Dates To Remember

TO VIEW EVEN MORE EVENTS VISIT: BIZXMAGAZINE.COM AND INPLAYMAGAZINE.COM AND CLICK ON THE “EVENTS” TAB! Submit your listing on: BizXmagazine.com and InPlayMagazine.com *UNLESS NOTED 519 IS THE AREA CODE TO USE Please be sure to confirm all events before attending. Feb. 9: Don your fascinators and stretch your pinky fingers for the newest family friendly event coming to Essex Centre — the “Downtown Essex Tea Party” — at the Essex Train Station courtesy of the ACT (Arts, Culture and Tourism) Committee. From 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. party-goers can make cards and decorate cookies while enjoying the British beverage. While no members of the royal family are planning to attend (LOL!), attendees can be served by some local celebrities, including: Essex Town Council Mayor Larry Snively; Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche; Essex Fire & Rescue Services Chief Rick Arnel and local Member of Parliament Chris Lewis. Pre-registration is required and the $14/person fee includes: craft materials, door prize ballots, tea service and classic finger foods such as cucumber sandwiches. Participants are asked to dress for the occasion and bring their favourite tea cups (will be provided for those who don’t have their own). Registration is limited and can be done online at: EssexConnect.ca (search “Tea Party”) or by calling 776-8992. Feb. 14: Happy “Valentine’s Day!” Take your sweetheart (kids included if you like) out for a nice meal and support a local restaurant. Don’t forget the chocolates, flowers, wine or even a little bling! Feb. 15: “Be Who You Are” at the “TRUE Festival” in Amherstburg! Details on page 23! Feb. 15: The “Stupid Cupid Party” takes place at Jake’s Roadhouse & Blues Joint, 2300 Huron Church Road in Windsor from 8 p.m. until midnight. If you forgot about Valentine’s Day; simply don’t care about it; enjoy being single or even if you have someone special and like to party then join British Beat 66 for a fun filled evening at no charge! (please note: food and drinks are offered at regular business prices). For more info email: BB66@mdirect.net; visit: BritishBeat66.com or dial 991-5794. Feb. 16: The third annual “Army VS Navy Hockey Game” presented by Adopt-A-Vet Canada — where local Soldiers and Sailors compete to take home the “Grapes Cup” — takes place at the WFCU Centre Main Bowl, 8787 McHugh Street in Windsor from noon until 4 p.m. This is a FREE event put on for the community ($1 suggested donation or non-perishable food item is appreciated). All funds raised help the veterans here in our community. Bring your skates too, because following the game you will be able to lace them up and join the local heroes on the ice for a FREE skate. Questions? Email: info@adoptavet.ca; refer to: AdoptaVet.ca or phone 226-345-9252. Feb. 17: Happy “Family Day!” Feb. 18: The Literacy Committee of Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), with partners Families First and Douglas Marketing Group, invite you to the new Signature Tributes Event Centre, 3310 Dougall Avenue in Windsor for the “Tell Your Story Writing Contest Awards” from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. During this evening, watch the talented finalists (in four separate age groups from grade six to grade 12 to age 21) bring their stories to life as they are told through dramatic readings on stage. The event is free to attend, light snacks and beverages provided. See contest info at: FamiliesFirst.ca/tellyour-story. For more event info, send an email to: kblondin@experiencedmg.com or call 258-1858. Feb. 19: The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce presents the February “After Business” at Fionn MacCool’s, 430 Ouellette Avenue inside the Four Points by Sheraton from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Network with local business professionals, while enjoying delicious complimentary appetizers, a cash bar, and a chance to win door prizes. Admission (HST is extra) is as follows: Chamber Member or Emerging Leader (21 to 35): $15; Future Member: $20. For further details email: mpoljak@windsoressexchamber.org; view: WindsorEssexChamber.org

Feb. 21-23, 27-29; March 1 and 5-7: Korda Artistic Productions presents “The Fantasticks” (the longest running musical in history, but with new twists!) at the KordaZone Theatre, 2520 Seminole Street in Windsor with performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. General Admission is $25, but on Thursday, February 27 just pay what you can. Tickets are available at the box office and through: KordaZone.com. Feb. 22: The “Coldest Night of the Year Walk-aThon”hostedby The Downtown Mission of Windsor begins at 664 Victoria Avenue at 5 p.m. This two, five or 10 km Walk-a-Thon is an opportunity to raise much needed financial support to continue providing basic necessities, supports and hope for our hungry, homeless and hurting neighbours. This is a family-friendly event, but any walker under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. A hot light dinner is served to all walkers and volunteers at the end of the walk. Cost to participate for adults 18 and up is $25 or you can fundraise aminimum of $150 to make more of an impact locally. Youth 11 to 17 can fundraise a minimum of $75 or pay the $25 registration fee. Find more info on their website: DowntownMission.com/event/coldest-night-of-theyear-2020 or contact Afshin Ali by phone 973-5573 X 340 or email: afshin@downtownmission.com. Feb. 22 & 23:“Rogers Hometown Hockey” stops at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex, 2121 Laurier Parkway, in LaSalle. Bring your family and celebrate hockey! Meet Ron MacLean and Tara Slone of Sportsnet. Free live music, activities and more on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. To learn more, phone 969-7770; email: dhadre@lasalle.ca or see: LaSalle.ca/hometownhockey. Feb. 28: The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run presents the 6th annual “Polar Plunge” at the Windsor International Aquatic Centre, 401 Pitt Street West from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. (registration/preplunge 5 to 6 p.m. and plunge at 6:30 p.m.) The “Polar Plunge” is a unique opportunity for individuals,

organizations, and businesses to support Special Olympics Ontario athletes by taking a flying leap into very cold water! Register, dare a friend, donate or fundraise in support of an amazing cause. Adults can register for $50 or fundraise $100 to waive this fee. Students can register for $25 or fundraise $75 to waive this fee. Find out more by logging on to: PolarPlunge.ca/plunges/windsor-essex; by emailing: abby@skoclarity.com or by calling 916-2416. Feb. 29: Leap Year — an extra day, hooray! Feb. 29 & March 1: “The Essex Train Show” presented by Heritage Essex rolls in to the Essex Public School, 72 Brien Avenue East from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. As the largest train show in southwestern Ontario you can find something for everyone including interactive train displays for children to actually partake in the experience. Admission: $5 adults; $4 teens/seniors; $3 children and those under three years of age are not charged. For more info email: heritageessex@bellnet.ca; check: EssexRailwayStation.com or dial 776-9800. March 3: Join the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup for a free screening of “A Plastic Ocean” at the Capitol Theatre, 121 University Avenue West in downtown Windsor. Doors open at 6 p.m.; screening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a panel discussion to follow. The film is an award-winning feature length documentary brought to you by a group of dedicated scientists, film-makers, social entrepreneurs, scholars, environmentalists and journalists, that explores the fragile state of our oceans and uncovers alarming truths about the consequences of our disposable lifestyle. To attend you must pre-register at: DetroitRiver.ca/movie. Learn more by sending an email to: serran@detroitriver.ca or by calling 776-5209 ext. 245. March 4: “Hats On For Healthcare”, read the front line on page 9 of this issue for details on how to get your hat on for charity. March 7 & 8: The Windsor-Essex Home Builders’ Association presents the “Home and Lifestyle Show” at the Ciociaro Club, 3745 North Talbot Road, Oldcastle. Tickets are $8 in advance for adults with children (under 12) no charge to attend, $10 at the door. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have any questions, find the answers you need on their website: HomeAndLifestyleShow.com. March 8: Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. presents the “International Women’s Day Gala.” Turn back to page 5 to learn how to purchase your tickets. March 13: The Ciociaro Club observes “International Women’s Day” with its 16th annual celebration honouring all amazing women in Windsor and Essex County. The fun kicks off at 6 p.m. and features a wonderful meal, a walk-thru fashion show and shopping at some fabulous beauty and accessory vendors. Tickets are $55 with all proceeds to benefit the Windsor Regional Hospital Breast Health Centre. If you would like to attend this event simply call IldeMariani, 991-2743.

HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE Meet Two Guys On Top Of The Windsor Media World, Chris Ensing And Dan MacDonald By Joe McParland

Two big appointments were made in the fall of 2019 involving highly coveted Windsor media positions. First, in September, CBC Canada announced that Chris Ensing was the new anchor of“CBC Windsor News at 6”. Ensing has been in Windsor as a photojournalist and reporter for the past two and a half years.

In the second appointment, Windsor native and popular local music jock, Dan MacDonald, was named host of “The Dan MacDonald Show” filling the long-held slot held by Lynn Martin who retired in September after a 42 year career on air.

Since the early 1990s Martin has owned the Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 12 noon time slot on AM 800 CKLW as the host of Windsor’s only daily call in show. During the November 2019 “Biz XAwards Gala,” as Emcee, I sat at a table with my good buddy, neighbour and legendary 93.9 The River DJ, Greg Gynp (a “Biz X Awards Gala” Celebrity Presenter) and we were joined by fellow presenters MacDonald and Ensing. I’ve known MacDonald for years, but I was just meeting Ensing in person for the first time. And thus, it was born . . . the idea for a sit-down interview in early 2020 with the two of them in my home. It’s a special feature of my monthly “Cup of Joe” . . . enjoy!

Chris and Dan, thank you both for doing this interview. Once again, congratulations are in order to both of you on your recent appointments. As I have stated you each have been appointed to two of the most coveted and influential media positions in the Windsor area. As such, hopefully your followers will benefit from getting to know a little more about you. So, Dan, tell us about your background, where you went to school and how did you enter the media market.

I was born and raised in Windsor and I’m a proud Windsor boy. My partner, Wayne, and I are celebrating 20 years together this February 5 as a couple. We’re both long time residents of Walkerville. I’m an alumnus of St. Clair College, a graduate from 2000 in the Journalism, Print and New Media Program. This was at the old main campus, before the MediaPlex existed. My sole focus at the time was writing, not radio. I wanted to be a writer for a newspaper

Always on standby to break the news to Windsor Essex viewers, Chris Ensing is pictured during a January 2020 newscast at the CBC studios on Riverside Drive West. Photo courtesy of Sanjay Maru/CBC.

or magazine and I actually got into radio by accident. In school I had concentrated all my efforts on writing and avoided doing internships in production, radio, television. Just before graduation I was told by my prof that I needed something more than just writing to graduate. So, I scrambled and arranged to do my final internship with CJAM Radio. My time there steered me in a whole different direction, right off kilter from writing and into radio.

When did you start then with commercial radio?

I started in 2004 when AM800 was under the CHUM radio umbrella. I was hired in radio solely as a writer doing copywriting, which I thought was cool. I was writing copy, commercials and promos and expanded into writing reviews for music blogs. This allowed me then to start attending shows and concerts. It was a marriage of my two life passions — music and writing.

Now Chris, tell me a little bit about your background.

I was born and raised in the White Oaks area of southwest London. I attended Regina Mundi High School, and after high school I moved to Toronto and obtained a BA degree in journalism at Ryerson. I’m turning 30 in February, and my status is single.

It appears both you and Dan have significant milestones to celebrate this February! Chris, when did you realize journalism might be your life calling?

Ever since my earliest years I loved being able to tell stories. And that’s what being a journalist is all about — telling people stories of importance to them. Not actually working in the mines or factories, but telling the stories of those persons who do work in them.

When did you start with CBC?

I started with the CBC in 2011 and have had various assignments; working CBC News National Assignment Desk, reporter, photojournalist, news anchor. The CBC has allowed me to see much of the country with stops in Gander, Newfoundland; Charlottetown, Labrador City. I was a reporter for CBC London when the station launched in 2017 and then headed down the 401 to Windsor two and half years ago.

at London? All kidding aside, tell me about your initial introduction to Windsor.

My family means the world to me and having my mom and dad and siblings just 90 minutes down the road, made this assignment in Windsor perfect for me. Yes, that is a common misperception way too many people have and no, Ontario doesn’t end at London! I arrived at my Airbnb in Windsor the day that City of Windsor Council approved initial funding for the “Bright Lights” display at Jackson Park. My second day in Windsor was “the” flood. Little did I realize that both of these events would become significant news stories with lives of their own.

Chris, besides anchoring the evening news, what other news platforms do you get involved with?

The best way it has been explained to me is that we tell a story and it is the story that matters, but how you consume it is a personal matter for the receiver of the news. We can tell that story on many platforms — on TV, on radio, or online in social media. Oftentimes we’re doing that at every step or stage of the story. We’re telling the same story, but people will consume it in mediums best suited for themselves. This is the way the CBC is going and in Windsor in particular

Each weekday you’ll find Dan MacDonald in the AM800 CKLW radio studio ready to take your calls. Photo courtesy of Dan MacDonald.

they want the consumer to be able to reach the story at all available platforms.

So, besides being the face we see each night between and 6 and 6:30 p.m., where else might we see you?

I am definitely a hands-on guy and you’ll see me out walking the neighbourhood streets or along the riverfront getting the information I need to tell people’s stories whether it be on film, the Internet or in writing. I don’t just stand in front of a camera and teleprompter for 30 minutes and then call it a day.

When you first arrived did you

Chris Ensing is a great community supporter and willing to lend a helping hand to other media outlets when needed. As a Celebrity Presenter for the November 2019 “Biz X Awards Gala”, Ensing is photographed on stage with Biz X Publisher Deborah Jones (right) and the recipient for the “Fitness Instructor Forever Rising To The Challenge,” Tia Nicoletti of the Windsor Circus School. Photo by Kim Jussila.

have much understanding of the history of CBC TV here in Windsor and in particular did you know it used to be called CKLW TV?

Yes, I did know a bit of the station’s history. Whenever I’m in a new building I seek to learn about the building and its history. I was very fortunate to have Dale Molnar and Don Nelson available here to provide me with details of our past. They would take me on tours of the back rooms and point out the many very familiar names who had their start here before moving on to opportunities elsewhere.

Have you heard the names and stories of CBC personalities from past decades, names like David Compton, Sue Prestidge, Don Daly, Susan Pedler and Karen MacNeil — just to name a few. I have indeed heard about them and their legendary work here in Windsor, along with more contemporary colleagues of mine like Lisa Xiang, Asha Tomlinson and Allison Johnson. It is so cool to know I am working in their space.

Switching gears — Dan, you’ve identified music and writing as your life passions. You have quite the reputation here in Windsor for poetry — more precisely – Slam Poetry. Tell me about this.

I’ve been doing Slam Poetry around town for a number of years in coffee houses, probably going back to the late ‘90s, early 2000s (shout out here to Phog Lounge). I was attending university at the time, which I was miserably unsuccessful with because I was a real party boy at the time. I found that college was more my thing than university. I was always interested in the arts and cultural scene and loved going to area open mic poetry sessions as a spectator. I started writing my own poetry, but for myself. One night I was at an open mic event and on a dare from friends I went on stage and well . . . the rest is history. I’ve done poetry for burlesque groups like The Cheesecake Burlesque Club and the Titillation and Sleaze Artist Collective. I’ve performed for local groups like Windsor Pride organizing the annual “Slam Homophobia” event, and the City of Windsor. And I have been commissioned to do birthday parties and other special private events. One event so important for me was the one you, Joe, helped coordinate and emceed — “The Vigil for Orlando” before 500 participants on Maiden Lane in June 2016.

Dan, you published a book of your poems a number of years ago, didn’t you? In fact, I interviewed you about the book on TVCOGECO. Wow! You’ve have quite the memory (and we have the photo to prove it too!). That was back in 2008 and the book was called, “Whine and Cheese”. And believe me there was a whole lot of whining and a whole lot of cheese in that collection, ha ha!

Here’s a blast from the past! Joe McParland interviews Dan MacDonald in 2008 on TVCogeco about the release of his book of poetry, “Whine and Cheese”. Photo courtesy of Joe McParland.

So, is it fair to say, you are where you are today because of your writing skills?

I believe I would not be in radio today if I couldn’t write. It is a passion that provided me a future; writing is the key to everything, at least for me.

Before your recent appointment, you spent more than a decade as a music disc jockey. How did that happen for you?

I did copywriting for nearly a decade but got into the DJ gig also by accident, by being at the right place at the right time. 93.9 The River had an advertisement out for an announcer, which I saw. Yet my self-doubt discouraged me from applying since I didn’t think I would be qualified. I was a writer, not an announcer. Then I heard through the grapevine the program director wanted me to apply, so I went and saw him, Taken on October 21, 2019 at the University of Windsor campus during the CBC’s live coverage of election night Ensing poses with (from left): Lydia Miljan, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science; Rebecca Major, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Jonathan Pinto, CBC Radio’s “Afternoon Drive” reporter. Photo courtesy of Chris Ensing/CBC.

and he confirmed what I’d heard. He directed me to create a demo tape (which I did after Googling “how to make a demo tape”) and three days later I was told that I had the job and was starting that night — live!

You seem to have transitioned into your DJ years quite easily. Does this have something to do with the fact that music has always been in your wheelhouse – another passion of your life?

Exactly. I’ve had an acquired passion for music since I was six years old. I had a Fisher Price record player and my mother encouraged me to go through her record selection to see what I liked. And believe it or not — and you can’t make this stuff up — the first record I embraced was the CKLW Solid Gold album with the likes of Bob Seger, Tommy Roe, The ShangriLas and other bands of the day. This was at a time when my friends were listening to hit artists of the ‘80s — Madonna, Prince, (Cyndi) Lauper and so on. They used to make fun of my music choices — even though I listened to the ‘80’s music as well. My music selections as a six year old set me off on a trajectory in music that allowed me to go upward and deeper. I feel like I I’d been studying for the media music jobs that I’ve had in life since I was six years old.

Chris, who has had the strongest influence on you as a journalist?

This is going to sound a little off beat, but the strongest influence in my life has been my mom and dad. My mom has worked retail her entire life. My dad works in logistics with a trucking company. I look at the way they see the world, and at times they’re just outsiders who want to learn more, and they’re inspired by that. So, whenever I’m reporting and trying to tell a story I’m thinking “does what I am trying to say make sense to mom and dad”. What questions would mom and dad have for me in what I am reporting to them?

Dan MacDonald emcees many charity events throughout the year, and like Ensing, was a first time Celebrity Presenter at the 2019 “Biz X Awards Gala”. Photo by Kim Jussila.

Same question for you Dan. Your biggest journalistic influences? Oh wow. I have a whole list but here’s my top three. First is George Stroumboulopoulos. I’ve always looked up to him. He’s a real class act and the real deal. I’ve always loved the way he is just so real and himself with the guests. Secondly, I’m a massive fan of Ann Delisi from WDET and host of Ann Delisi Essential Music. I’ve always looked up to her as well. She was the program director of 93.9 The River before I started there. And my third is Lynn Martin. I’ve always loved the way that she could play both sides and get great conversations from people by asking the right questions.

Speaking of Lynn, what is the greatest thing you learned from her, Dan?

Always let everyone have their say, even if it is something you disagree with — unless they cross the line and become disrespectful. She had the ability to deal with everyone with respect and not only hear them, but listen to them.

Dan, you have gone, in your radio career, from copywriting, to on air personality and disc jockey, to your current Monday to Friday 9 to 12 noon talk show host gig. This latest endeavour has to be a bit challenging for you. You are taking over from a legend like Lynn Martin, and you’re no longer in your music wheelhouse comfort zone, but facilitating a three hour discussion each day on a wide range of topics. How are you adapting?

You’re right, it is quite the transition for me. I’ve always enjoyed a good discussion, even if we disagree. I can also be pretty bull headed. I like to tell my listeners they are my co-hosts and the conversation is about us. Doing this show requires a more time researching and learning more about the topics we discuss. But, so far it’s been a real privilege to do this work.

Dan, has it really sunk in that you are the person occupying one of the most coveted Windsor media positions, especially in terms of its history, outreach and influence?

It is still surreal to this day that I am sitting in the same studios of the famed AM800, one of the most iconic radio stations of the Midwest in the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and today — the station that gave birth to Rosalie Trombley, the librarian/music director/star maker, and the likes of on air personalities and icons like Purtan, Gable, Holiday, Shafer, Richards, MacGregor and the list goes on. Then the DJs of my generation that I grew up listening to and then working with — like Gnyp, Phat Matt, Vince Canova, Holly Hutton and so many others. It sounds cliché, but I really am living the dream.

Finally, Chris, as a newcomer to this city, how do you see and understand Windsor?

Shortly after arriving here a cab driver told me, “Windsor might be a hard place to like, but it’s easy to love.” I see this city as a place filled with fighters — passionate fighters. When you get to that point of loving the city, you’re ready to fight for it. And I see it all the time here. When people see an injustice or feel some are not being given a fair shake, they fight for them Chris Ensing interviews NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh on September 20, 2019 during his visit to Windsor. Photo courtesy of Tony Smyth/CBC.

with fervour so all can have a better life for themselves and their family in this city. They may not always be on the same page, but they have each other’s back.

And how do you see the Windsor media scene?

One of my initial observations about Windsor is that it is a well covered city from a media perspective. You have a strong daily newspaper with strong writers, which is great because many Canadian cities no longer have daily papers. You have wide ranging radio and television news coverage of things as they are happening. Some very talented people in this market. And you have that amazing MediaPlex right in the heart of the city. One of my colleagues, Jason Viau, is teaching there. And I will live and breathe CBC and our ability to do stories of importance for the residents. I’m aware of the media cutbacks across the board in recent years making it more challenging. But, I know this to be a city of fighters and believe people will support what they have here locally.

I taught at the MediaPlex too. No way, what did you teach?

Salsa dancing and Zumba . . . just kidding! Actually, I taught podcasting and some writing.

And my final questions for Chris require only a true or false answer to the following. Do you enjoy cold hamburgers? Do you tuck your pants into your socks? Have you been seen at a formal gala with your suspenders on top of your vest? True, true, and true . . . LOL!

Taken a few years ago, Dan MacDonald and Lynn Martin are pictured with “Cup of Joe’s” greyhound, Vici, during the “Run for Rocky” at the riverfront. Photo by Joe McParland. OK, well guys that about wraps it up. On behalf of all of us at Biz Xmagazine congratulations again to both of you on your new appointments and we wish you the very best in your endeavours. We hope you both will stay on top of the Windsor media world for many years to come!

EVENT PROFILE

“They’ll Be Dancing In The Street” At The “TRUE Festival” Saturday, February 15, 2020

Come out this Valentines’ and “Family Day” weekend to boogie down in downtown Amherstburg at the inaugural, inclusive “TRUE Festival”.

The “TRUE Festival” is FREE to attend, so bring your family, friends and loved ones. One of the highlights is a ‘70s themed street dance party featuring two celebrity DJs — Kevin Bailey and Josh Karmin — that debuts on Saturday, February 15 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. “We encourage you to come out in your ‘70s’ attire and stay for the party afterwards!” says Anne Rota, Manager of Tourism and Culture for the Town of Amherstburg. “It’s fun, fun, fun for a February night out!”

Rota also wants everyone to “Shake off hibernation and get off the couch with the .5k (yes that’s 500 metres folks!) ‘Amherstburg Cupid Dash’ in association with the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) with proceeds going towards Amherstburg conservation initiatives.”

The first 250 people will earn their wings when they register on line. ($15 registration fee

applies for the run). Don’t miss the fun pre-run social at Happier Camper from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. where participants will get a spoof demo on how to run a 500 metre race!

The “Amherstburg .5k Cupid Dash” takes place through the illuminated Kings Navy Yard Park while participants compete in some hilarious antics along the route! After the run, warm up in the licensed Igloos operated by Wolfhead Distillery (must be 19+ for entry into the Warming Igloos). Nika Laurin, President of the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce adds, “You won’t want to miss visiting the downtown shops and restaurants for exclusive ‘TRUE’ promotions.” There is the opportunity to win a fabulous Amherstburg Staycation prize valued at $1,000, generously sponsored by the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce members.

The prize includes accommodations at one of the quaint Bed and Breakfastlocations, a dinner for two, tickets to a Windsor Express game, two premium Windsor Spitfires tickets for any home game and other fabulous prizes.

“Be Who You Are” and stay “TRUE” to yourself! Grab your warmest winter jacket and hat, put on some long johns or mukluks and prepare to boogie outdoors in the streets of downtown Amherstburg. Photo credit: © Can Stock Photo/Nejron.

“We are very excited to offer an inclusive, winter event in the streets of downtown Amherstburg,” says Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo. “We encourage everyone to come out and ‘chill’ at the dance party, enjoy the vibrant downtown area and take advantage of the business promotions going on that evening. We have a history of great runs with ERCA and great fun in Amherstburg. We want to welcome everyone in ways that respect and celebrate diversity, and ensure that differences don’t become barriers to full engagement and participation in our events and activities. We know you’ll dig it!”

This event is funded through the Canadian Experiences Fund provided by the Government of Canada and the Town of Amherstburg. Refer to: VisitAmherstburg.ca/true for further details on the festival.