Party time

What’s five years old and four blocks long? The Fort William Fall Street Festival.

Taking over the city’s downtown south side along with Riverfest, now in its tenth year, the festival is a way to celebrate an area of Thunder Bay that can sometimes be forgotten.

“Sometimes there are different areas of the city that maybe need a little bit more attention,” Fort William BIA coordinator Tina Huk said.

But the area was definitely on the public’s mind Saturday as thousands flooded May Street and Victoria Avenue. Trains ran down the street, vendors lined the sidewalks and there was even a medieval melee. And, as with any good festival, there was food.

“We’ve got more food than you know what to do with,” Huk said smiling as the sun came out.

It’s also a way to celebrate local businesses. Huk said people will head to the area for the festival and discover places they didn’t know about. Soon, they become regular customers.

“The influx of people that come down here does wonders for the business,” she said. “It’s a great gathering place.”
“It’s just nice to see a whole bunch of people out having a great time.”

Riverfest, which runs along Kam Park, was similar. Boats lined the boardwalk as people took tours. Eric the Juggler, a regular at many summer events, was taking his act to a whole new level as he juggled while balancing one-footed on a slackline.
Huk said Riverfest and the fall festival so a lot to help each other.

“People can just continue back and forth between the events,” she said. “It can only just grow and get bigger and better.”