Rain doesn’t dampen enthusiasm at “Uncommon”
Despite frequent bouts of rain throughout the Sept. 18-20 weekend, the Amherstburg Uncommon Festival was held with people dressing up and having a good time. Ron “Bob” Ross enjoyed the festivities (below) while the adult entrants in Sunday’s costume contest were recognized (Above).
The Amherstburg Uncommon Festival still drew crowds over the weekend, even if they did get wet at points.
Rain came across the region last Saturday and attempted to dampen proceedings, but those who enjoy steampunk or Harry Potter or those who simply like dressing up, still came out. The costume contest was cancelled on Saturday due to wet weather and wind forced the cancellation of the Re/Max hot air balloon last Friday night, but the fireworks and other activities were still able to be held when the rain held off. Buskers still performed, but many went inside to local businesses and restaurants.
Activities and events included stage shows, butterbeer and food trucks, a Provincial Marine pirate encampment, shows from the Purple Theatre Company, Bad Axe throwing, wacky golf, paranormal readings from PO3 Paranormal, a witches dance, Pink House Pottery demonstrations, candle making, escape rooms, the “Odd Art” exhibition at The O, costume contests and more.
Pat, Theresa and Brad Fletcher came in from LaSalle and enjoyed themselves last Friday night.
“This is the first time I got the night off. I made them take me,” joked Theresa.
They were dressed for the occasion as they enjoy that genre of entertainment the festival caters to. Theresa said they were looking forward to trying new things, including the butterbeer, the latter of which was a fundraiser for the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission.
“I can’t wait to try it out,” said Theresa.
Autumn and Zoey Triolet of Amherstburg came down dressed up and make-up on.
“It’s awesome,” said Autumn. “When the town comes together, it’s great.
Zoey added they come to the Uncommon Festival every year. She said she loves the fantasy genre and enjoys coming out to festivals like Uncommon and seeing everyone else enjoying it too.
The Baxter family from LaSalle also visited the festival with Meg Baxter saying it is something they enjoy annually.
“We always try to come to the Uncommon Festival,” she said. “It’s fun when you get to be odd.”
Dorothy Sharma and Sarah Beaulieu of Amherstburg joined Heather Pardy and Mike Dupuis of Windsor at the event. Mike said he owns Velvet Edge Entertainment and said they go to events such as Uncommon regularly.
Jay, Erica and Nik Hooker of Windsor said it was the first time they came out to the Amherstburg Uncommon Festival.
“I wanted to come out last year but we found out late,” said Jay.
They created some costuming and came out this year, noting Nik is in “War Hammer” attire.
“I like the uniqueness of this event,” said Jay. “You can dress up in whatever you want.”
Olive Beaudoin of Amherstburg was in full costume with the local youth enjoying the festivities Friday night.
“I’ve been coming to the Uncommon Festival all my life,” she said.
Beaudoin said she created her own costume for the festival.
“I like the Uncommon Festival because you can dress up,” said Beaudoin.
Donovan and Matthew Prangley from LaSalle and Christina Beilhartz from Essex have been coming to the festival for the last three years.
“It’s just fun to dress up and come here,” said Matthew. “It’s easy and it’s close.”
Beilhartz added she loves to see the creativity in people’s costumes.
Eri Spotton of Tecumseh and Lennox Blemings from Leamington attended Saturday.
“I like all of the costumes,” said Blemings.
Spotton added “it’s fun to have something different.”
Rain doesn’t dampen enthusiasm at “Uncommon”
By Ron Giofu
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