Windsor Rotary marks 40 years with Art in the Park
It could be a little difficult to find the lovely young red oak tree planted just inside the Devonshire Road gate to Willistead Park when the crowds descend there next week for Art in the Park.
The slender sapling was front and centre Thursday morning at a dedication ceremony to mark the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) and it’s 40–year involvement with Art in the Park, not to mention the club’s 100th anniversary. Randy Winters, the Rotary chair for Art in the Park, noted the oak is “a symbol of strength, morale, honour and knowledge. It’s a great match to the Rotary motto.” This year’s event is set for June 2 and 3, rain or shine. Winters used the dedication as an opportunity to detail what’s new with the popular outdoor show that pulls together 275 artists from across Ontario and Quebec and attracts visitors by the thousands.
“We’re always looking for new ideas to keep Art in the Park fresh,” Winters said, noting there are 40 new artists for 2018. Kingsville artist Teal Hallam is feeling a nervous excitement prior to offering her pet products for the first time at Art in the Park. “I’ve always wanted to try it but it made me nervous because it’s such a big show,” said Hallam who makes collars, leashes and bandanas for household pets. This year, she took the plunge, applied and was accepted by the selection jury. Hallam works full-time as a pet sitter and part-time making products for her other business, Bonzai Gifts by Pet Nanny. Winters said the popularity of last year’s combined spirit tent and food area has prompted organizers to add a few more food vendors. “The demand was so great last year people were standing in line 45 minutes for a hotdog or a hamburger,” he said.
He said the kids’ zone, located in a shady area in the park’s southwest corner, “continues to change and evolve,” with this year’s space featuring mini golf, inflatables and a new Spitfires’ kids’ club. The popular bike valet service run in conjunction with Bike Windsor-Essex returns. Cyclists can enter through the Chilver Avenue gate and walk their bikes to the valet tent for safekeeping. The Rotary Club will also have a Centennial booth near the Chilver gate to outline their various efforts in celebration of 100 years, including the rescheduled dedication of Centennial Plaza on the riverfront this Tuesday at 7 p.m. Advance tickets for Art in the Park are available at 22 locations of Shoppers Drug Mart throughout Windsor and Essex County. Advance tickets are $4 each while tickets purchased at the gate are $5.
Proceeds from the event are shared by the Willistead Restoration Fund and charities supported by Windsor Rotary. Over 40 years, the show has raised over $1.3 million for the restoration of Willistead Manor and $2.1 million for local organizations including John McGivney Children’s Centre and Maryvale.