County
North Beach Party Wreaks Havoc At McCall
July 7, 2009 
The worst fears of Idaho Park officials were realized over the July 4th weekend as nearly 2,000 wild and crazy young people cavorted at North Beach along Payette Lake in an atmosphere described by one officials as “part Mardi Gras and part Spring Break.”
Waterways board members, parks, and local law enforcement are already working on plans to deal with the wild times next year. They all agree it was clearly out of hand. The gathering has picked up steam each year–thanks in part to the internet and reality cable TV shows.
Here is a list of known and notable incidents:
- Alleged assault of a female. She was injured and the assault was possibly of a sexual nature.
- Several arrests and numerous incidents of drunken boat drivers.
- Diving accident at nearby “Cliffs” requiring lifeflight evacuation of victim.
- Cars parked on both sides of a road within the park for nearly 2 miles reducing the road to a single lane.
- Multiple arrests for drunken behavior including resisting arrests.
- Several alcohol induced fist fights.
- Car burglary by smashing the window of a car.
- At least one collision involving water craft.
A park official told us there was also plenty of “flashing and mooning” and one boat had an improvised “stripper pole” complete with amateur dancers. He also noted incidents of, “umm, ah, what you might call lap dancing.”
One official told the GUARDIAN the vast majority of Valley County law enforcement resources were focused on North Beach and the surrounding area Saturday afternoon.
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Comments & Discussion
Comments are closed for this post.
Jul 7, 2009, 9:23 am
Sounds like a typical Saturday night on Main Street in Boise. I think most of these folks took the weekend off and went to McCall.
I think it worked out real well for us Boise Folks.
Jul 7, 2009, 10:30 am
Didn’t I tell y’all.
That whole scene is nothing but first class debauchery. And I’m hardly an old conservative prude, either.
But the amount of drinking, drugs, and lewd conduct that goes on there – and at Lucky Peak during the summers – is enough to make almost anyone blush.
Jul 7, 2009, 11:38 am
Although the money will not be in the budget, why not give the road to Ponderosa Park? They would be responsible for the road where it branches off Warren Wagon road all the way to Tammarack Bay Condos (essentially all the dirt portion). They could then control parking and access. No fee to travel the road but a permit would be needed to park. Boat access would still be free for all.
Jul 7, 2009, 10:20 pm
Dave, any photos available? More photos like the one shown with the previous article on this subject would be appreciated.
Jul 8, 2009, 6:27 am
I think we forget! We were once young and beautiful. Let them have fun! We just don’t have to be there unless we want to be.
Jul 8, 2009, 8:41 am
Large fines for parking will reduce that problem and bring in money to cover cost. Drunk boat driving is a money maker so the more idiots that do it only feed the kitty. The fist fights are a problem and should be dealt with, with large fines. Forget jail that cost taxpayers make them pay very large fines, that will be something they will think about every time they make their weekly payments. This goes for the rest of criminal conduct. As far as flashing goes, thats been going on for as long as I can remember and I don’t see it going away any time soon. Not saying its the right thing to do but its here to stay.
I’m sure a lot of folks had a great time and this fun should not be outlawed because of a few idiots. Make the law breakers pay with heavy fines. Hit them in the wallet which will make them think the next time. Once the word gets out that unlawful conduct is going to cost a lot of money. Watch how fast things change.
Jul 8, 2009, 9:56 am
“North Beach Party Wreaks Havoc At McCall”
Uh, this sort of thing is EVERY AFTERNOON at the Clocktower Pond, but ritzy McCall gets coverage and yet again West Downtown is swept under the rug.
Sigh.
Jul 8, 2009, 7:10 pm
So, the party sounds like it was a success.
Jul 9, 2009, 12:52 pm
I’m not sure what the point of this article is. You’re grumpy because there was a holiday beach party in a resort town 3 hours from here?
EDITOR NOTE–Not at all “grumpy.” We were approached a couple weeks ago by people who feared the beach would be close, we reported on that in a VERY lighthearted story https://boiseguardian.com/2009/06/25/north-beach-at-payette-lake-to-remain-open/ and felt we needed to report the results.
Jul 10, 2009, 1:51 pm
I agree, we need pictures! Lets start with the amateur strippers!
Jul 10, 2009, 5:27 pm
well, from the article, all i can say is sign me up for next year
Jul 10, 2009, 7:02 pm
Dang! Sorry I missed it!
Jul 11, 2009, 2:31 am
I heard a chipmunk was seen sipping from a half-full bottle of beer left on the beach. Later, he was said to be acting surly.
Jul 11, 2009, 10:33 pm
Thanks, Dave. I so know where I am going next 4th of July.
Jul 14, 2009, 4:20 pm
Back in the 70’s we would have been streaking the beach and partying with all the fixins. These guys are rich kid amatures. Life Flight? They will pick you up with a broken arm.
especially if they think you have insurance or own a house.