Food For Thought: You Had Me At Bourbon

© Can Stock Photo/Kurhan

FOOD FOR THOUGHT FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THIS ISSUE FEATURES…

The Bourbon Tap & Grill Tecumseh Inc. 12049 Tecumseh Rd E., Unit 2, Tecumseh

By David Clark Photos courtesy of George Marar

With proof of concept secured from a successful Ottawa Street location, the new satellite operation of The Bourbon Tap & Grill is now up and running in the heart of Tecumseh.

This new hot spot, known as The Bourbon Tap & Grill Tecumseh Inc., opened on March 31, 2022 and features the same great food as the Ottawa Street business and a built-in Ultra Pub with plenty of beer, wine and spirits available.

The forerunner to all of this — the 1199 Ottawa Street establishment — opened October 1, 2014, where the Bourbon journey began, offering wood-fired oven pizzas, chicken wings, a variety of drinks, entertainment and everything you could ever want in a classic pub.

Eight years later, an east end location enters the local hospitality scene.

“Opening up in Tecumseh was long awaited with the pandemic and everything happening in the world, but we are so happy with the positive feedback that we have been receiving from everyone and the surrounding businesses,” says George Marar, Co-Owner/Operator of both outlets. “To be carrying on the legacy of a successful business in this location for over 40 years is an honour” (a reference to being located on the same site as the Torino Plaza and Banquet Hall).

In partnership with Marar is Joe Sperduti, Co-Owner, who has also been in the hospitality industry for 20 plus years.

Like its Ottawa Street counterpart, The Bourbon Tap & Grill Tecumseh reveals a very rustic look. No detail was spared and the owners’ passion to create a classy and comfortable environment shines throughout the whole new building.

According to Marar, “The Tecumseh bar has the second largest indoor TV in Southwestern Ontario, and a lounge area with couch seating is available and cocktail bar. A billiards room and a dance floor for your night out are also very inviting. You will come across a grand stage for entertainment, and a patio is in the works also, for Tecumseh.”

Some of the fabulous eats to start with are the appetizers including in-house Mozza Sticks made with Galati Cheese; Nachos and Calamari.

Regarding the wood-burning oven pizzas, a favourite choice includes a Bruschetta Pizza brushed with garlic butter, toasted then topped with a fresh mix, feta cheese and a balsamic drizzle. Another is the exotic Taco Pizza, loaded with a Béchamel base, taco beef, mixed cheeses, sautéed onion and topped with lettuce and a sour cream glaze.

The sky’s the limit with the one-of-a-kind grand ceiling and wall to wall sports television that literally raises the bar over an amazing selection of cocktails. The granddaddy of them all — the Bourbon Burger — buns hold a lot of favourites packed inside, including the beef itself, bacon, cheddar, crispy onions and the famous Bourbon Sauce.

The beautifully breaded Calamari is good for the dip or loaded enough for your entire meal! The Grilled Glazed Salmon is a sensational seafood dinner with its maple walnut glaze, a side of rice and a healthy portion of broccoli.

One of the stacked burgers at the pub is The Bourbon Burger that oozes spiciness including a home-made patty brushed with the Bourbon BBQ Sauce, cheese, bacon and topped with lettuce, pickles, onions and tomato. A vegetarian popular choice is the Portobello Mushroom Burger with roasted red peppers and feta cheese on a toasted bun.

A flavourful wrap at the restaurant is the Pulled Pork Wrap with the pork prepared in-house and added to banana peppers, slaw, Bourbon Sauce, mixed cheeses, wrapped in a flour tortilla. And that’s not all!

“Our traditional wings are served naked or with a dusted breading, with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dip,” says Marar. “We have a nice variety of created sauce flavours, dry rubs and combinations.”

For a healthy order, choose a Steak Salad or Spinach Salad.

Another prized entrée to look forward to is the Grilled Glazed Salmon having been a huge success as of late. It is finished with a maple walnut glaze, a side of rice and fresh broccoli.

For a couple of specials, two to look into are Arancini Balls (rice balls mixed with meat sauce), and the Osso Bucco where the lamb shank is seared to perfection.

Of particular importance to many are the wines, craft beer and cocktails.

“An Ultra Pub, Tecumseh carries over 22 draughts, an extensive selection of Bourbons, whiskeys and scotches, crafted cocktails or a nice glass of wine . . . we have it all,” explains Marar.

Top choices include the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, the classic Walkerville Brewery Honest Lager, the Frank Brewing Co. Bombshell blonde ale and a cocktail worth dreaming about, the Old Fashioned.

As for the menu it is updated every season, with new items added, new features and delicious new recipes for those dining in and a third-party delivery service added soon.

The restaurant has the capacity for 353 people and they can host mid-size parties of up to 130. They are also planning to launch a catering menu for special events off-site in the near future.

“At The Bourbon Tap & Grill Tecumseh you can watch sports, have a nice dinner, a quick lunch, or enjoy a wood-fired pizza,” Marar expresses. “Enjoy live entertainment, billiards, dance the night away, have your wine in the speakeasy lounge or throw a party — there is always lots to explore and experience!”

Since the Tecumseh website and Facebook page are still being set up, to view the hours of operation and the menu, please refer to the Ottawa Street website: BourbonWindsor.com and social media page: Facebook.com/BourbonTapandGrill.

Life’s A Party . . . Life’s A Party . . . Enjoy It One Event At A Time Enjoy It One Event At A Time

COVER STORY By Dave Hall

After two years of seeing festivals and events totally shut down or severely curtailed by pandemic restrictions, we are now seeing a return of many of the special activities attended by residents and visitors across the region and beyond.

From the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest in Amherstburg to the Kingsville Highland Games, and from the Ford Fireworks along the Detroit River, to the LaSalle Strawberry Festival, there’s something on the horizon for almost every taste and age group.

Gordon Orr, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, says the approaching summer months will be a welcome sign of normality for the hospitality and tourism sector, which has been heavily battered by COVID restrictions since early 2020.

“It’s a strong sign that the local tourism and hospitality sector is re-opening and ready to welcome residents and visitors to a whole host of events,” says Orr. “Many of these events are trip-motivators and provide activities for family and friends in town to visit with local residents.”

Orr also acknowledged that sponsors, vendors and volunteers play key roles in making sure these events are successful.

“These events also provide great exposure for businesses and introduce them to future customers they might not otherwise see,” adds Orr. “Festivals and events are what bring people together and this region has always been known for being a social community, and welcoming to all demographics.”

Dave MacNeil, Chief Executive Officer of Festivals and Events Ontario, believes the return to full-scale events will still take some time as people gradually begin to feel comfortable with going out and about.

“We hear that volunteers are hard to come by in some communities, but I imagine that will change slowly,” says McNeil. “These events are important throughout Ontario and they help build community by bringing together people with similar interests, whether it’s wine, music, beer, food or culture.”

For information about activities across Ontario see: FestivalsAndEventsOntario.ca.

For specific events locally you can go to: VisitWindsorEssex.com, but also continue to read this article, LOL!

Since June is traditionally Tourism Month, Biz X magazine has put together a list of the many events planned for this region throughout June until mid-July. (Publisher’s Note: The Parenting Biz section of this edition, starting on Page 30, has the details on The Mama & Family Expo, June 24 & 25. As well, the July/August issue will cover events from mid-July to the end of September).

At the time of writing, event organizers were still in the preparation phases of most profiled events here, so only the information known when this article was assembled could be included.

If you are interested in attending any of these events be sure to check the websites listed since details can change right up until the last minute.

Let’s start with two big events Biz X sponsors and then follow up with other events taking place, in date order.

Come on, give your dog a bone and take them to the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest, a funtastic festival for “pets and their people”! Three year old Toby, a Bernese Mountain dog is the event’s official ambassador and is owned by Lindsay (Turner) Malfara. Photo courtesy of Chalet Studio Photography & Gardens.

This family and pet-friendly event returns to the Libro Sports Complex, 3295 Meloche Road in Amherstburg, for an indoor and outdoor show from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. each day.

“I think everyone is ready to have a summer of normality,” says Woofa~Roo Pet Fest event organizer Lorene Clayton. “Our last event was in 2019 and it’s well past time to get back to having a normal life again.”

Clayton reports there are more sponsors and vendors than in the past and her seventh event promises to provide two days of fun activities for people and pets of all ages.

Two years ago, more than 9,500 people and 3,500 dogs attended the two day event and Clayton believes it could be even bigger this year.

“We have great support from all of our sponsors and vendors and it’s become a huge event on their summer calendar,” she adds.

It has also become a large fundraiser for pet rescue groups such as SNAP For Cats, CK Animal Rescue, St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, CAT Assistance Team and Second Chance Animal Rescue.

“It’s difficult to tell how many dogs are adopted as a result of the show because applications are only accepted at the time of the festival,” explains Clayton. “It can take a few months before any adoptions are accepted, but we do believe a great many people become interested in rescued dogs as a result of the show.”

Among the activities planned are dock diving and dog agility events, lure coursing (sponsored by Biz X), displays of parrots and reptiles, a Windsor Police Service K9 show (on the second day only), dog races, charity contests and displays by specialty vendors.

There’s also a Pet-Ucation inter-active session, sponsored by LaSalle’s Oxford Learning Centre, which gives pet owners an opportunity to ask questions of pet experts and animal behaviour specialists.

Jeanine Simard, Owner of Bark & Fitz, is also excited that the festival is returning following a two year absence.

“We had a great response two years ago and it really helped launch our business, so we’re looking forward to seeing some of the same people again, along with new customers,” says Simard.

Her store sells food and treats for cats and dogs, as well as a full line of pet-friendly healthcare items including supplements and probiotics.

“We’ll be there both days and we’ll have a good variety of our entire line of products,” adds Simard.

Anne Rota, Manager of Tourism and Culture for the Town of Amherstburg, believes the event has already become a signature attraction for the town.

“We are thrilled the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest is back this year,” says Rota. “It’s a great family event and kudos to the organizers of all special events. It takes a lot of effort on their part, but it pays off (for other businesses near the event site) when attendees find all the amazing amenities Amherstburg has to offer when they visit us.”

Victor Pundzius and his wife Kathy, who own For Your Fur Kids, have been long-time supporters, as the pet fest is an opportunity for them to meet with customers and explain their philosophy on what they sell.

A new feature of the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest is the Dog Lovers Lure Course. Your dog will have a ball and get some great exercise too! Photo courtesy of DogLoversDays.

Dynamic Dock Diving returns to the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest. Photo by Rod Denis.

“We always try to suggest that people do their homework and buy their pet food from reputable companies,” says Victor who has been involved with the festival since its inception. “We try to deal with companies that make the food themselves rather than simply packaging someone else’s products.”

Referring to having a booth there, he adds: “The festival is also a great opportunity to get our brand out there and provide people with some samples of what we sell.”

The couple also provide merchandise for auctions and they help out with the festival’s charitable causes.

Kristi Rivas and Keith Waters, business partners of Amherstburg’s Wigle Home Hardware, are once again providing financial support as a silver sponsor.

“It’s a great event and we’re happy to be involved,” says Rivas. “It’s given our business some added exposure and we love the fact it’s such a family-friendly festival. It brings a lot of people to town because there are a lot of dog owners and dog lovers out there.”

Of course, the whole event is a community effort with many businesses and organizations sponsoring certain sections and vendors taking part.

The following is a list (known at the time of writing) of sponsors and vendors. Please note certain sponsors may also have a booth on site, whereas others may have donated items or services and not be in attendance.

Platinum sponsors of the Woofa~Roo Pet Fest are: Biz X magazine, Oxford Learning Centre in LaSalle, AM800 CKLW and The Windsor Star. Silver sponsors are: Chalet Studio Photography, Wigle Home Hardware, Blackburn Radio, and Canadian Tire in Amherstburg.

Windsor Police Service K9 Unit, Lee E. L. Watson and Border City Barkers are event sponsors. Bronze sponsors are: Donna Jean Mayne Fine Sculptures, Stiemar Bakery and In Loving Memory of Tank.

Community sponsors who donated goods and services to enhance the festival and items for the silent auction include: Ruff Trade Ties, Amanda’s Pet Sitting Service, Aerus, Bark & Fitz, Horizon Pet Nutrition, Color Street, The Hungry Pooch, Skate Amherstburg, Emma’s Dog Treats, K&B Bracelets, Country Rose, Pawsitively a Dog Thing and Tupperware.

Other community sponsors include: For Your Fur Kids, TheraPaw Baths, Farmina Pet Foods, Katch My Drift, Jack & Oak Pet Accessories, Stellar Boutique, Hazel In Pink, Dogora Active Wear, Everyday Pretties, RE/Max, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, K9 PlayGRRRound,

Lifetimes On Riverside Retirement

Residence, Popper’s Kettle Corn, Ren’s Pets, Jump Realty and Reg’s Barkery.

The vendor list (with some community sponsors above) includes: Molly Maid, SweetLegs Windsor With Lynn, Cheesecake Babes, Katie Favell Pet Portraits, Hoof & Hound Photography, Stonepath, Doggie Delights, Weiser Essentials, Wiggle Wear, LG Custom Creations, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, Down The Lane Designs, Nucelli’s Frozen Yogurt, Bubble Tea, Crossroads Canine Academy & Daycamp,

Noah’s House Mental Health Foundation

and Tailwagger’s Inn. Others vendors are: Allstate Insurance, Lucky Pups Bakery, Crime Stoppers and Mia’s Paws.

The entry fees are $10 for adults, $5 for

those between the ages of six and 16 and there is no charge for those under the age of five. Certain activities like the lure course, contests and challenges have a separate fee. For more information visit: Woofaroo.com.

Kingsville Highland Games, June 25

This year’s edition of the Highland Games takes place in Lakeside Park, 315 Queen Street in Kingsville. Gates open at 8:30 a.m.

After a more than a 30 year hiatus, the games were resurrected in 2019 before taking another two year break because of pandemicrelated restrictions.

The Town of Kingsville is the proud sponsor of the games, which have been organized, and will be run by, a Committee of Council. The Committee, comprised of volunteers and a staff person, is chaired by Doug Plumb.

Plumb was instrumental in bringing the Highland Games back to Kingsville. He developed a plan and budget, secured cooperation from the necessary participants and has been tireless in his efforts to produce a memorable event for all to enjoy.

“It’s a great event and it feels good to bring it back,” says Plumb. “It’s a family-friendly event for the most part with competitions, Scottish entertainment and sports during the day, before it switches over to an entertainment event in the evening hours.”

The event features a pipe band competition, a fun Highland dance competition, Scottish heavyweight events, a 5K Kilt Run/Walk, a tug-of-war competition, a Mayoral Haggis Hurl, a clan village, sheepherding demonstrations, a beer garden featuring local beers, (Banded Goose Brewery, Grove House Brewery and Kingsville Brewery), and Pelee Island Winery, food and merchandise vendors and activities for lads and lassies. As well, a Ceilidh (a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering) features The Mudmen, Todd Porter and Steel City Rovers from 5:30 p.m. until 1 a.m.

John Fairley, Vice-President of College Communications and Community Relations at St. Clair College, which is one of the sponsors, says the event enables the college to gain some exposure in the county.

“We’re involved with a lot of events in Windsor and Chatham and this is a great opportunity to expand our reach, especially in an area where a lot of employers take on our students for placements and fulltime hiring,” comments Fairley, who is also an emcee for the event with Jim Crichton and Joe McParland. “It’s also an opportunity for our alumni group to become involved in a county and community event.”

This collage of photos, taken during the 2019 Kingsville Highland Games, shows from left: An athlete in the caber-toss event; a weight-over-bar competitor and a sheep-herding demonstration. Photos courtesy of the Town of Kingsville.

St. Clair is sponsoring a number of the heavyweight events like the caber-toss, heavy hammer, heavyweight for distance, Braemar stone, lightweight for distance, light hammer, weight-over-bar, open stone and tossing a sheaf. They also sponsor the tug of war competition.

Carl Hulme, Co-owner with wife Rita of Blimeys British Store & Gift Shop in Essex, says co-sponsoring the festival is a natural fit for their business and its clientele.

“We’ve been involved in the past because it’s very appropriate,” says Hulme. “We’re sponsoring the sheep herding event this year, which is always a lot of fun for the dogs and the spectators.”

In addition to St. Clair College and Blimeys, this year’s sponsors include: Biz X magazine, Better Blinds, Windsor Family Credit Union, Zehrs, The Scottish Club of Windsor, Vision Realty, Sun Parlour Curling Club, Power Play Sports,

Multicultural Council of Windsor

and Essex County, St. Clair College Alumni Association, Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens, Sunset/Mastronardi Produce, Tilbury Auto Mall and Anna’s Garden, Home & Wellness.

Other sponsors are: Kingsville Home Hardware Building Centre, Ernie’s TV, Film Camp for Kids & Youth, McDonald’s, Criminal Defence Lawyer Ken Marley, Wendy Musselman Realtor, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, Windsor Regional Hospital and Men in

Kilts Window Cleaning.

“There are also 40-plus vendors and we’ve done everything we can to ensure there is no competition between them,” explains Plumb. “The vast majority have a Celtic theme and I think everyone will be happy about what the games have to offer.”

A complete vendor list was still being finalized at press time.

Attendees are urged to bring their own lawn chairs. A parking shuttle runs until 5 p.m. from various parking locations across Kingsville.

Children under the age of 14 are admitted free. Tickets are $20 for adults and available on: Kingsville.ca/highlandgames.

Amherstburg Open Air Weekends Now Through October 2

Beginning on Fridays at 3 p.m. and continuing throughout the weekend until Sunday evening, streets in downtown Amherstburg are closed to vehicles, allowing pedestrians to stroll through the historic downtown to visit stores and restaurants.

These special Open Air Weekends are brought to you by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and the Government of Canada. Learn more about the schedule on: VisitAmherstburg.ca.

Owner Taelor Brouyette of Pink Pisces, a vintage furniture and local artisan shop at 64 Murray Street, downtown Amherstburg, is one of many businesses participating in the town’s Open Air Weekends with sidewalk retail sales. Outdoor patios for dining, street games and concerts are also on the agenda. Photo courtesy of the Town of Amherstburg.

LaSalle Strawberry Festival June 9 - 12

Running for over 30 plus years, for 2022 the LaSalle Strawberry Festival is held at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex, 2121 Laurier Parkway in LaSalle, beginning with opening ceremonies at 6:15 p.m. on June 9.

The festival runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on opening night, from 3 to 11 p.m. on Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

What is there to see and do there? Fireworks, a Mascot Dance Off Party, Flying Fools High Dive Show, entertainment by Kobbler Jay, rides, shopping at vendors and of course, the main highlight — eating delicious strawberries from Raymont’s Berries! And don’t forget the parade Saturday at 10 a.m. along Front Road from Old Front Road to Sacred Heart Drive!

There is also a full entertainment schedule with: Tayler Lynn, Leave Those Kids Alone, Madeline Doornaert and the Dane Roberts Band, Elton Sean (Elton John Tribute), Josh Johnson and many other talented performers hitting the stage.

Admission is $5 (or free if under the age of five or over the age of 65) with weekend passes, $12. Free parking is available in five municipal lots on a first-come, first-served basis.

For further details about tickets, ride coupons and an entertainment schedule, check: LaSalle.ca/strawberryfestival.

The Carnival At The Riverfront June 16 - July 3

The World’s Finest Shows midway is back with traditional carnival rides and games along the Riverfront Festival Plaza from June 16 to July 3.

There is no admission fee to the midway, however, wristbands and tickets for the rides can be purchased in advance on: WorldsFinestShows.com.

Please note this event is presented independently and is not connected to the Windsor Parade Corporation or the SummerFest brand.

The Taste Of Tecumseh Festival June 17 & 18

Organized by the Optimist Club of St. Clair Beach, the Taste Of Tecumseh is back for its sixth season after a two year absence because of pandemic restrictions.

The two day event runs from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. each day at Lakewood Park, 13451 Riverside Drive East in Tecumseh. Weekend entertainment is provided by Bigg Wiggle.

Wine is available from Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, North 42 Degrees Estate Winery and Wineology among others. Beer is sold on site from Frank’s Brewing Co., Craft Heads Brewing Company and Walkerville Brewery, as well as spirits from Hiram Walker.

Food vendors offer slices of pizza, sushi, burgers, ice cream, a variety of delectable desserts and more. At the time of writing, participating businesses were still being determined, but the list does include: Nonna’s Pizza A Pezzi, Sushi Bar Lakeshore, Thirsty Butler, Slinky’s Ice Cream & Yogurt, The Cheese Bar, Gilligan’s Juice Bar and lots more of your favourite local restaurants!

Tickets are available in advance for $15 at: Eventbrite.ca/d/canada--windsor/taste-oftecumseh and for $18 on the day of the event.

There is limited onsite parking for $20 and shuttles run from Tecumseh Arena to the park.

For more information and an updated list of vendors, go to: TasteOfTecumseh.ca.

Carrousel Of Nations June 17 - 19 And June 24 - 26

After online events as Carrousel@Home in 2020 and 2021, this popular multicultural event returns to its traditional village format this year to continue a 46 year tradition.

“This year’s theme is ‘Discover Carrousel’,” says Event Co-Chair and the

Multicultural Council of Windsor and

Essex County (MCC) President Allison Johnson. “It’s an invitation to join millions of visitors who have enjoyed world-class performance groups, cultural displays, traditional music and the best part — iconic festival food.”

The event is presented by the MCC and individual ethnic communities, with support from the Government of Canada, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, Windsor Family Credit Union,

LiUNA! 625, the Municipality of Leamington, and Sirved.

“Carrousel of Nations has long been a mainstay of the region’s summer festival season, celebrating the diversity and cultural identities of the ethnic groups of Windsor Essex,” says Fred Francis, MCC Executive

For two weekends in June, Carrousel of the Nations — the only ethnic and multicultural festival in the region — exposes visitors to a variety of cultures and traditions at over 15 villages scattered across the local area. Accompanying photo is of a performer with the Nupur Jhankar classical Indian dance group at a previous Carrousel Village. Photo courtesy of the MCC. This year, the Francophone community celebrates Saint Jean-Baptiste Day at the Ciociaro Club Outdoor Pavilion on June 24. There is no charge for the musical entertainment portion, but there is a cost for the dinner beforehand. Shown is the 2022 entertainment headliner Bigg Wiggle, who performed at the 2019 event. Photo courtesy of CCFWEK.

Director. “We are excited for the festival to return to the in-person format so that our community can immerse themselves in the culture and traditions that make our community unique.”

Find a list of villages and hours of operation on: CarrouselOfNations.com.

Saint Jean-Baptiste Festival, June 24

The region’s Francophone community celebrates Saint Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24) at the Ciociaro Club Outdoor Pavilion, 3745 North Talbot Road in Oldcastle, beginning at 5 p.m.

A lobster and steak dinner is served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets ($30 New York Steak BBQ dinner; $45 Lobster dinner; vegetarian options also offered) are available by calling Le Centre

Communautaire Francophone Windsor-

Essex-Kent (CCFWEK).

Other than the paid portion for the dinner, the event is free for all to attend.

Between 7 and 9 p.m. there is a French musical concert performed by Mélanie Côté and Donavon LeNabat, followed by a performance from Bigg Wiggle, from 9 p.m. to midnight.

For more information check out: CCFWEK.org/en/events/stjbaptist.

Amusez-vous bien!

Riverfront Fireworks Party, June 27; Windsor’s Canada Day Parade, July 1

Headlining the summer in the city is the return of the Windsor Riverfront Fireworks party, presented by the Windsor Parade Corporation (WPP)! Held at The Bistro at the River, 75 Riverside Drive West on June 27 (rain date June 28), the party gets underway at 6 p.m.

Coupled with the best view of the event, there is an amazing dinner buffet planned along with appetizers, a wine tasting and entertainment in addition to a preshow podcast (The Arms Bumanlag Project)

and live on-air broadcasts (with Dan MacDonald/AM800 CKLW) during the evening. Tickets are $160.15 and can be purchased through Eventbrite through: WindsorParade.org.

The Canada Day Parade on July 1 at 11 a.m., also presented by the WPP, includes new Family Fun Zones along the route, which runs west on Wyandotte Street from Devonshire Road to Aylmer Avenue. Special Canada Day cupcakes are available along the route at participating retailers. It’s sponsored in part by the Wyandotte Town Centre and the Government of Canada.

To see the full parade route and an entry application go to their website: WindsorParade.org/canada-day.

Canada Day In Amherstburg, July 1

Amherstburg’s Canada Day activities, sponsored by the Windsor Family Credit Union and funded by the Government of Canada, begin at 8 a.m. with the opening of the splash pad in Toddy Jones Park.

Additional activities include the arrival of Mighty Machines with Amherstburg Fire Department fire trucks at 11 a.m., a selection of food trucks that begin serving at 11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at noon.

In the afternoon, there are magician and Super Hero shows and development of a

On July 1 at 11 a.m., the mighty machines and Amherstburg fire trucks take to the streets as part of the town’s Canada Day activities. Photo courtesy of the Town of Amherstburg. Community Mural at noon; a performance by the River Towne Dance Academy and a chance to meet with the Amherstburg Admirals hockey team, both at 12:30 p.m.

Evening entertainment features musician Adam Butcher on stage at Fort Malden National Historic Site followed by the Buck Twenty band and then fireworks at dusk.

For further details, refer to the website: VisitAmherstburg.ca.

Tecumseh Centennial, July 2 - 4

This three day event is spread out throughout the Town of Tecumseh and neighbouring communities to showcase the past, present and future, while focusing on 100 years of history.

It all begins July 2 at sunrise with a First Nations Sunrise Ceremony at Lakewood Park’s North Beach and continues all day long with events, including a Memorial Walk, opening ceremonies and open house at town

Join The Town Of Tecumseh In Celebrating Its Centennial Anniversary, July 2, 3 & 4, 2022

Activities take place across three historic communities that make up the town today. The community is invited to attend all celebrations and can learn more on: Tecumseh.ca/tecumseh100

The following local businesses and organizations extend their congratulations to the town and look forward to serving the needs of its residents for many more years to come.

hall, an agricultural exhibit at Fire Hall #2 at 5520 Walker Road, a historical sports exhibit at Lacasse Park, a birthday party at Lakewood Park, a First Nations evening ceremony and finally, fireworks.

On July 3, the day kicks off with the unveiling of a mural celebrating the Canadian Armed Forces, the poppy and the first Mayor, Dr. Paul Poisson; a pancake breakfast at Legion Branch 261; a Tecumseh Area Historical Society open house and historical exhibit; a firefighter combat challenge; St. Clair Beach Historical Society exhibit; a bike rally/glow ride; a Truth and Reconciliation conversation, and an outdoor movie night featuring the film Indian Horse at Optimist Park.

On the final day, July 4, there is a free swim at Tecumseh’s Leisure Pool, Lacasse Park in the morning, followed by an open house at St. Anne’s Church. Afterwards enjoy a musical celebration and First Nations Honour Guard at L’Essor High School to wrap up the weekend.

For a complete list of event times, locations and local businesses and organizations sponsoring this special celebration, view: Tecumseh.ca/tecumseh100.

Essex Fun Fest, July 7 - 10

This year, the Essex Fun Fest is scheduled to take place at the Essex Centre Sports Complex (60 Fairview Avenue East in Essex), after a two year absence. It is presented by Essex Countryside Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep; Ken Knapp Ford and Jeff Smith’s County Chevrolet.

“The committee is excited that we are able to stage this event again this summer,” says Joe Garon, Chairperson of the Fun Fest committee. “The town and area look forward to this event every summer and it’s great that we can finally host it again.”

It’s been running since 1988 and has evolved into one of the largest family-friendly festivals in Windsor and Essex County with entertainment and activities for all ages — featuring everything from the Craz-E-Crew Stunt Team, fireworks, a Kids Zone, Youth Talent Showcase, amusement rides and more.

For park admission fees, hours and a complete list of activities and entertainment, check: EssexFunFest.com.

Belle River-On -The-Lake Sunsplash Festival, July 14 - 17

It’s the 25th anniversary of this familyfriendly event held in Lakeview Park right on the lake.

The fun includes a midway with rides and amusements for children beginning on Thursday, a Classic Car Cruise on Friday and a performance by Leave Those Kids Alone in the Lakeview Park amphitheatre on Friday night. There are also food, beverage and merchandise booths set up throughout the park.

For a full line-up of activities and times, visit: BelleRiverBia.com/sunsplash-festival.

A group of friends enjoy a meal outside during Open Air Weekends in Amherstburg last year. Photo courtesy of The Town of Amherstburg.

Live In The Moment

Whether it’s listening to local musicians, participating in contests (perhaps a tug of war for yourself and the family dog in a lure course), feasting on specialty foods or the thrills of an amusement ride, there’s a festival for you and your family happening right now!

So put the last two years in the past where they belong . . . there’s no time like the present to take in as many events as you can!