by Sylene Argent
Despite interruption from rainy periods over the four-days the Essex Fun Fest was in full swing, the festival grounds were bustling with attendees, who were excited to take in all that was offered.
In planning this year’s festival, members of the Essex Festival Committee went above and beyond to offer something for everyone over the event that took place from July 6-9 from the Essex Centre Sports Complex grounds.
Essex Festival Committee Chairperson, Councillor Joe Garon, was pleased with the attendance this year. Despite the rain experienced on-and-off Saturday – which cancelled the car show – he suspected attendance will be as good as it was last year, which attracted a record number of visitors, if not even better. That data will be available soon, as devices were used this year to help track how many entered the fairgrounds.
Sunday was very busy, with likely the most people he and Vice Chairperson Rich Tapping have ever seen on the fairgrounds, just looking around at the crowds of individuals visiting vendor booths, eating at the food court, and enjoying the entertainment.
Those on the Essex Festival Committee continue to build on the Essex Fun Fest each year, with this year’s additions including the American Cornhole League Provincial Championships as well as a new “Teen Zone” designed to offer something more to entertain this age group. As well, Onyx Fitness Solutions hosted a pre-fireworks event for families, which was new for the festival this year.
In addition, Bad Axe Throwing Windsor was onsite throughout the festival. As a user-pay attraction, funds were raised for LIFE Day Respite program on the Thursday, the Essex Firemen’s Association on the Friday, the Essex Area Food Bank on the Saturday, and Lola’s Round Table on the Sunday.
Garon estimated that the main stage entertainment of “That Area Rock Show,” which offered a high-energy tribute to classic arena rock ‘n roll with pyrotechnics on the Friday, and Country artist Tyler Joe Miller on the Saturday attracted the bigger crowds to the main stage area than last year.
The attendance at the second annual Sip ‘N Shop also grew. Around 300 attended last year, and Garon noted around 175 more individuals attended this year’s installment. The event will support Community Living Essex County with its proceeds. Garon hopes that will be around $5000.
Despite a new route, due to the construction on the Essex Centre Streetscape project, Saturday’s parade was well attended. It proceeded up Fairview from the Essex Civic Centre to Hanlan Street, and then headed to Victoria Avenue. Several local businesses participated in the parade, decorating their floats to reflect the parade theme of “Honouring our Past, Constructing our Future.”
Garon was excited to get flyover footage of this year’s festival and parade, which will be used to help promote the event next year.
Though close to 100 volunteers signed up to help out at the festivities, and their efforts are appreciated, Garon noted more are always needed. The Committee will look into ways to better serve and create partnerships to get more help for the four-day event, such as looking for an organization to work the gates.
Overall, Garon was pleased with how the festival turned out, and noted he received many compliments from vendors on the layout of the festival. He was pleased to offer more sitting areas in the shade this year, which attendees appreciated.
He was grateful to the many volunteers, Town staff, and Committee members for their efforts, and to the community for coming out and enjoying all that was offered with their families.