Open Streets kicks off in Kingsville

By Paul Forman

The sun finally broke through as the first of six Open Streets events took over the streets of downtown Kingsville on July 8. The town has planned a different theme for each of the scattered Saturday evenings in July and August, and new this year, an Open

Streets carnival event will make an appearance in Cottam on July 22.

Recognized as a Top 100 event by Festival and Events Ontario in 2022, Open Streets decided to theme each evening this year.

“Last year our Christmas in July was so popular that we decided to provide more themes this year,” said Karen Loney, Kingsville’s Manager of Recreation Programs and Special Events.

When asked about the Lego choice, Loney replied, “Who doesn’t like Lego? It’s interesting for all ages. Lego is something that a lot of people connect well with.”

Moving forward, the town intends on continuing to divide the downtown area at Main and Division into four quadrants for upcoming Open Streets: Family Fun, Beer & Bites, Market, Arts & Culture.

Asked as to why Open Streets is such a popular draw, Loney said, “We’ve had a lot of partnerships, many volunteers, restaurants are willing to set up out on the street, there’s multiple vendors, lots of music and the whole community really gets involved.”

The Town of Kingsville actively sought out the public’s input as they handed out surveys, accessed through a QR code, asking for help in planning Open Streets events in 2024. Those willing to share ideas can also access the survey through the town’s website at kings-

Among the many faces at Kingsville’s first Open Streets event were, from top, Raylin Barry who created a Lego car, brothers Alex and Evan Dumont playing a street size version of Connect-4, and entertainers ‘Acoustics Unlimited’ — Glenn Garant on guitar and Mark Bartlett on vocals.

One-year-old Bodhi Lazdins took his spot on the royal throne made of over-sized Lego blocks at the first of five Kingsville Open Streets celebrations on Saturday, July 8. Young Bohdi was one of many who attended the open streets, which carried a Lego theme. A full report is on page 2 of this week’s Sun. SUN photo by Paul Forman