BIZ X ON LOCATION – 24th Annual ICHA Fishing Derby June 6, 2026 At Assumption Park

The Italian Canadian HandiCapable Association (ICHA) hosted its annual Fishing Derby for individuals in the community with physical or intellectual disabilities on June 6, 2026 at Assumption Park in Windsor,
on the Detroit River, with support of their new official sponsors CCS & Ground Effects.

The event — now in its 24th year — offers participants the opportunity to go fishing in a controlled and safe environment.

According to the Fishing Derby Founder and Director, Pat Pagano, the motivation behind this event is to give individuals (at no charge) with a physical or intellectual disability living in our community, the opportunity to experience the sport of fishing.

Before you continue scrolling, we’ve got a whopper of a recap next. Hit play and be hooked! Warning, this video (MC Maria Connel, Pat Pagano, Italo Labignan and Windsor Yamaha included) may cause sudden urges to grab a rod and brag about your catch!

Now back to this article and more pictures . . . The derby is supervised by local professional fishermen and supported by organizations such as the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ontario Federation of Anglers
and Hunters, the Canadian Coast Guard, outdoor companies, and local bait and tackle shops.

“A donation or sponsorship provided are used to offset costs associated with holding the event,” Pagano indicates. “This event goes a long way to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities living in the
Windsor Essex area.”

In addition to fishing, a picnic is also held, with entertainment provided by Music Express, Canada’s premier show band, a magic show by ATTILA, and the characters from EAParties (Enchanted Adventure)
and D&D Mascots. As well, Italo Labignan, Host of the Canadian SportFishing TV Show, attended.

Prizes were given out to all participants, and contributions from the community are greatly appreciated.

With 200 participants, Pagano was very happy it was: “another successful event with the help of many sponsors and volunteers, along with cooperation from the weather and the fish!”

For more information about the Italian Canadian HandiCapable Association (ICHA) and its year‑round programs supporting individuals with disabilities, visit the official ICHA website. You can also follow the organization on the ICHA Facebook Page for updates, community events, and future derby announcements.

To reel in more highlights from this special day, check the photo gallery by Mike Chase of Windsor Aerial Drone Photography.

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Biz X Was There – Lakewood Park South Opening In Tecumseh

The grand opening of Lakewood Park South in Tecumseh on Sunday, June 7, 2026 drew a full house, welcoming residents and visitors of all ages to celebrate the community’s newest waterfront destination.

The event, hosted by the Town of Tecumseh, featured live music by Billy and Jody Raffoul, walking entertainment, interactive stations, children’s activities, and a variety of food vendors, creating a vibrant atmosphere enjoyed by families, friends, and neighbours alike.

The new $3.9 million plaza showcases several exciting amenities, including an all-season washroom facility, a water feature, a natural amphitheatre with an entertainment pavilion, a dedicated food truck and event space, bocce ball courts, and a community fire pit. A key feature of the development is the natural amphitheatre situated on the hill just south of the plaza, which can accommodate between 1,500 and 2,000 people when seated on the hillside.

For events facing northward from the plaza, the space can comfortably host 400 to 500 attendees. The newly installed bocce ball courts are open for public use, adding another recreational opportunity for residents and visitors.

Lakewood Park South represents a significant investment in Tecumseh’s waterfront and community gathering spaces, providing a welcoming venue for recreation, entertainment, and community events for years to come.

For more information on parks, recreation facilities, and trails in the town of Tecumseh visit online.

See a video of opening day festivities on June 7, 2026 as recorded by Mike Chase of Windsor Aerial Drone Photography, below….

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Biz X Was There – Port Windsor Opens Bezhigoyaak Pier Overlooking the River in Sandwich Town

Photos and video by Mike Chase of Windsor Aerial Drone Photography

Wednesday May 20, 2026 was the grand opening date for the new Queens Dock in Windsor.

The highly anticipated opening brought together community and Indigenous leaders, local residents, businesses, and visitors to celebrate a transformational addition to Windsor’s waterfront and tourism landscape.

“The Gordie Howe International Bridge team is proud to provide Community Benefits Plan funding to the Queen’s Dock Cultural Pier, a new legacy landmark in Sandwich Town. The pier will provide residents and visitors with a safe place to enjoy the Detroit River shoreline and learn about the Indigenous peoples that have called this area home.” – ” Chuck Andary, Interim CEO and Chief Legal Officer of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority

Steve Salmons, President and CEO of the Windsor Port Authority adds: “Windsor’s only waterfront pier access just became the number one viewing location for both the Ambassador Bridge and the new Gordie Howe International Bridge all in one location.”

The Queen’s Dock, located at the foot of Mill Street, is expected to become a major attraction for residents and tourists alike, offering unmatched waterfront access and spectacular views along the Detroit River. The pier will also provide a space to continue the tradition of recreational fishing, often a means of food security for many people.

Bezhigoyaak (“bje-a-goy-ak”…waters are becoming one) Pier is the name recommended and supported by Walpole Island and Caldwell First Nations. The importance of recognizing the joining of two lakes was known for thousands of years by Indigenous Peoples in Canada. They have gathered along these shores for not only fishing and hunting, but to trade across the narrow of what we now call the Detroit River.
Even today, with two bridge crossings, and both train and vehicular crossings, they recognize the advantage of our geography for trade and transportation.

The project is partially funded by the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan.

Port Windsor and several other community minded businesses have also contributed to the design, engineering, manufacture and installation of the pier within this project. These include partnerships with Haddad Morgan and Associates Ltd engineers, Studio g+G Architecture, Design and Restoration, knowledge keepers from Walpole Island First Nation, Caldwell First Nation as well as generous community contributors Atlas Tube, St Clair College, Victoria Steel, SouthShore Contracting, Surveyors on Site, C.T. Soils and Materials Engineering, PBS Engineering and Bezaire and Associates.

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BIZ X WAS THERE – W.E. Care For Kids Presents CATWALK FOR KIDS

Photos and video by Mike Chase of Windsor Aerial Drone Photography

Catwalk for Kids returned to the Caboto Club on April 24, 2026 with a sold-out crowd of 220 guests, for an evening of fashion in support of W.E. Care for Kids.

This fun night featured an all-kids cast and local retailers coming together to improve healthcare for the kids of Windsor Essex.

VIEW A VIDEO RE-CAP HERE WITH INTERVIEWS FEATURING VIKI GRADO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF WINDSOR ESSEX CARE FOR KIDS FOUNDATION; SPONSORS AND LOTS OF AMAZING KIDS ON THE RUNWAY!

More than just a fashion show, Catwalk for Kids is driven by one powerful idea: Kids Helping Kids, showing our models that giving back to the community can be both meaningful and fun.

Events like Catwalk for Kids play a vital role in supporting W.E. Care for Kids, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap in pediatric healthcare funding across the region.

In 2025 alone, the organization reinvested $355,000 into the community, funding essential equipment and services such as ventilators for the Windsor Regional Hospital NICU, equipment for the Family Birthing Unit at Erie Shores HealthCare, pediatric hearing aids for Connections Early Years, funding mental health programs at the Youth Wellness Hub, essential tools for John McGivney Children’s Centre and Learning Disabilities Association of Windsor-Essex, and providing funding to W.E.T.R.A. to purchase a therapy horse — making a direct and lasting impact on local kids.

The runway featured a diverse array of fashions from local retailers, including Little Mischief Baby Boutique, GreenHawk, The Gap, Children’s Place, The Crease, Karen’s for Kids, Woodies Hoodies, Monty Formal Wear, and Joe Fresh, highlighting both style and community partnership.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the dedicated retailers and generous sponsors who made the evening possible, including Steven Wilder from Diamond and Diamond Lawyers, Windsor Regional Hospital Foundation, Erie Shores HealthCare Foundation, Ida Sproule and Amy Sarkis from Valente Real Estate, CSN Collision in Emeryville, and Amico. Their support, alongside the efforts of organizers and volunteers, ensured the event’s success.

Catwalk for Kids is a reminder that when kids and families unite, they have the power to create meaningful change in the community.

Check out our photo gallery here now too and watch for the June 2026 issue of Biz X magazine featuring even more shots from this local event!

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Biz X Was There – The 2026 Atelier Fashion Show

Runway photos courtesy Ted Kloske, others and video by Team Biz X!

The 2026 Atelier Fashion Show highlights the collections from the St. Clair College Fashion Design graduating students. The sold-out show, ran by the fashion design students took place at St. Clair College on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

CHECK OUT THE FINAL WALK THROUGH VIDEO

The top fashion designers from 2025 returned, Krishnendu Mohanan @astrae_ae, Elizabeth Trudell @aquasseilia and Lojain Sayyed @ruggedrreverie, opened the show with their new 2026 collections.

Emerging Designer Sponsor – St. Clair College Alumni Association Designer Collection Sponsors – Savvy Boutique, Vito’s Pizzeria, The Suit Shop Co. Ltd.

• 2026 Emerging Designer first place was awarded to . . . Akshat Virmani / Brand: AKKI @akkibyakshat
• 2026 Emerging Designer first place went to Larissa Kersey / Brand: Kerzi Klozet @kerziklozet
• 2026 third place collection winner is Alyson Sokolik / Brand CCC

The Judging Panel sponsor was Julie Bondy of Manor Realty and Signature Homes.

2026 Judges:

• Patti France, St. Clair College – Past President
• Tracey Harding, Fashion Buyer, Biz X writer & Fashion Week Windsor committee member
• Maddie Bevacqua, Mads Kollar – Fashion Designer
• Lindsay Angier, Dance Barre – Professional Dancer and Co-Owner

The Impact Award for the top sustainable collection is sponsored by Télio Fabrics in Montreal and won by Larissa Kersey / Brand: Kerzi Klozet @kerziklozet. In addition, the St. Clair College Fashion Design Technician program launched SEWING the SEEDS of CHANGE, a sustainable fashion competition open to all high school students.

The top three winners from across Canada also showed their designs on the runway on April 18. Criteria included to design, sew and construct one original outfit using upcycled garments, fabrics or materials.

Sewing the Seeds of Change winners:

• 1st place: Alexis Bombardier High School, Riverside Secondary
• 2nd place: Aryana Kroeger, High School: Wellington Secondary School, B.C
• 3rd place: Anna McMillian, High School: Holy Names Catholic High School

Pop Up Shop sponsor was MRA mobile experiential and the vendors were: ACWR; Enchanted House; Fashion Week Windsor; Miss MagPie; NN – Naajwi Naanooshgashinh; Risky Bee and Vibrant Mayhem
St. Clair College Professor Elaine Chatwood, Fashion Design Technician and her entire department wish to thank the title sponsor St. Clair College Alumni Association and . . .

• MRA mobile experiential
• Julie Bondy of Manor Realty/Signature Homes
• Savvy Boutique
• Vito’s Pizzeria
• The Suit Shop Co. Ltd.
• FREEDS
• D & R Vacuum and Sewing Centre
• Cabello Hair

Hair for the show was styled by the Cabello Hair team and SCC Hairstyling students.

Make up for all the models was created by the SCC Esthetician students and faculty, along with Kelly Spinarsky’s pro MUA team. Special thanks as well to all the volunteer models.

The show was produced/Directed by: Elaine Chatwood, Dee-Dee Shkreli, Lori Moore and the SCC Fashion Design students and volunteers.

Check out the 2026 St. Clair College Fashion Design student portfolios on their website. Follow them on IG @stclairfashiondesign.

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