towards a "Stewardship Agreement" of Bear Creek and is presently collaborating with Lakeview Irrigation District and other stakeholders towards a more managed approach.
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