Trenton's Festival by the Bay draws a crowd
Ernst Kuglin
QUINTE WEST - The summer version of the much-talked-about arctic vortex that spread cool air over the Quinte region Thursday, brought hundreds of people to annual Festival by the Bay.
Downtown Trenton was packed with shoppers Thursday morning for the first day of the festival.
"This is great, it couldn't be better," said Trenton DBIA general manager Jane Collett-MacDonald.
Even Mayor John Williams got into the shopping frenzy. Shortly after the official opening, the mayor was at a local mens' clothier taking advantage of a two-for-one sidewalk sale.
During the opening, Williams credited the hard work of the local DBIA for playing an instrumental role in the redevelopment of the downtown.
"Give the DBIA a big hand folks," Williams told the crowd of shoppers. "We're fortunate to have great organizations in the city that make great events like this possible.
Former DBIA chairman Bob Rowbotham was singled out for special recognition. Rowbothom, now retired, resigned as chairman earlier this year.
"He's been a stalwart supporter and leader in the downtown for year," said current chairman Pat Clark. "You would often find Bob up a ladder hanging flower baskets. Thanks for the many, many years of dedication Bob."
Rowbotham credited the city's political leadership and municipal staff for the rebirth of Trenton.
"The vast improvements made during the last 10 years is largely due to the commitment from city hall," he said. "The current administration has been a catalyst for creating a great economic environment and that's help hard working groups like the DBIA."
The festival forecast looks promising for Friday and Saturday as well.
It's a far cry from 2013 when a freak storm dropped more than and inch of rain on the downtown. Hurricane-like winds toppled tents, sending merchants and shoppers scrambling for cover.
Highlighting the festival on Friday is the Chamber of Commerce boat cruise followed by the largest display of fireworks ever seen in the Quinte region.
More than $50,000 dollars worth of fireworks will be ignited over the Bay of Quinte in a show sponsored by Trenton business Mystical Distributing.
Show time is between 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Boaters are being asked to keep well away from the shoreline.
Starting Saturday is the Trenton Big Band Festival. The shows is sponsored by Quinte West and Season's Dufferin Retirement Centre.
On Sunday at the Amphitheatre in Centennial Park audiences will be swept away to another era, listening to some of the best names in big band music.
The lineup includes Swingshift, The Ragweed Jazz Band, and the Brian Barlow Big Band featuring Barbara Lica.
This year's theme is In the Mood. In addition to music, swing dancers will be performing and festival goers will have the opportunity to dance the afternoon away. Huff's Estate Winery will be on site, and food will be available.
Tickets for this event are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate.
Music lovers can catch a free glimpse of what's to come at the Festival on Saturday at Riverfront Square with free performances by The Commodores' and the Dan Bone Trio from one of the licensed patios.
ernst.kuglin@sunmedia.ca