The high level talks will take place May 18th & 19th at Camp David.
The Town of Emmitsburg is gearing up for the G8 Summit May 18th and 19th at Camp David. Mayor Don Briggs says he's in constant contact with the Sheriff's Office and the National Emergency Training Center, which will play host to government officials during the talks. "We're expecting about 300 guests to be housed at the Training Center at South Seton Avenue," he says.
The Mayor also says traffic could be a problem for visitors to Emmitsburg those two days. "We should start looking for and expect more traffic on Tuesday {May 15th} leading up to the peak of activity on Friday and Saturday through mid-day," says Briggs.
Even though most of the activity will occur at the presidential retreat in the Catoctin Mountains, which will be off limits for most people, some protests are expected to take place in Frederick, which is about 18-miles from Camp David. According to a website set up by Occupy Frederick, the group plans a G8 People's Forum at the C. Burr Artz Library from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. After that, a rally is planned for an area about "10 miles from the G8" site, according to the website. On Saturday, the organization says it will hold a block party at Baker Park, with food, music, games, guest speakers and workshops.
"We've had an excellent record of working with the Occupy folks, and the people who want to protect their 1st Amendment rights," says Police Chief Kim Dine. "We're here to protect everyone, including, especially, those who want to express their 1st Amendment rights. That's very important to us."
He's hoping there won't be any violence, but the Chief says he can call for assistance if the situation in Frederick gets out of hand. "That's always part of any type of plan," he says.
Dine also says Frederick Police officers will probably be working extra hours as this is the first time for this type of an event in Frederick County. "It's obviously a big event for the city of Frederick and Frederick County," he says. "We're certainly looking forward to a productive and peaceful event."
Mayor Briggs says visitors are still welcome to come to Emmitsburg, but they should realize that traffic will probably be heavy. He says it's not something the town hasn't experienced in the past. "We've had ski resort people coming here through the winter so we're used to having traffic," he says.
As for the citizens, Briggs says the businesses owners are ready for the influx of people into Emmitsburg. "Long term citizens, they had Eisenhower coming through here for many years back in the '50's, and they remember that, and stopping here," he says. "We've had President Bush out to the Fire Academy to speak at the Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Services. He's been here twice."
