Moncton and Halifax are key Maritimes locations for concerts. According to a report, Truro Raceway is being eyed as a third destination for live musical acts – one which could possibly see performers play in front of crowds that are 30,000-people strong.
The CBC has reported that the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Association has conducted preliminary discussions with representatives from the Dutch Mason Blues Festival in regard to increasing the size of events.
The article has quoted David DeWolfe, the festival’s founder and promoter, as saying that larger crowds could be accommodated if small changes are made to the raceway. The Dutch Mason Blues Festival has taken place at the track for nine years. DeWolfe has stated that 10,000 people come to the shows on a good year, but he can see much room for growth.
“This is now a provincial facility,” DeWolfe said. “There’s future for expansion and improvements – improving the structure, cleaning up the facility. I think it’s great.”
DeWolfe stated that it wouldn’t take much work to convert the grounds to be able to hold a crowd of 30,000 people or more. The track infield is being eyed as a spot for fans to watch the live shows, seeing as though the flat surface would offer excellent sightlines for a large concert.
“There is a great economic opportunity for the whole community here if we enhance the facility to a point where it can be attractive,” said Bruce Kennedy of the NSPE.
According to the report, local horsepeople are behind the idea.
“It would be great for everyone,” Standardbred trainer Dawn Ellis was quoted as saying. “They can go to the concerts and then maybe figure out that there is actual harness racing here and come over on a Sunday.”
(With files from the CBC)