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‘Feud’ fails to hinder opening of St. Patrick Church Festival
By LINDA M. LINONIS
hubbard
Before St. Patrick Church Festival opened Thursday, five minor violations found by an inspector from the state fire marshal’s office were corrected. The festival attracted some 700 people on the opening day.
A “situation” between Bill Fisher, festival organizer, and Chief John Clemente of the Eagle Joint Fire District led to the safety check’s being conducted by a state inspector. The inspections are usually done by the local fire department, but the state office does them when the local municipality cannot.
Shane Cartmill, public information officer at the state fire marshal’s office, said the state inspector was called in as “neutral party.” “It’s not uncommon for our office to do these inspections,” he said.
Fisher acknowledged a problem, which has been described as a “feud” between Clemente and himself. “It goes back about three years ago," Fisher said. There was a suggestion that a firefighter oversee the environment and equipment aspect of food preparation. Such a “fire watch” by a firefighter is only required in special circumstances and usually not at a festival or fair, Cartmill said.
Letters were exchanged by Clemente and Fisher; comments were made about safety issues, personnel and money. Various stories have circulated about how and why this “feud” started.
“For some reason, this has resurfaced,” Fisher said. “I want to move forward and have a great festival.”
Fisher said he “doesn’t want to make waves” and harm the festival, which is a fundraiser for the operating fund of the church.
Clemente said he was instructed by the fire board not to comment.
Cartmill said the five violations at St. Patrick were remedied. They were three malfunctioning exit signs, a concession stand that was wired improperly and an expired fire extinguisher that was replaced.
He said the grounds, tents, concessions and rides, which are accessible to the public, are inspected at festivals and fairs, including St. Pat’s.