Enthusiastic Summer in the Park committee members and supporters promote wristband sales at the corner of Lakeshore and Judge at 8 am today. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.
Summer in the Park Chair John Strang was out for the very last time on the corner of Judge and Lakeshore Drive early this morning trying to sell more wristbands.
This year the committee changed its approach by allowing wristbands to be sold in May for only $25, then bumped up to $35 on June 1st and then the current price of $50 on July 1st.
That move appears to have paid off.
“We wanted to have a price point that made it affordable to people but also drove them to help weather proof the event so we went out with $25 plus HST to start, the response was overwhelming,” Strang said.
With 5300 wristbands sold before Friday, Strang says they still have about 2000 more to sell to hit their mark.
“It’s weather dependant obviously and the weather looks pretty good, there’s a chance of showers this afternoon but the other factor is whether or not this package resonates with people and I think from everything I’ve heard there’s a lot of buzz that Johnny Reid is here and Burton Cummings so we are very confident that we’re going to make it at the gate. I think it’s been a success offering that low price point to start.”
Those without a wristband can still purchase online at http://www.northbaysummerinthepark.ca or you can pick them up at the two TD Bank locations, Canadian Tire, City Hall, Parker’s Independent Grocer, or the Capitol Centre box office until 4 pm today.
Strang says wristbands will also be sold on site.
“We will have wristband sellers throughout the weekend from 5 p.m. on both nights, you can get your wristband. And if you have your wristband already the committee thanks you, the city thanks you. For everybody that is in from out of town, welcome, and for everyone else who hasn’t bought their wristband yet, the weather is going to be great, the party is going to be fantastic.”
