The weather didn't cooperate and attendance was sparse, but Tourism North Bay is trying to claim success at the first effort to replace the defunct Summer in the Park.
The replacement, called Bay Days, was a three-day event that was advertised as a grassroots, free event.
Rain threatened for most of the event, and crowds didn't materialize with Main St. and the waterfront mostly empty.
But in a news release, Steven Dreany, Director of Tourism said he is pleased with the community response to the inaugural Bay Days.
"Turnout at the events were enjoyed by the participants and attendees. From the concerts on Friday evening to Sunday’s 'Day at the Beach', all events were well attended," claimed Dreany.
No attendance estimates were given in the news release and Dreany did not return repeated calls by BayToday for more information.
“The community asked for a grass-roots, free event and we delivered," added Dreany. "Now that we know the community is supportive of the concept the committee can discuss the future of the event.”
See: People are liking the Bay Days concept-now nature has to buy into it
The event kicked off Friday night with live music at the Kiwanis Bandshell with all local talent.
A sandcastle building competition Sunday attracted only five entrants.
Still, it's a start. In what most thought would be a year without a summer festival, a collective of community groups came together at the 11th hour to create Bay Days.
"The festival participants were pleased with the community’s reaction to the different events that were held, and all expressed their willingness to participate in a future festival," said the release.
“We want the festival to grow organically, at the rate that participants and the public are willing to support. In order to do that we will need volunteer support as well. That’s one of the things the organizers will be discussing as we discuss the festival’s future” said Dreany.
