THUNDER BAY -- From rain to rumours the fire department had shut down The Hunger, the nine-venue Halloween bash in the North Core fought setbacks beyond its control on Saturday night.
By the time bars closed, 3,650 people passed through their doors. That represents drop of about 600 costumed party-goers in 2014 and numbers comparable to attendance in 2013.
The fundraiser for the Definitely Superior Art Gallery was still deemed a success, despite lower attendance. DefSup director David Karasiewicz noticed the crowds swelling when the rain subsided. In some ways, he saw the turnout as an opportunity to plan for future events.
“Last year was too insane. There were too many people. People were getting upset because they were waiting in lines and we turned away hundreds of people because they couldn’t get in anywhere,” he said.
“The numbers we had (this year), maybe somewhere in the middle would be that sweet spot where people could move and get to different venues. So now we know where that good point is.”
Less than 36 hours before the event began, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue handed a $25,000 fine to the owner of the former Eaton’s building, citing numerous fire code violations. The basement gallery is among the building’s tenants and pressure mounted through the day as to whether the gallery venue dubbed “Hell” would proceed.
The building’s owner reached an agreement with the fire department by 5 p.m. Friday but Karasiewicz said the incident caused mass confusion that led some to believe the entire event had been cancelled.
“It was that perfect storm where a bunch of things came together,” he said.
“It was like going back two years from where we were but it allowed for movement and everything. The venues we talked to did really well.”
