LEWISPORTE -
While the weather for the 23rd Annual Mussel Bed Soiree Classic Rock Concert was less than cooperative, the five-days of festivities attracted some record crowds to other events.
The outdoor concert on Aug. 8 featuring April Wine, Helix, Harlequin and The Fuse was a well-organized event. All the planning in the world however couldn't have kept the rains away that day. At one point rain and thunder and lightening forced a 45-minute delay due to safety and equipment concerns. There were fears at one point in the evening that the concert might have to be cancelled if the weather hadn't cleared. Lewisporte recreation director Derek Bennett noted that the delay happened in the middle of the performance by the band Harlequin. Due to time constraints, Harlequin did not return to the stage to finish their set.
"They were willing to come back on stage, but time just didn't permit it and we had to move on to the next band," said Mr. Bennett.
The concert in the park normally attracts anywhere from 2,500-3,000 people. This year the estimate is that there were only 1,500 people in attendance at the concert, a decrease of 40 per cent. That being said, there were 300 tickets sold at the gate.
"Even with the weather, the feedback on the event was very positive and the bands did a great job entertaining the crowd that stuck it out through the weather," said Mr. Bennett. "This year we spent extra on the sound system and I think people could hear that."
Mr. Bennett said while it is still too early to tell the final financial figures for the Soiree, he predicts they may experience a slight loss.
"But considering we've had good results the past few years and excellent support from our sponsors (with financial and in-kind support), it should turn out okay," he said.
While the concert numbers were down, attendance at all the other Soiree events was up. The teenage dance was a great success and the adult dance featuring Blue Eyed Blonde had close to 1,000 people dancing the night away at the Lewisporte Stadium.
The Sunday activities on the waterfront attracted 2,500-3,000 people to the waterfront area alone. Mr. Bennett said that number doesn't include the hundreds of people who lined Main Street to watch the boat parade and enjoy the fabulous fireworks display.
The Teddy Bear Picnic Family activities on Aug. 10 were also well attended with hundreds of children, parents and caregivers turning out for a day of free food, games and fun. Mr. Bennett added that each year they are adding new equipment such as waterslides and bouncy castles to the offering of fun activities that are enjoyed by area youth.
"We're just trying to improve on what we have to offer each year so there's always something new," he said.
Mr. Bennett extended his appreciation to all the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly during throughout the Soiree.
"An event like this would not be possible without them," he said. "We had hundreds of volunteers who always kept their spirits high."
While the Soiree shifted to clean-up mode last week, Mr. Bennett said the Soiree Committee would be meeting very shortly to begin preparations for the 2010 event. While the committee is established with an adequate number of members, new sub-committee members and volunteers are always welcome. The committee also encourages any feedback or ideas from people that might benefit the Soiree.
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