BEAVER DAM — The Beaver Dam Police Department is preparing for increased traffic and large crowds during Beaver Fest, with officers coordinating alongside several city departments to help keep the annual festival safe.
Speaking on the July 6 edition of Community Comment, Beaver Dam Police Lt. Jeremiah Johnson said planning for the event has been underway for months and involves the police and fire departments, the Department of Public Works, Parks and Recreation, city administration and festival organizers.
Johnson said the planning process includes reviewing traffic patterns, emergency vehicle access, liquor licensing, fireworks permits and overall event logistics before the festival begins.
One of the department’s biggest priorities will be managing traffic after Saturday night’s fireworks display. Johnson said thousands of people leave Tahoe Park in a relatively short period of time, creating significantly heavier traffic than the city experiences on a typical evening.
Police plan to station officers at key intersections and deploy additional officers who can respond to congestion as traffic patterns develop. This year’s event also presents an added challenge because of ongoing construction on Madison Street, although Johnson said organizers and contractors are working to improve traffic flow before the festival begins.
Johnson also reminded festival attendees to remain within designated alcohol consumption areas. He said organizers will use wristbands to verify patrons who are 21 or older, and officers will enforce the boundaries established under the event’s liquor license. Taking alcoholic beverages outside the licensed area or into vehicles can result in citations, he said.
Johnson emphasized that the department’s goal is public safety, not disrupting the event.
“We want people to come to the City of Beaver Dam. We want people to enjoy Beaver Fest, enjoy those fireworks, and we also want parents to feel safe bringing their kids there,” Johnson said.
