Despite bad weather, Summer in the Park deemed a success

Seems that even Mother Nature couldn't rain on the parade this weekend as Summer in the Park 2012 marked another successful festival in North Bay.

Committee Chair Jake Lacourse says that with the exception of Saturday evening’s weather forcing the cancellation of the Meatloaf concert, this year's event was a resounding success.

Lacourse, who could not disclose total wristband numbers noting he doesn't have a tally yet, says that the committee is extremely happy with turnouts and participants who made the festival such a success.

“We had a phenomenal number of attendees at the Lee Park and Amelia Park festival grounds enjoying all of the great programming,” he says.

“Overall, the weekend was fantastic and the committee couldn't be more happy with how it all turned out.”

The concerts this year were moved to the Community Waterfront Amphitheater where musical acts The Stereo's and Marianas Trench (pictured in a file photo) drew a capacity crowd to the new location.

“Friday's lineup was stellar and they delivered a show that rocked,” says Lacourse.

Despite the negative comments on social media sites following the Meatloaf concert cancelation, Lacourse says that organizers received nothing but positive feedback regarding the layout of and ease of movement inside the concert grounds.

“The Committee is extremely happy with the organization and delivery of the evening's entertainment,” he says.

Saturday’s line up were all set and ready to go, and audiences were able to hear Dig Newton and Downchild Blues Band play before the weather turned for the worst.

With regards to the cancellation of Meatloaf's performance, Lacourse is convinced the Emergency Committee made the right decision.

“We had no choice but to make the call based on ensuring the safety of everyone concerned,” he says.

On another musical note, the Country Open saw an exceptionally talented group of performers take to the stage all weekend, entertaining and wowing fans with their vocal performances.

Other events, such as the World's Finest Shows midway, Art in the Park, the Reptile Show and the Petting Zoo all saw healthy levels of interest and participation as the festival drew good sized crowds to the event.

The Algonquin Regiment had an obstacle course set up along with some guns and a bazooka for folks passing by to check.

The event also featured some First Nation's programming in the Amelia Soccer Fields, including vendors and dancers with the CBC's Sid Bobb moderating.

“It was the first time in many years that we've included our First Nations and we are looking forward to this component being part of the Festival for many years to come,” says Lacourse.

Noteworthy is that the many domesticated animals in the petting zoo were safely sheltered Saturday evening during the heavy storms.

Organizers say it is amazing, and they are thankful, that there were not any serious injuries or widespread destruction in the wake of the storm Saturday.

The tenting, for the most part, withstood the heavy winds and rains, although on closer inspection, one could find evidence of damage through the area.

Power outages, rain and more high winds followed on Sunday, making it difficult to get festivities started on time.

As a result, organizers made the decision to move the highly anticipated CanAsian Idol to Nipissing University under shelter in the auditoriums.

The Idol attracted over 150 visitors to the City from Southern Ontario to watch the more than 20 competitors vie for the title.

The volatile weather also threatened to cancel a highly anticipated Cricket match between North Bay City Hall and the North Bay District Chamber of Commerce, but in the end the teams attempted a game.

The Chamber team was at bat first and scored 2 runs before the rains started and again and stopped the match.

“The City didn't get to bat but we're calling it a win anyway,” says Lacourse.

Mayor Al McDonald, enthused by the weekend, says once again the organization and dedication of the Summer in the Park Committee has paid off, providing the city with an excellent summer festival.

"The lineup has been very strong and the support from the community an from communities from around our area has been incredible," says McDonald.

"I had no doubt this year would be successful."