Amherstburg celebrates Canada's 158th birthday

Fireworks over the Detroit River concluded Canada Day in Amherstburg.

A full day of Canada Day festivities was held July 1, with activities featured from morning until night.

The Canada Day 5K Run, Walk, Wheel got things moving last Tuesday morning with the town hosting events in Toddy Jones Park including a look at the “Mighty Machines” (town-owned vehicles), a visit (and spray) from the Amherstburg Fire Department ladder truck, games, cupcakes, dancing from the Rivertown Dance Academy, food trucks and hockey on the grass thanks to the Amherstburg Admirals.

One of the dancers from the Rivertown Dance Academy performs in Toddy Jones Park.

The downtown streets were closed in the Open Air Weekends footprint for families to come to. Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada was also busy with activities including cannon firings and musical entertainment.

Bagpiper Bradley Way performs at the opening ceremonies in King's Navy Yard Park.

The opening ceremonies were held during the evening in King’s Navy Yard Park. Members of council were led in by the Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 colour guard and bagpiper Bradley Way. Mayor Michael Prue welcomed the crowd to Amherstburg.

“We join all residents in celebrating Canada Day,” said Prue. “Canada Day is a time for celebration and a time for reflection.”

Prue said people have come to Canada for generations seeking a better life, but also paid tributes to the country’s Indigenous Peoples. Amherstburg has been a key place through the course of history, he mentioned, noting it was a stop for freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad.

“We built houses for them,” stated Prue. “Many of their families are still here.”

The mayor added: “Canada’s strength lies in its diversity,” stating anyone can come to this country regardless of where they come from, who they love or the colour of their skin.

Prue acknowledged shirts that read “Never 51” or “This is Our Land,” stating Canada is a sovereign nation.

“None of us wants to give it up to anyone,” he said.

Sponsors included Heritage Canada and the James H. Sutton Funeral Home. Prue also thanked the Legion’s colour guard for their contribution.

“They do us an honour at community celebrations and we are very proud of them,” he stated.

After opening ceremonies, Prue gave provincial NDP leader Marit Stiles a walking tour of the town. Stiles was in Amherstburg as part of a two-day trip to the Windsor-Essex County region.

“I can’t think of a better place to be than a place where such important battles were fought,” said Stiles. “It’s beautiful. We’re singing Canadian music in a Canadian town.”

Stiles said her visit to the region was to speak to people on the impact on U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, conduct roundtables and meet with municipal leaders and to visit area picket lines. She also planned to meet with Caldwell First Nations while in the area.

“We are seeing some of the highest unemployment rates in the country and thousands of jobs at risk from Trump’s tariff threats. We need a labour force strategy, a real Buy Ontario plan that supports local supply chains and accelerating and investing in infrastructure projects. I believe that together, we can build a stronger Windsor - Essex where everyone has a fair shot and working families can build a good life,” she said.

Dominic Asumician, Orlando Matias and Bash Matias enjoy the Canada Day festivities.

Musician Nick Fazio and the band Bigg Wiggle followed the opening ceremonies with crowds packing Navy Yard Park, Fort Malden and other riverfront spots to view the fireworks that concluded the evening.

More photos are on the River Town Times' social media pages.

Amherstburg celebrates Canada's 158th birthday

By Ron Giofu