Taking the kids to this summer's Rock on the River music festival raised cash for local non-profits.
The fourth annual two-day music festival was held in July. Timmins Festivals and Events Committee (TFEC) organizes the popular event, which was headlined this year by the Sheepdogs and Theory.
According to TFEC, this year's overall attendance was up compared to the 2018 event, with Friday night's action drawing in almost 500 more concert goers. The group says corporate sponsorship increased almost 40 per cent over 2018 as well.
Once again this year, admission for children was a donation to local non-profit groups.
"TFEC's child entry fee for children under the age of 10 allowed parents to use a 'pay what you can' system for their kids' tickets with full proceeds going to the YMCA and Yo! Mobile. It's important for TFEC to keep Rock on the River an affordable event for the whole family to enjoy, so we leave it up to them to pay what they want, whether it's 25 cents or $25 for their children's tickets. The fact Timmins raised over $500 for the community just by bringing their kids to a concert is a testament to the city's willingess to give back, so thank you! It really shows the community spirit surrounding our event," said John Olaveson, TFEC chair, in a news release.
With the 2020 festival marking the fifth anniversary of Rock on the River, TFEC has a number of suggestions for residents to show their support.
They are:
• Reach out and become a volunteer
• Be a sponsor, whether in kind or cash
• Follow TFEC on social media
• Mention your support of the festival to your councillor
• If you haven't attended Rock on the River, let the committee know why
• Tell them what bands you to want to see on stage
