Photo: The annual Ford Fireworks celebrations on the Detroit River. Photo by Steve Biro Photography
Summer Fest 2017 Celebrates Canada and Ontario 150 Birthdays
Summer Fest 2017, now in their 13th year, produced by the Windsor Parade Corporation held their annual press conference Thursday, June 1 at the Windsor Club on Riverside Drive East.
Against the magnificent background of the Detroit River, Dave Grimaldi and Maggie Durocher described the special events included in this year’s Summer Fest designed to pay tribute to both Canada and the province of Ontario’s 150th birthdays.
“It’s all about partnerships – government, corporate, businesses and media – that allow the Windsor Parade Corporation to do what we do” said Durocher. She first of all identified her success in obtaining the following grants from senior levels of government: The Celebrate Canada Grant which, in conjunction with the local Wyandotte County Center, helps fund the Canada Day Parade on July 1 which begins at 11am at Devonshire Rd in Walkerville, and proceeds west down Wyandotte to Glengarry Avenue; The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Grant from Heritage Canada provides the funding for a number of exciting multicultural dance groups and entertainment on the Festival Plaza stage in partnership with the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex; and, finally, a new grant for this year – Ontario 150 provided by the Ministry of Tourism which is responsible for the showcase event – Canada 150 – In Light and Sound – an entertaining and exciting free event presented at the Capitol Theatre on July 1 at 7:30pm and July 2 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm. Media partner, COCGECO TV, will be taping the opening performance for subsequent airplay.
All the events celebrating both our nation and provinces 150th birthday is described in greater detail in the June 2017 Biz X Magazine, available starting June 3, 2017.
Durocher cautioned that those who find the annual tugboat race one of their favorite events, to be sure that they attend this year’s event, because it might be the last. She indicates that those involved in producing this yearly favorite are getting up in age, and it may have run its course. The 41st Tugboat Race this year is held on June 24 at 1pm.
Summer Fest runs from June 16 to July 2. World’s Finest Shows returns this year with their midway and thrilling rides. There will be a Kid Zone sponsored by Canadian Tire including Wizards Workshop, Zoology, Jangles the Clown and Clairol the Clown and much, much more. And of course, The Ford Fireworks Detroit over the Detroit River on June 26.
For one of the best views of the spectacular fireworks’ display, check out the Fireworks Party online and to get ticket prices and more details.
Video by Joe McParland: Maggie Durocher previews the upcoming 2017 Summerfest with Joe McParland
