McGregor Music Festival celebrates 35th annual event

Rain that poured down for part of the day June 14 didn’t slow down the McGregor Music Festival. People came under the pavilion at Co-An Park to enjoy seven bands, a pig auction, raffles, a rib/chicken dinner and more. Photo by Donna Tuckwell.

The All Nighters (left) were one of the bands with the Border City Brass band (right) also entertaining the large crowd at the 35th annual festival. Photo by Donna Tuckwell.

Proceeds benefit the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation and the fundraising total will be announced in July. Photo by Ron Giofu

For 35 years, the McGregor Music Festival has combined live entertainment, community spirit and charitable giving, and this year’s event continued that tradition despite rainy weather for part of the day last Sunday, June 14.

Hundreds of people attended the annual festival throughout the day at Co-An Park in McGregor, enjoying music, food, raffles and family-friendly activities while helping raise funds for the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation. 

Organizers expected attendance to approach 1,000 people by the time the festival’s popular pig draw took place later in the afternoon.

Festival chairperson Susan LeClair said all proceeds from this year’s event will support the foundation’s patient assistance program, which helps individuals and families manage the financial burdens that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.

“The money we raise goes to the Cancer Center Foundation,” said LeClair. “This year it’s going to patients’ assistance to help people that can’t afford to pay their bills because we all know that cancer hits you financially not just as a disease.”

Although rain fell throughout much of the day, it did little to discourage festival-goers. By mid-afternoon, approximately 200 people had already visited the grounds, with more expected to arrive as the day progressed. Rain cleared up later in the afternoon, and people streamed in and resumed sitting outside in lawn chairs and on picnic tables.

In addition to live entertainment, attendees had the opportunity to take part in several prize draws and raffles. A car show was also held, with car owners braving the wet weather and continuing to support the festival.

“WestJet has been one of our major sponsors by giving us two tickets to anywhere they fly,” LeClair said.

The festival’s success, she added, is made possible through the efforts of numerous volunteers and community partners who dedicate their time and resources each year.

Entertainment was provided by C2C Entertainment, Crowbar Hotel, The All Nighters, Lookin’ Back, Bad Moustache, Border City Brass, and The Wellness Band. 

“I want to extend a sincere thank you to my committee for all the hard work they do,” she said. “Also, a big thank you to all the major sponsors because without them we couldn’t do this.”

While a committee of 14 people coordinates the event, LeClair noted that a much larger group is required to bring the festival to life.

“There’s fourteen on the committee,” she said. “But it takes about 100 to make this day work.”

After three and a half decades, organizers have developed a system that keeps the festival running smoothly year after year.

“We are like a well-oiled machine,” said LeClair. “Everybody has a job and everybody knows their job.”

With another successful festival completed, organizers are already preparing for next year’s event, with planning set to begin in January.

As the McGregor Music Festival marks its 35th anniversary, it continues to unite the community through music while providing support for local cancer patients and their families.

The final total of the event will not be unveiled until the committee’s wrap-up party in July. 

McGregor Music Festival celebrates 35th annual event

By Donna Tuckwell