A beautiful place to be ...

DIA Members along with MPP Monique Smith and Mayor Al McDonald stand with artist Liz Lott (r) and her banner in the background. Lott's banner is a collaborative piece she did with Louise Goulet.

Sunsets, shadflies and lakes are the common theme of the Gateway Banner Festival which kicked off Saturday.

Artists young and old submitted their works of art which captured the theme “Memories of Nipissing.” The banners tell a story of the area’s history while adding life and colour to Main Street.

Mayor Al McDonald says the banners add a vibrancy to the downtown core which helps bring visitors to the area and enhances the lives of folks who live in the city.

DIA Chair Bob Alger says the banners are a colourful way to celebrate the talent of the people who live here as well as tell our story.





The banners will hang in North Bay's downtown city streets until October followed by a gala event that will see the banners auctioned off.