EDITOR,

Congratulations to the slo-pitch organization for getting funds from the Squamish Valley Music Festival organizers to construct their new ball fields (“Music festival needs more space,” Chief, Jan. 24). All they gave to the Squamish Valley Equestrian Association was used drug paraphernalia, used condoms and much garbage. As this music festival grows, it has been suggested that the local riding club needs to be relocated. How can a once- or twice-a-year music festival possibly have priority over a recreational activity that is enjoyed year-round by both the youth and adults of our community? We have a number of young riders who are ranked at the top of their sport in B.C. Alysha Russell represented B.C. at the Junior National Finals in Bromont, Que. last summer. Our priority should be supporting our local youth as they train to be competitive riders and not cater to the party-goers from outside the community who come to these music festivals and leave us their garbage and vomit.

Toni Kerekes

Garibaldi Highlands