TIMMINS – The Timmins Festivals and Events Committee is lauding this year’s Rock On The River as a definite success.
“Increased attendance, more community incorporation, all ages shows, multi genre artists and more, all leading towards a profitable festival and bigger and better events in the future,” stated a press release on Sunday.
This year’s show saw 15% more people attending than in 2016.
New additions to the weekend-long music event included a side stage for local musicians who played in between the main acts, as well as a kids zone, making the festival an all-ages event.
The release also noted that $25,000 was donated to local food banks. TFEC partnered with Vets Taxi for the fundraiser – children 10 and under entered the festival with a donation to the South Porcupine Food Bank on Friday, and the Timmins Food Bank on Saturday.
Another fundraiser, a 50/50 draw, saw $2,000 donated to the city’s Northeastern Ontario Roller Derby team.
The TFEC said, “We’ve read every single comment of feedback and will apply it to Rock On The River 2018. All profits from this summer go towards next year, which also means it’s time to start fundraising to make it even bigger.”
Saturday, Oct. 14 is the date of the first fundraiser. No details have been released yet, except that it’s a “twist on an old classic.”
This year’s Rock On The River brought Midnight Shine, Tyler Shaw, Coleman Hell, Classified, Blackwood Sinners, Adam Gontier, Finger Eleven and Big Wreck to Participark.
The July 28-29 event was lauded as a success by Saturday.
“Friday, we’ve probably seen an increase of about 700 people from last year,” John Olaveson told The Daily Press as bands did sound check in the background.
“I can definitely say right now there will be a Rock On The River part three next year. With the support we’re getting from the community, sponsors and that stuff, it’s looking good.”
The TFEC thanked sponsors, media, ticket buyers and the 50 contributing volunteers for making the event a success.
“All of these people are the reason we’re able to work towards our goal of an affordable, musical community in Timmins,” stated the release.