THUNDER BAY – Thousands of country fans booted over to Fort William Historical Park this past weekend to see the performers at Country on the Bay.
Country on the Bay featured Joss Ross, High Valley, Trace Adkins, Blake Shelton, Mackenzie Porter and Dallas Smith and more.
Saturday night there was a surprise appearance by American singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani.
David Allen, president of Country on the Bay, said the event went very well.
“Last night was the biggest attendance we have had in the last three years. We had a really big act last night that everybody loved seeing and with a special guest that showed up surprisingly in the afternoon."
Allen said it's anyone's guess who will perform in future years.
“Agents are here from Nashville today and yesterday, just seeing the layout and things like that to look for bands for us for next year,” he said.
Allen said performers have told him Fort William Historical Park is a venue they haven’t really seen and they love the relaxed atmosphere.
“Maybe we just do something a little bit smaller scale and do three nights straight of that. It might not be one big night.
"We could have three good nights and go from there. Getting Blake Shelton and Gwen showing up and Trace going on stage – you’ll never see that in Thunder Bay again."
Jennifer Strey said she was most excited to see Blake Shelton.
“I hope he plays 'God's Country' and 'Honey Bee,'" she said before he performed.
She said the best part was “being out with family and friends, all the music and the food, just having a good time. I’m looking forward to the rest of the weekend and all the fun to come,” she said on Saturday.
Quinn Arbour attended Country on the Bay all weekend.
“My favourite part was when Gwen Stefani surprised us in the crowd and she came out with Blake. It was such a blast – 10 out of 10 to be able to have something like this.
“I honestly think it's a really good opportunity just for the city to get on the map for a lot of bigger artists to come here as I feel like we don't have a lot of opportunities.”
Arbour’s favourite performance was either "Honey Bee" by Blake Shelton or "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" by Trace Adkins.
“Food's amazing, vibe's amazing, sun's out, we're just having a good time,” she said.
On Sunday, Nick Phyllis said the weekend was a blast with lots of people and lots to do.
“The music's been awesome and especially last night with Blake Shelton, I've enjoyed everything.
“I liked when Blake Shelton sang 'Sangria,' but also when Gwen Stefani came out with him. I think that was a pretty cool touch to the whole concert,” he said.
Cody Maverick said Shelton was fantastic.
“Trace Adkins came out with some pretty cool tunes and the crowd really seemed to enjoy him,” he added.
The weekend brought out people of all ages.
