When Bethany Kuboniwa saw the weather reports for Wednesday evening, she was worried.
Those reports were calling for potentially severe weather, localized torrential rains and possible thunderstorms – all of which would be bad news for the planned Music in the Park concert.
But by 2 p.m., the town's leisure events and marketing co-ordinator, who organizes the series, saw satellite images showed a fast-moving storm passing through – and nothing but clear skies to follow.
By 7 p.m., it was another perfect evening for the performance of local band Ninth Line – the third date in the concert series to have ideal summer weather conditions.
“Three out of four,” said Kuboniwa. “Just one more!”
The final Music in the Park performance is slated for July 24 from 7-9 p.m. by the Celtic rock band Mudmen.
This week, families came out to the grassy area beside the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library to hear Ninth Line, a band originally launched in the 1980s at Bradford District High School. The group – Jimmy Skerratt, Michael Jack, Joe Brett, Matthew Certsimo and new drummer John Lord– reunited in recent years to play covers of classic 1980s rock 'n' roll, pop, and blues.
Residents brought their blankets and lawn chairs, played outdoor games of checkers and tic-tac-toe, tried out a remote-controlled robot from the library, and purchased snacks from La Mexicanada and The Munchies Concession Stand.
And they cheered, clapped and sang along as the band played their favourites.
It was also an evening about giving back to the community. The Bradford Lions Club emceed, asking for support for the club’s annual fundraising Mammoth Draw, but also encouraging young people between the ages of 12 and 18 to consider joining the Leos, a junior service club.
Ninth Line has used their music to support school programs, purchasing musical instruments to donate to schools and providing scholarships and bursaries for youth pursuing an education in music, through the Ninth Line Foundation.
