Falls, Niagara Parks ponder fate of New Year’s concert
Show has previously featured acts like Keith Urban, Blue Rodeo, Demi Lovato
As the chill creeps into the air, thoughts inevitably turn to holiday events in Niagara Falls.
This year, the question is whether there will be any at all.
While the city has already announced the annual Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 14 will have a “new and exciting format” — details pending — there has not been any official word on the New Year’s Eve concert in Queen Victoria Park.
Ontario currently restricts nonbusiness outdoor gatherings to 25 people, a far cry from the 20,000 people who usually attend the free New Year’s Eve show.
Asked about the status of the concert, Mayor Jim Diodati said it was “hard to say at this point.”
“There is a will, but possibly not a way forward. (I’m) standing by as new information comes forward.”
Likewise, a spokesperson for Niagara Parks Commission said there is “not any news to share at this time, however, the shareholders are meeting this week to discuss plans and there should be an update following that meeting.”
Should the concert be cancelled it will be the first time since 1990 there
hasn’t been free entertainment at Queen Victoria Park on New Year’s Eve. Over the years, the show has featured acts including Keith Urban, Blue Rodeo, Barenaked Ladies and Demi Lovato. Last year’s show was headlined by Bryan Adams.
In Toronto, Mayor John Tory has indicated the event at Nathan Phillips Square will soon be cancelled, telling CP24 “people should count on the fact it won’t be happening because we can’t foresee a situation at the moment … where we could gather 30,000 people.”
The most famous New Year’s Eve celebration, at Times Square in New York City, is going digital. Organizers said there will be socially-distanced live elements and smaller festivities. It will mark the first time in 114 years revellers will not pack the street to ring in the new year.