Bay Block Party returned this weekend

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Bay Block Party returned this weekend.

It's the fourth year the event has been held in North Bay's downtown and organizers are hoping more than 5,000 people will attend.

The Bay Block Party used to be called Rocktoberfest many years ago when it was a fall festival.

"When Summer In the Park folded we saw an opportunity to move this into the summer... It's about the North Bay Real Estate Board giving back to the community," said Ryan Humble, chair of Bay Block Party.

The all-ages event is free to attend, but non-perishable food donations to the North Bay Food Bank are encouraged.

After two plus years of the pandemic, organizers told CTV News this weekend is about boosting the downtown and bringing people back together.

"Our core is really the heart of the community," said Humble.

"There's a lot of local businesses downtown, it's important to support our local businesses. We've been doing this for a couple years, it's been well received by the community the last year we did this we had about 4,000 people attend."

He said they are close to the waterfront, so "blending the two together is essential for growth in the city."

"By inviting people down and having people down here it will be a great day," he said.

The event began at 1 p.m. Saturday on Main Street. Organizers said there would be activities for all ages, a beer garden, food vendors and live entertainment.

"This feels really good to see the streets alive and we're so appreciative of the real estate board," Katie Bevan, a local business owner, told CTV News.

14 bands and performers, mostly local talent, are lining the main stage throughout the afternoon and into the evening on Saturday.

"We're all just very excited to rock the roof off the stage," Jude Zappala, bass player for Megagurlfriend, told CTV News. 

For more information on the event visit their Facebook page.

Story updated by first hand reporting by CTV Northern Ontario's Eric Taschner.