top of page

Crowd braves the cold to enjoy TRUE Festival

Writer's picture: Ron GiofuRon Giofu

Updated: Jan 29

Charlotte Szewczuk and Halayna Mailloux donned fairy wings during the TRUE Festival last Saturday night.
Charlotte Szewczuk and Halayna Mailloux donned fairy wings during the TRUE Festival last Saturday night.

The TRUE Festival made its return to downtown Amherstburg on the weekend with hundreds braving the cold to enjoy the show.


People from Amherstburg and surrounding communities came out Saturday night with the TRUE Festival being held on the same footprint as Open Air Weekends. The crowds enjoyed shows from “The Fire Guy,” whose real name is Brant Matthews, as well as hot chocolate from the Rotary Club of Amherstburg, wheel spinning for prizes thanks to The House Youth Centre, s’more making, live entertainment at surrounding businesses and drag shows from performers Dulce, Edie Violet, Vanity Affair and Zsa Zsa.


“This is a chance for people to get out of hibernation, get out of the house and re-connect with one another,” said Sarah Van Grinsven, a tourism co-ordinator with the Town of Amherstburg. The point of the festival was for people “to be true to themselves and have a great time together.”


Billed as a “free disco dance party,” Van Grinsven said there were also benefits to businesses in the area.


“It’s also economic development for businesses who are not as busy in the winter months,” said Van Grinsven.


Brant Matthews - a.k.a. “The Fire Guy” - shows off his new toy.
Brant Matthews - a.k.a. “The Fire Guy” - shows off his new toy.

Holding a variety of different events is a priority of the town’s tourism department, she added.


“In the tourism industry, we try to make people feel welcome,” said Van Grinsven. “That’s why we have such diverse events. We try to take care of everyone.”


Van Grinsven said she spoke with people from Windsor, London and Toronto on Saturday, adding WE Pride also brought a bus load of people from Windsor again this year for the TRUE Festival.


“It’s been a great partnership,” she said, of working with WE Pride.


The “disco vibe” was a key reason people like the festival, Van Grinsven believed.


Terri, Faith and Kristal Beauchamp came from Belle River to the festival. The family makes frequent visits to Amherstburg, one of them being annual trips to the TRUE Festival.


“It’s fun. It’s wonderful. It makes you feel good,” said Terri, who noted the drag shows are one of the things they enjoy. “It’s a nice celebration, even though it’s freezing!”


Terri added they also enjoy visiting local businesses and other events, such as the Amherstburg Uncommon Festival and Art by the River.


Amber and Luca Thibert from Tecumseh noted they were there to support their friend Benjamin Doncom, the latter being a DJ at the event.


“We saw it online,” said Amber. “It seemed like fun. We thought we’d come out and support it.”


Luca noted it was their first time at the event but “the vibe” was something they were enjoying.


“It’s very well organized,” added Amber.


The mother-daughter duo of Cathy and Melissa Hoover were among the three generations of their family at the event. Cathy is from River Canard while Melissa came from McGregor.


“I really love this time of year,” said Melissa. 


Drag performer Dulce welcomed the crowd to the first of two performances.
Drag performer Dulce welcomed the crowd to the first of two performances.

Melissa added the festival brings people outside to enjoy the festivities.

“We’re not stuck in the house and wanting to get out,” she said.


For Cathy, it was her first time at the TRUE Festival while it was the third year for Melissa. Cathy said she comes down to Open Air Weekends and “I figured why not do it in the winter too.”

Crowd braves the cold to enjoy TRUE Festival

By Ron Giofu

0 comments

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page