THE PARENTING BIZ – Windsor’s #YQG Togetherfest April 26 & 27, 2025
Throughout the year, citizens have many opportunities to explore Windsor’s rich diversity, culture, and traditions, but timing and geography are just a few of the barriers to gaining a true understanding of what the region offers.
Special events designed to showcase the city’s uniqueness, not only make it easier to explore, they help build a stronger, more connected community that values and embraces differences.
To honour and celebrate Windsor’s rich diversity, the Rotary Club of Windsor — W.I.D.E., University of Windsor and the Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA), once again host the #YQG Togetherfest. This is a family focused weekend with attractions and entertainment including games, vendors, traditional foods, local agencies, and exciting demonstrations.
The second annual #YQG Togetherfest takes place April 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Toldo Centre at the University of Windsor (2555 College Avenue West). Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $5 (children under five are free to attend), or groups of 25 or more can contact BANA in advance of the festival. The public event is designed to truly welcome everyone.
BANA Executive Director Luciana Rosu-Sieza points to their motto of Be Yourself, encouraging individuals to be authentic and proud of who they are, and to Rotary’s W.ID.E. that reflects their core belief: We’re Inclusive, Diverse, and Equitable.
“It is in this spirit that our two organizations have come together again, with the support of the University of Windsor, to bring a truly unique, multicultural and inclusive event to our community; and we are hoping you’ll join us,” – BANA Executive Director Luciana Rosu-Sieza
According to organizers, in its first year (2024), the event welcomed several thousand people.
“We are hoping to build on that with so many new and exciting vendors and activities this year,” adds Patrick Kelly, BANA Public Relations and Communications Lead. (Find out more information on BANA’s
services for individuals affected directly and indirectly by eating disorders online).
Kelly expects that 60 unique vendors will participate this year across a variety of categories, which includes arts and crafts, cultural food, home décor items, local authors, entertainers, education programs, a mobile medical clinic, emergency response services, and community agencies. The event even gets interactive with a dog show and skills competition, and — new for 2025 — Martial Arts demonstrations by Wu Shen Kung Fu Academy; a Viking village created by Rósstad (Rose City) Norsefolk and a mobile dental hygiene clinic by Smile Wagon.
The #YQG Togetherfest 2025 is a fundraiser for BANA and Rotary W.I.D.E. programs and services, but it is also an opportunity for residents in Windsor Essex to join in a showcase of uniqueness and unity. As Kelly describes: “The idea is a one-stop shop event where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together to celebrate multiculturalism, while creating access to community groups and local service agencies. This weekend aspires to be inclusive of entertainment, crafts and artisans, traditional foods, educational and family friendly activities, and organizations representing our community and its diverse
culture.”
Get a sneak peek on a few vendors by continuing to read this story on page 30 of the April edition. CLICK HERE!
