Open Air Weekends return June 2, town planning additional events this year

By Ron Giofu

Open Air Weekends return to Amherstburg’s downtown core June 2 and the town’s tourism department is hyping some of what is to come.

Anne Ussoletti Rota, manager of tourism and culture, said there are a number of events and activities that will be presented this year, many of them new additions for 2023. She said her department has obtained additional funding that will help in paying for some of the new activities.

“Amherstburg is the place you want to be on the weekends,” said Ussoletti Rota. “This year, through sponsorships and government funding, we are able to add to the concert series.”

The “Music in the Park” series will continue in the King’s Navy Yard Park gazebo Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m.,

Ussoletti Rota stated there is more music to come.

“The exciting news is we are adding a summer concert series every Saturday at 6 p.m.,” she said.

Jody Raffoul and his band will be the entertainment the first weekend, with Ussoletti Rota stating people can look to the town’s tourism website for updates as the weeks go on. The stage will be located at Richmond St. and Dalhousie St.

“We encourage people to bring their own lawn chairs,” she stated.

Ussoletti Rota stated they are “really excited” about the addition of night markets to Open Air Weekends. She described response from local crafters and vendors as “overwhelming” and she added it will be offered on downtown streets the third Friday of every month (June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18).

“It would be well worth somebody’s time to check out the night markets,” said Ussoletti Rota.

More children’s activities are also planned as part of Open Air Weekends, she added, including local businesses being involved. Yoga in the Park will return to Navy Yard Park Sundays at 10 a.m., with Ussoletti Rota pointing out that began in 2021 and has grown ever since.

“We’re seeing a real appreciation for yoga in beautiful King’s Navy Yard Park along the water,” said Ussoletti Rota.

“Bagpipes in the Burg” will be a regular event, she added, and that bagpipe parades will be every Friday night at 7 p.m. That includes a “pay the piper” ceremony.

Continued on Page 15