Back to basics pays off for Summer in the Park crew

As the city cleans up settles back into the regular routine initial reports from the Summer in the Park crew is that the event was a great success despite the weather.

“It was amazing I’ve got to admit I was pretty nervous going into at about 4 or 5 o’clock (Friday) but when the tribute bands came on we had the Superstars Friday night for the kids and they were just having a riot up at the front of the stage,” says Entertainment Chair Sean Lawlor.

“I would say there were 300 or 400 people out which for the rain and the weather it was still a good crowd I would say so we were happy overall.”

Lawlor says regardless of all the planning a committee does at the end of the day higher powers control the results.

“We did all of the planning we could possibly do and like you say when the day comes it is in the hands of Mother Nature and all we can do is carry on and hope for the best.”

Lawlor was also able to hit the ground running as the Entertainment Chair because the committee had returned to the model his dad, former North Bay Mayor Stan Lawlor, started 2 decades ago.

“Certainly things did get started out here at Lee Park way back when, I guess more than 20 years ago now and it was at that time that is was all about family and kids and that’s what we are back to now,” he explained.

“We’re happy of course to see that the concerts are back with North Rocks the Bay and of course the DIA being involved, but we really wanted to put on an event here that was all about family and free and something for everybody to enjoy.”

Lawlor was also quick to point out that the key component to running a successful event is the volunteer core.

“In total there are probably more than a hundred volunteers that have come on board this year to help out, which is obviously for an event like this couldn’t take place without that type of commitment so we’re really appreciative of the number of people that have come forward this year to help out and make this a reality.”

Pleased with this year’s outcome Lawlor is ready to make a commitment for 2009.

“I always like to say it is nice to build on something once you get started on it, so I would be interested in working again next year to build and grow it a little more each year. “