Makin’ Waves
Summer concerts back on at Wentworth Park
Summer concerts back on at Wentworth Park.
“That was certainly part of it — we were able to hold it at a time when lots of families could make it down to the park.” Joe Costello, recreation program director with CBRM
Wentworth Park was alive with the sound of music as more than 1,000 people gathered to take in the inaugural show of the Makin’ Waves concert series.
The show, which ran from 6- 8 p. m. on Thursday, attracted a mix of ages from toddlers to people in their golden years. “This is great, it’s great that things are going on here again,” said 78- year- old Valerie Parks, who recalled often wandering down to Wentworth Park back in the 1950s.
“I used to push the stroller down and we’d see what was going on — back then it seemed like there was always lots going on.”
Sheila Buffett, 68, grew up near the park and remembered attending many activities around the ponds.
“Oh, yes, there was lots to do then — I’m really glad the music’s back, but some of the music nowadays is a just lot of banging, oh well,” she said.
The concert began with Tony McQuaid and the Yeti, who warmed up the crowd for Slowcoaster. The show was over by 8 p. m., allowing parents to get their young ones home at a reasonable hour.
“That was certainly part of it — we were able to hold it at a time when lots of families could make it down to the park,” said Joe Costello, recreation program director with the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
“The big thing is we’re bringing it back to the park, and we’re really excited about it and the big crowd shows that people want to come down and enjoy the park and the music.”
And with a late afternoon high of 24 C in Sydney, the temperature and light breeze made for ideal conditions for the concertgoers, many of whom brought their own lawn chairs.
Others took advantage of the many viewpoints around the park, including Catalone’s Michael Mullins and friends who enjoyed their front- row vantage point on the grass in front of the bandshell.
“This is great — we’re having a great time,” said Mullins.
The Makin’ Waves concert series will continue with shows to be held every Thursday evening in July.
The events arise from a partnership between the CBRM recreation department and the Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative.
All of the shows are free.