Town announces funding for two Open Air events

Members of the Harrow Legion Line Dancers and the Fort Malden Golden Age Club perform at the corner of Richmond St. and Dalhousie St. during Farm Fest.

The Town of Amherstburg has announced funding support from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) for two summer events.

The Open Air Weekends covered by the funding were last weekend’s “Farm Fest” while the Aug. 28-30 “Latin Fest” is the other.

Farm Fest was designed to help the region’s strong farming roots. In partnership with the Essex County Federation of Agriculture, the Grain Farmers of Ontario and Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island, the weekend offered hands-on activities, educational opportunities, and engaging displays that highlight the importance of agriculture in Essex County. Sheep shearing, vegetable sales in partnership with the Rotary Club of Amherstburg, live music, clogging, historical tours, pie contests and farm animals were weekend highlights.

According to a press release from the town’s tourism department issued last Wednesday morning, “Latin Fest will bring the vibrant spirit of Latin American culture to the waterfront, featuring live performances, music, dance, and a diverse marketplace of vendors from across the region. The festival will showcase the richness of Central and South American traditions while supporting local artists, businesses, and cultural groups.”

The town states both events are “designed to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, bringing together residents, visitors, and businesses to celebrate the diversity and shared experiences of the community. Through support from Sustainable CAP’s International Agri-Food Workers Welcoming Communities stream, these events also recognize and celebrate the contributions of international agricultural workers, creating opportunities for cultural connection, appreciation, and a stronger sense of belonging within Amherstburg.”

Rotary Club of Amherstburg members Amy Wismer and Sally Holden sell produce to help fundraise for the club’s project to put AED’s in local parks. Farm Fest was held Aug. 7-9.

“Amherstburg’s strength is built on the people who live and work here,” said Mayor Michael Prue. “Through Farm Fest and Latin Fest, we are proud to recognize the contributions of international agri-food workers and create welcoming spaces where cultures are celebrated, connections are built, and everyone feels a sense of belonging.” 

This project is funded in part by the Governments of Canada and Ontario under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), a five-year, federal-provincial-territorial initiative. 

Other themed weekends in August are WEBC’s “Cycle the Burg” Aug. 14-16 and the “Barrels & Brass” weekend, the latter being presented by the Marsh Historical Collection. 

For more information, please visit the town’s tourism website at www.visitamherstburg.ca.

Town announces funding for two Open Air events

By RTT Staff