“Uncommon” makes its return to Amherstburg

Costume contests were held last Saturday and Sunday evenings, with the kids costume contest pictured above.

For those who ventured to downtown Amherstburg over the weekend, they may have found things to be more “uncommon” than normal.

The Amherstburg Uncommon Festival returned last Friday through Sunday, with events, entertainment and activities predominantly in the Open Air Weekends footprint with additional vendors, children’s activities and events in King’s Navy Yard Park. The Provincial Marine also had activities at the commissariat with the Park House Museum also hosting cooking classes and paranormal investigations in partnership with PO3 Paranormal.

The Lucky Barber Show performed several times on the weekend, including one Saturday afternoon.

Despite rain impacting Sunday’s activities, the celebration of Harry Potter and steampunk (and just dressing up in general) were celebrated.

Victoria Dippoliti and Alicia Covey of Windsor were in Amherstburg Friday night. Covey said she came last year but didn’t dress up while it was the first time for Dippoliti, with both being dressed up for the occasion this year.

Victoria Dippoliti and Alicia Covey came in from Windsor for the Amherstburg Uncommon Festival last Friday night.

“It’s wonderful. It’s a good tourist event for Amherstburg,” said Covey.

Covey and Dippoliti said they enjoy being around like-minded creators and people who use their crafting abilities. Dippoliti said she liked the atmosphere and found it a fun place to be.

Getting together, dressing up and having fun was what Covey enjoyed about Uncommon.

“You don’t know what to experience,” she said.

Tim Gregorian, Suzanne Desmarais and Courtney Gregorian were on hand last Friday night. The Windsor residents said they like coming to Amherstburg for the Uncommon Festival, with Tim noting it was their second year doing so.

“There’s nothing else like it,” said Courtney.

From watching the shows, visiting the vendors to getting ice cream, Tim added they enjoyed everything.

Joel Ouellette brought grandchildren Charlotte, Ted and Belle Clarke down to the festival and everyone involved had a good time.

“It’s just fun and exciting to see everyone dressed,” said Bella. “I personally like to dress up.”

Ouellette suggested the town add a medieval component to the festival. He believed that could attract even more people to the Uncommon Festival. 

They have been coming down to the festival for the last three years, the Amherstburg resident stated.

“If it’s a nice day, it’s great to walk around,” Ouellette added. “I like to see people dressed up.”

Steve Earl of Windsor said he likes coming to Amherstburg for the festival. He said he came Sunday last year and wanted to try Saturday this year to see if there was even more to do and larger crowds. He added he liked the atmosphere and how creative people were.

“I just like the people,” said Earl.

Gay Peifer of McGregor and Susan Knapman of Windsor returned to the Uncommon Festival this year.

“It’s a fun day,” said Peifer.

“This is our third year,” added Knapman.

Knapman added they like the entire experience, noting they like to go to some of the local businesses as well. While sorry to see Lot 10 Brewing Co. is no longer at their Dalhousie St. location, they added they like Burger 67 as well.

Aaron Bell, Candy Robinson and Cameron Bell of Cottam dressed up and made the trip to Amherstburg. Aaron said it was fun to put their steampunk gear on and come to the festival.

“Everyone is happy,” added Robinson. “It’s a good time.”

While they missed the festival last year, Aaron added they made sure not to miss it this year when they got wind of it.

Rachel McClure of Essex brought children Chloe and Kaylie to the festival.

“We’ve been coming for about four or five years in a row,” she said. “They have so much fun.”

The McClures said they enjoy walking around, seeing the entertainment and activities and enjoying the entertainment.

Costume contests were held Saturday and Sunday evenings, and while most people were from Amherstburg or other municipalities around Essex County and Windsor, some of the announced contest participants were in town from Tillsonburg, Cambridge, and Seaforth.

“Uncommon” makes its return to Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu