THUNDER BAY – Not only was the Country on the Bay Music Festival a hit at the box office, it also helped local charities raise more than $60,000.
The festival, featuring the likes of Brett Kissel, Lee Brice, Terri Clark and Johnny Reid in headliner slots, was postponed twice due to COVID-19, but brought fans by the thousands to Fort William Historical Park this past July.
“We are extremely happy to have finally been able to present this event in Thunder Bay after first trying to back in 2020. We are also pleased to have been able to help out not only the local economy, but the many deserving local organizations,” said Rob Waloschuk, general manager of Dauphins Countryfest, co-presenter of Country On The Bay, in a release issued on Wednesday.
The Rotary Clubs of Thunder Bay were among the recipients and a representative said they were grateful for the chance to receive a portion of the money raised.
“These proceeds will be used by the Thunder Bay Rotary Clubs (Fort William, Port Arthur and Lakehead) to assist many local organizations that have been hard hit over the past few years and are yet seeing their services in far greater demand. The impact these proceeds will have is far reaching, helping so many of our family, friends and neighbours within our community," said Allan Kozlo of the Lakehead Rotary Club.
“As Rotarians, we look forward to helping out at Country on the Bay in 2023."
Festival organizers say the event will return in 2023, with dates scheduled from July 21 to July 23.
