Hosting a beach party in Parry Sound sounds like a superb idea. Something for younger demographics, a reminder that summer in Parry Sound is a party, a unique event that isn’t replicated in every other small community in Ontario – how could there possibly be a downside?
The whole idea, a partnership between the municipality and the private sector with something off the top for the local food bank, seems like a great move in a tourism-based economy that’s had a few lackluster years – until you realize the promoter wants to host the same party for nine of the summer season’s 16 weekends.
Members of Parry Sound council pointed out that residents near the town beach, fortunately, put up with a few late-night, waterfront events for the good of the economy, and for the sake of some good summer fun.
But those council members are right; asking them to put up with pumping tunes and booze-emboldened crowds over the course of more than half of our summer season’s Saturdays – that is too much to ask.
So naturally, compromise should come next. Unfortunately, the event organizers have pulled their pitch after council decided to seek public input from nearby property owners before making a hasty decision.
Perhaps fewer than nine summer parties made the entire idea less than financially viable. But were there options for three weekends? Is there another waterfront location that would work? If there was any effort at compromise, we didn’t see it.
That’s too bad, because it would have been fun.