By THE CHRONICLE-JOURNAL

Ticket sales may have been slow and the rainstorm may have wreaked havoc on the region Friday, but the organizers of the Live at Marina Park concert said they had managed to get things under control.

"We had a long delay today and it was not looking like it was going to happen because of the weather," said Thunder Bay Community Auditorium general manager Bob Halvorsen, whose organization produced the benefit show for the George Jeffrey Children's Foundation.

However, the show – which was scheduled to feature classic rock luminaries Boston, Eddie Money, and Kim Mitchell – had to go on, said George Jeffrey's events chairman Tom Speer.

"People are here and we're just waiting for sound check. We're doing the best with what we've got," he said at around 4:30 p.m. "We're about three hours behind because of the weather."

Eddie Money was dropped from the show later Friday, and Kim Mitchell finally took the stage at around 9 p.m. – three-and-a-half hours later than scheduled. After his abbreviated set Boston took the stage at about 10 p.m.

Since Speer had been on the site all day long, he did not know how many tickets had been sold, but he did say it was "lots" when asked.

He noted that none of the equipment was damaged by the rain and added that the soapbox derby and car show are still on as planned for today.

"Everything's going to work out," Speer said.

The first day of Benny Birch's Birthday Party was also rained out and cancelled because of wet grounds and picnic tables, said organizer Sharron Owen. However, people needn't worry too much – it's still going on today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Animal lovers excited to get out and play with fluffy creatures this weekend will be disappointed. Fort William Historical Park has postponed its Spring on the Farm event until next weekend on June 14 and 15.

"As a safety precaution stemming from the heavy rains, the Fort site was closed (Friday) resulting in an evacuation of all visitors and farm animals," said a news release issued by the park.

In addition, the park will be closed for public tours today but will be open as usual Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Thunder Bay Chill home opener at Chapples Field, set for Friday night, was also affected by the rain. Due to the amount of water on the playing surface, the contest was postponed until Sunday at 12 p.m.

And while rain looked to threaten the Border Cats' game with the Rochester Honkers, the game went ahead on time.