Tourism North Bay is pleased with the community response to the inaugural Bay Days.
This despite poor weather during the June 14-16 event, which ran later in the week after another community favourite in Armed Forces Day.
Organizers report the events were enjoyed by the participants and attendees. From the concerts on Friday evening to Sunday’s Day at the Beach, the Bay Days team insists all events were well attended.
“The community asked for a grassroots, free event and we delivered. Now that we know the community is supportive of the concept the committee can discuss the future of the event,” said Steve Dreany of Tourism North Bay, one of the event’s organizers.
The event kicked off Friday night with live music performed by all local talent at the Kiwanis Bandshell, including North Bay’s own Cory Marks, Terror Birds, Jennifer Plummer, Josh Dimmel Band, and Don and Friends. Looking back, organizers say it was “extremely pleasing to see the grass filled with a constant flow of families through the grounds.”
During the day on Saturday, events included the Farmers’ Market, a charity car show, axe throwing with the Northern Axperts, plus Helicopter rides at the waterfront put on by Helicopters Canada. Also available for family enjoyment was the 4th Annual Children’s Festival at the Capitol Centre.
The evening brought attendees back to the Kiwanis Bandshell for some more local talent. Starting off the night with the North Bay Pipes and Drums, The Rodents: Tragically Hip Tribute, North Facing Folk, Manchester Creek, and closing of the night was Jake and the Fundamentals. “It’s great to see the families and the kids playing during the concerts,” noted Jaymie Lathem of Creative Industries who attended with her children. “We have so much musical talent right here in North Bay, it was great to see everyone enjoying it.”
On Sunday, HGS sponsored A Day at the Beach and the event took over the North Bay waterfront with a sandcastle building competition and treasure hunt at Marathon Beach, axe throwing, Pascoe’s playland, live entertainment at the Kiwanis Bandshell, and emergency services demonstrations. Also included was sungazing with the astronomy club and displays from the Nipissing Rock and Mineral Club.
The festival participants were pleased with the community’s reaction to the different events that were held, and all expressed their willingness to participate in a future festival.
“We want the festival to grow organically, at the rate that participants and the public are willing to support. In order to do that we will need volunteer support as well. That’s one of the things the organizers will be discussing as we discuss the festival’s future,” said Dreany.
Jake Lacourse, Chair of Tourism North Bay added, “We would like to thank the participants, the sponsors, the local talent and especially the public for their support.”
