When the auctioneer's gavel struck for the last time on Aug. 26 at the former Molson Park, a bit of Barrie's history left under the arm of the last buyer. As the steel letters spelling the park's name left on a dolly at the end of the auction, the lights went down on an era of entertainment, excitement and music. For more than 30 years, Molson Park has led a secret life. At first glance, it represented a large green space in an expanding city. There were trails for people walking their dogs, large fields where little soccer and football players honed their skills, and ball diamonds for scores of weekend athletes. And, the park was left open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on non-event days for regular folk.
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