A local band is pointing out the positives stemming from the Sombra Bridge Bash, despite the police responding to multiple incidents involving drugs.
The Down River Band posted on their Facebook page that money was raised to go towards cancer research during the event, which was held on Saturday, July 9 at the Darcy McKeough Floodway in the St. Clair River.
“It was a great turnout and a great day on the water for most of us,” the band wrote.
“We did really well at the pig roast and are happy to say that we raised over $500 to donate to cancer research. So thanks again to everybody who came out and hopefully the community can look past the negative in this situation and see that it’s for a good cause and is meant to be a good time for everyone.”
The band also posted an apology and addressed the drug incidents.
“As I’m sure most of you guys have seen, there was a lot of negative media in response to the bridge bash,” the band wrote. “The four of us want everyone to know that what happened to some of the people at the bash was the furthest thing away from our intentions.”
The band said they helped put on the concert/fundraiser to show gratitude for everyone that has supported them in the last three years.
“So on behalf of everybody involved with bridge bash we’d like to apologize for what happened… not that we had any control over it, and we hope that this doesn’t ruin it for next year.”
Lambton OPP officials said five people were brought to hospital after alleged drug overdoes at the event, which attracted an estimated 100 vessels and 500 people.
Police officials said all the victims ranged from 17 to 23 years of age and informed police that they had ingested an illegal street drug commonly known as ‘Ecstasy.’ Police say all the victims were transported to hospital with non-life threatening concerns.
The investigation is on-going.
