Open Streets Windsor will offer plenty to see, do, eat, learn and experience

Windsor’s biggest block party is just around the corner. Stretching eight kilometres from Sandwich Town to Ford City, the popular Open Streets Windsor celebration is set for Sunday, Sept. 17.

This year’s event has extended hours and an entire section dedicated to Ontario’s 150th anniversary. “There’s a lot of cool stuff going on,” said project manager Michael Chantler. “You’ll see very different neighbourhoods along the route.”

More than 100 cities across North America have embraced an Open Streets event where roads are closed to vehicle traffic in order to celebrate community and encourage healthy physical activity.

WHAT HAPPENS:

Streets shut down giving way to pedestrians and cyclists who can pause to enjoy everything from tai chi demonstrations to music, art, food and history.

There’s a giant game of Jenga, an inflatable squash court, yoga, soccer, a hockey shootout and more.

HUBBA HUBBA:

Nine different community hubs will offer all manner of fun, family-oriented activities. They are the Sandwich Town hub, the University hub, the Food hub, the Healthy Communities hub, the Ontario 150 hub, the Downtown hub, the Wyandotte hub, the Walkerville hub and the Ford City hub.

BY THE NUMBERS:

An estimated crowd of 10,000 took in Windsor’s Open Streets event last year. There are 200 dozen Ontario Trillium cookies waiting to be eaten at this year’s event.

ONTARIO 150:

The hub dedicated to the province’s anniversary is anchored on University Avenue between Bruce Avenue and Janette Avenue. Participants can learn about a 3D printer and take home a souvenir trillium flower printout.

A number of multicultural groups will entertain with music and dance.

Take in exhibits by Museum Windsor and First Nations or join in painting a mural.

COST SHARING:

Open Streets is funded by Ontario 150 and the City of Windsor. All events are free to the public.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

Just manning every barricade takes approximately 180 volunteers. And volunteers are needed to set up and tear down so Chantler is aiming for some 360 folks to help out for a couple of hours.

MORE INFO:

To view the complete list of activities or sign up to volunteer, go to the Open Streets Facebook page or visit www.citywindsor.ca.