DIA kicks off music in the city

The Downtown Heritage Days – Music in the city kicked off with the 22 Wing Stage Band getting everyone’s spider senses tingling with their rendition of the Spider Man theme song.

Jeff Serran, Manager of the Downtown Improvement Area (DIA), explained that it was a little more difficult organizing this years’ “Downtown Heritage Days” due to the Heritage Festival being scaled back.

“It’s never easy organizing these kinds of things. It’s just a little more to deal with this year,” Serran said about the extended hours and various other additions to the weekend.

“We have a small army of volunteers helping to put this on. Without them it wouldn’t be possible,” he added.

Serran explained there are more downtown merchants participating this year than ever before.

“We have never had this many merchants. We have 65,” he said with a smile.

Monique Smith, Nipissing MPP, Anthony Rota, Nipissing-Timiskaming MP, and Mayor Vic Fedeli were all on hand to show their support for the weekend long festival.

“I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend the weathers cooperating and I know there’s lots going on all over downtown,” Smith said.

Rota emphesized that the whole festival is showcasing local talent.

“We know what North Bay has and what it has to offer. I’m sure everything is going to be great,” Rota said.

There will be entertainment and activities all weekend long. Visit www.downtownnorthbay.com for a complete festival schedule.