THUNDER BAY – Other than the names on the lineup, the biggest change to this year’s Thunder Bay Blues Festival is a logistical one.
Since the event began, patrons have been crossing South Water Street at Camelot Street and entering the festival grounds across the railway tracks.
But after years of warning festival-goers to stay off the tracks and away from dangers, a compromise solution was sought.
In 2019, that means music lovers will take a new way into the park, by way of the pedestrian walkway located high above the busy South Water Street.
The former entrance will be exit only, with the exception of those patrons who have mobility and access issues.
It was all in the name of safety, said Trevor Hurtig, the manager of marketing and development for the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and the Blues Festival.
“Last year and the year before we had some problems with people lining up down the railway tracks and also blocking Water Street and Cumberland Street, as well,” Hurtig said.
“We’ve met with the police and the rail police and came up with the plan that the pedestrian overpass is now your entrance to the park. So we’re encouraging all able-bodied people to come in over the overpass. If you have mobility issues, you can still come across Camelot Street.”
The Thunder Bay Blues Festival runs Friday through Sunday at Marina Park.
