Partying in the downtown like its 2018

After roughly three years of waiting, the people of North Bay and Area proved they were ready to party.

That was evident, as people of all ages soaked up the positive vibes at the downtown Bay Block Party presented by the North Bay Real Estate Board.

Taking it all in was  Callander resident Nancy Lewis, who pledged to return next year.

“I think it is fabulous. I think this is the most people that have been down here for years and everybody is having a good time.”

Event co-chair and President of the North Bay Real Estate Board, Ryan Humble, went over the long list of options available for everyone from young families to older adults.  

“We had a kids zone, the Artisans Way, we have food fest happening, craft breweries and distilleries, Mayhem on Main, and lots of great live music as well,” listed Humble.

Walking with friends, Rachel Shepherd enjoyed the atmosphere downtown.

“This is my first time and it is very nice,” said Shepherd.

“It is interesting, with everyone here and you get to see different things. I’m really enjoying the atmosphere, it is very nice and bubbly.”

Vicente Gacitua spent a few hours attending the party and thoroughly enjoyed his experience.

“I’ve been here once before and it is the same vibe, all smiles, and just a lovely crowd. I’m really glad they brought it back,” smiled Gacitua.

“I’m feeling like this environment out here in North Bay is really welcoming to people who come to visit because there’s music, and everyone is in a good mood here. There are lots of cool little games you can play to win some prizes, lots of raffles and the music here is amazing.”

The large crowd was a bonus for the downtown merchants.

“Of course, we haven’t been able to have this or be part of it since 2019, so we’re so happy to have it back. This is phenomenal. A phenomenal day number one, which makes these events much easier to put on when the weather and Mother Nature nature cooperate. And two, it has been great for business,” said Michelle Trudeau, chair of Downtown North Bay and Waterfront, formerly the DIA.

“Everybody is just so happy, lots of hugging and people who haven’t seen each other in a long time,  it is amazing.  It is a boost to North Bay and the community. Hopefully, this type of thing can happen more frequently now. We’ve put a lot of things in play to keep people safe, and it has worked out really well.”

Later that evening, the 100 block of Main St. W. was packed with people eager to see the classic rock band Dwayne Gretzky. The group didn't disappoint as it ripped through a 90 minute set that included well-known hits from Abba to Elton John and Janis Joplin to Queen.

The Real Estate Board is thankful for the turnout.

 “It is so nice to see everybody getting out and having a good time and that’s really what this is all about. We, as a North Bay Real Estate Board are always looking for ways to give back to the community, and this is a great way to do it by bringing everybody together, there’s stuff for people of all ages and it has been very well received which is excellent,” said Humble.

Prior to the pandemic,  the Real Estate Board ran something similar in the fall for two years, called Rocktoberfest, before rebranding to Bay Block Party just prior to the pandemic.

“It has grown every year which is great. The first year we had about 800 people, the next year we had about 14-hundred and the last year running it we had about 4 thousand and today I wouldn’t even guess but it has been a great turnout,” Humble said.

“Mother Nature is on our side which is excellent so that’s the biggest thing. Without the weather you wouldn’t have the turn out that we do, so we couldn’t be happier.”

The main priority in hosting the party is keeping it free.

“It is about giving back to the community and none of that would be possible without our community sponsors. So that is a big thing,” explained Humble

“We got a lot of buy-in, a lot of support this year which has really helped us maintain it as a free event. That has always been the focus. It again is about getting the community out, especially after two years of the pandemic. It is so great to see that happen.”