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Open Air Weekends return to Amherstburg
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
By Ron Giofu
Open Air Weekends returned to the downtown streets of Amherstburg with restaurants and participating retailers trying to capitalize. Patios were busy with people dining outdoors over the weekend with portions of Richmond St., Dalhousie St. and Murray St. being closed during the evening hours with Sunday being all-day street closures. Those who dined out were glad they did, for the most part, with many simply liking the fact they can get out of the house amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “I like all of the patios for sure,” said Cathy Vilag, as she dined with family members in front of Lord Amherst. “I like the fact we’re out of lockdown. I like the variety of different restaurants. The ambience is wonderful with the roads closed.” “Amherstburg is the best town,” added husband Jeff Vilag. “We frequent all of the restaurants, all of the time, probably every weekend.” Jeff also enjoyed the fact that people can get out and mingle with each other, despite the fact there are still COVID-19 rules in place. Tables were still socially distanced even though they were placed outdoors. “I think a lot of people are excited,” Jeff said of the event, adding they are “100 per cent” behind the town having Open Air Weekends every year. “There’s no reason why they can’t,” he said. “It attracts people from out-of-town as well. A lot of areas are trying to copy us. We were ahead of the curve and
Open Air Weekends kicked off in Amherstburg last Friday evening. Nicole Beaulieu, Cathy Vilag and Jeff Vilag enjoy a drink as they wait to order their meals. RTT Photo by Ron Giofu
it’s all good. Amherstburg is on to something.” Mike and Diane Delic of Amherstburg were seated near the Artisan Grill and also noted they were glad to be out together and out of the house. “We haven’t had a date in a year-and-a-half,” said Diane. “It’s nice to see people out and about,” added Mike. Diane called it “wonderful” and the couple stated they will try and come out at least once per month. “This is awesome,” said Mike. “Every weekend, they should do this. It’s nice to get out and socialize with people and mingle.” Brent Noble and Jessica McGuire were enjoying some drinks near Lot 10 Brewing Co.
“Just being able to get back outside and see people is nice,” said McGuire. “It’s nice to be out of the house.” Both Noble and McGuire enjoyed being able to dine out and McGuire believed the Open Air Weekends bring people downtown and allows people to see other businesses in the area. “I think it’s good for everybody,” she said. Noble and McGuire said they just moved to Amherstburg last year and came to Open Air Weekends last year late in the season. However, they indicated last Friday’s visit won’t be their last this year. “We’ll be here a lot,” McGuire predicted. Continued on Page 3
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