THUNDER BAY – Friday’s forecast of rain is doing little to dampen the enthusiasm of Thunder Bay Blues Festival organizers putting the finishing preparation touches at Marina Park.
The fences are going up, the stage is being set and the all-important food vendors have staking out their spots along the waterfront, a little more than a day before the city’s own Camden Blues is scheduled to hit the stage to kick off the 15th annual event.
With ticket sales closing in on record pace, crowds are expected to be larger than normal said Trevor Hurtig, manager of marketing and management for the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and the Thunder Bay Blues Festival.
“The ticket sales are looking like they’re right on pace with 2013, which was our best year,” Hurtig said on Thursday morning.
“If things continue the way they are right now and the sales continue the way we historically see them, we should definitely be on track for a great year.”
Hurtig attributed the box-office success to the all-Canadian lineup, featuring Tom Cochrane, Colin James and the legendary Burton Cummings at the top of the bill.
Fan favourites like April Wine, Gowan, Serena Ryder and Downchild Blues Band on the undercard also haven’t hurt the cause.
Going all-Canadian is uncharted territory, but seems to have resonated with the ticket-buying public, Hurtig said.
“Usually we try to get somebody that people haven’t seen before, kind of a new entity that hasn’t been in this market. In this case I think what’s worked out is these are known entities and people know who they are, at least with the headliners and a couple of the acts further down and they’re embracing it because they know it’s going to be a great show,” he said.
General admission tickets are still available at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium box office until 2 p.m. on Friday and then at the gates from 4 p.m. onward. VIP tickets are sold out.
Hurtig said regular security protocols will be in place. Patrons will be allowed to bring an empty water bottle into the festival ground and fill it at the city-provided water station.
Once again smoking will not be allowed on site, in accordance with provincial regulations.
Hurtig also addressed the weather concerns. Forecasters are calling for up to 30 millimetres of rain on Friday.
The shows will go on rain or shine, but there could be delays if the downpours are too heavy or if lightning strikes are in the area.
The Blues Festival kicks off Friday at 4 p.m.
