New fence at Halifax Country Rockfest limits view

Fans hoping to catch a free peek at country singer Alan Jackson at the Country Rockfest in Halifax encountered a new fence Saturday night.

Jackson headlined the two-day country rock show on the Halifax Common that also included Kevin Costner and his band, Modern West.

Two weeks ago, when the Black Eyed Peas played, much of the west side of the Halifax Common was left open for people to use the park. Butsite manager Dave MacKaysaid this allowed too many people to watch the concert for free.

A screened barrier was put up for this weekend that pushed people without tickets farther away from the concert. But while it put the stage out of view,it didn't deter hundreds of people outside the fence from watching performances on giant screens.

Screens visible fromoutside

Nancy White said it was almost as good as being inside and a lot cheaper.

"Even if you go inside, unless you can make your way up closer to the stage, you have to watch the big screens anyway," White said. "And you can see the big screens from all over here.

"So you go in and pay all that money and you end up watching the big screen anyway. So you might as well stay in here and save your money."

Debra Allen also didn't mind standing outside the fence.

"It's still nice, it's still all good," Allen said. "I mean, music's out in the open, so to me I think that's great."

Tickets for the show cost $90to $230, and an estimated 20,000 fans had them.

MacKay said the fence was put up becauseorganizers wanted more people inside the venue.

"We want more people inside here," he said. "You know, you've got to try to get as much out of the city as you possibly can to put these shows on or you won't have these shows. That's how it goes."

Several concerts have been held at the Halifax Common in recent years, including the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and KISS.