Lightning storms causing imminent danger would derail any outdoor concert, said Summer in the Park committee member Charles Elliott, Tuesday, but so far the weather seems to be lining up in favour of concerts going off without a hitch. Elliott agreed that the committee is hopeful that the weather cooperates, but are prepared if conditions change.
"We will assess the situation at the time, and see. These advanced forecasts are only so accurate. It will be a soggy field after that much rain earlier in the day, but if it's not raining during the actual concert, that's great," said Elliott.
Elliott has been keeping a close eye on the weather forecast for this weekend's festival. Despite a forecast of up to 35 millimetres of rain Friday, 30 millimetres of that is predicted to fall before the Friday night performances. There is a risk of thunderstorms forecast for both Friday morning and afternoon, but according to The Weather Network, only 1 millimetre of rain for Friday evening.
Grooove will take the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, followed by Michelle Treacy at 7:30 p.m., Magic! at 8:10 p.m., and headliners Marianas Trench at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday's forecast from The Weather Network shows that rain will taper off during the afternoon, with sunny skies and a 20 per cent chance of rain for the Saturday shows headlined by Amanda Marshall and Headstones. The Twentiest will open the Saturday entertainment, followed by Darenots.
Cancellation insurance was purchased in 2015 by the committee after having to cancel scheduled performances by Meatloaf in 2012, and Metric 2013.
Said Elliott, "We have a lot things planned for the weekend. We have no control over the weather. It's an outdoor concert and hopefully, they will go through. There's no backup plan. It's rain or shine and we do not have a refund plan in place."
If only North Bay had a building that could be used as an option to accommodate thousands of people for a concert in the event of inclement weather.
