Organizers of the Bay Block Party are hoping to come back with a bang in their first event since the start of the pandemic.
The Bay Block Party will be held on Saturday, August 27th, in the heart of downtown North Bay on Main Street between Fraser and Sherbrooke.
Ryan Humble, chair of the Bay Block Party and president of the North Bay Real Estate Board who is sponsoring the event, says it is all about giving back to the community.
"For those who grew up in North Bay, the Heritage Festival was always a main component of summer that turned into Summer in the Park," said Humble during Monday's media conference in downtown North Bay.
"Unfortunately, that folded a couple of years ago so we as a Real Estate Board saw the opportunity to offer something back to the community and something we can look forward to on an annual basis. The whole element here is to keep it free we want people to come out, we want a good turnout and with that, activities for everybody to do."
The event will include a multitude of activities including musical entertainment headlined by Dwayne Gretzky, a Food Fest, Artisans Way, a silent dance party, a craft brewery and distillery area, Kids Zone inflatables, and a Mayhem on Main bike event in front of Cheap Skates.
"We are super close to the waterfront so marrying the two together is essential for growth in the city," said Humble.
Organizers had close to 4000 for their event pre-COVID-19. They are hoping for bigger attendance numbers than that for the 2022 version.
Amber Livingstone is the executive director of Downtown North Bay and one of the event organizers.
She believes this event will be a shot in the arm for downtown business.
"It is the comeback for Bay Bock Party," said Amber Livingstone, executive director with Downtown North Bay.
"We are excited, it has not been down here since 2019 which was the first year it was held downtown and we are thrilled to have it back."
