The chair of Summer in the Park says an $80,000 grant from the City of North Bay is the difference between a profit and loss. Monday night, North Bay council agreed to the $80,000 for next year`s festival, and committee chairman John Strang welcomes the news.
Strang says without the City`s share, Summer in the Park would produce a deficit next year based on the budget it`s struck. Strang says this year`s three day event generated $6.2 million dollars in economic activity in the community.
In addition to next year`s grant, council is committing an additional $80,000 for 2017 and 2018. It`s expected that giving the festival this stable funding allows the committee to create a strategic plan.
Strang says next year`s festival will have a third night of music focusing on local talent and tribute acts plus expanded daytime programs. He adds the committee is applying for $100,000 in a provincial grant but is not relying on receiving any of this money.
With the City`s contribution now in place, the committee can start work on finding musical acts that could perform in the city.
