The Stars and Thunder Festival is well underway in Timmins, and thousands are flocking to Hollinger Park every night.
While advance ticket sales were slow, music lovers are not disappointing organizers.The event began on Sunday, and officials say more people are coming every night as the week goes on. Tuesday night, fans enjoyed headliners Marianas Trench, where officials say 5,700 people attended the show.
Timmins Mayor Steve Black says the great weather is playing a role in attracting more walk-ins.
The city's tourism and events manager, Guy Lamarche, says people from the United States are also making the journey to see their favourite bands.
"This is also testament to social media. We did not go into the Tennessee market to do advertising or any promotion. Tennessee came to us via social media, so that's really what it's all about." said Lamarche.
When asked, concert-goers told CTV News:
"Oh, it's been fantastic. To have friends with you, and longtime friends, and older friends, and enjoying every minute of it. And the weather of course!"
"It's something that's good for our city and I would encourage our people, our citizens to support our events like this."
Wednesday night, Trooper, Sloane, and Burton Cummings will be taking to the stage, gates open at 3 pm.
And music is not the only entertainment wowing crowds, the fireworks competition is shining brightly.
Setting off fireworks into a crowd of thousands of people can be risky if the wind is not blowing the right way, but Stars and Thunder Festival-goers in Timmins have been impressed by two spectacular displays so far.
The fireworks show Tuesday evening lasted approximately 20 minutes and Team Finland excited everyone with a wide variety of colourful and booming explosions.
Pyrotechnics are set off from Goldcorp's Hollinger Open Pit berm into Hollinger Park.
Team Brazil went off without a hitch last Sunday; and two more fireworks shows are planned for later this week.
Thursday, Team China will set off its display and Team Canada closes the festival Sunday for Canada Day.
By the way, the CTV News team will be at the Stars and Thunder festival Thursday in Timmins.
We'll be broadcasting our news programs at 5pm and 6pm LIVE from the site of the festival at Hollinger Park.
Hope to see you there!
