Essex Centre StreetFest closed season with a spook-tacular Saturday

by Garrett Fodor

From spooky costumes to sweet treats and small business cheer, the Essex Centre StreetFest wrapped-up its second year of outdoor summer events in the downtown core with a festive fall finale that brought out the community in full force.

Held this past Saturday, during Thanksgiving weekend, the fall edition of StreetFest embraced the changing season with a special Halloween-themed event titled “The Haunted.” 

  Despite a chill in the air, the mood was anything but cold, as families, friends, and festival-goers turned out to enjoy live music, seasonal decor, and plenty of local charm.

  “We always try to come up with fun, different ideas each time,” Krista Sweet of FATE said, one of the two founding businesses behind the Essex Centre StreetFest. “To me, this one is probably my favourite theme and our best yet. It’s great to see the community coming together and enjoying themselves.”

  Visitors were encouraged to dress up in costume, trick-or-treat through vendor booths and local shops, and soak in the Halloween vibes. Many took part in the festivities with creative costumes, while kids collected candy along the way. A costume contest added extra excitement, with prizes handed out to standout participants. Entertainment was provided by Ultrasonik (formerly known as Leave Those Kids Alone), while picnic tables allowed guests to sit, relax, and enjoy the upbeat atmosphere.

  Sweet noted that participants and vendors traveled from as far as Windsor to be part of the event. One creative highlight included a festively decorated car handing out chocolate and doubling as a photo op, while volunteers in costume handed out treats and added some spooky fun to the day.

  “Honestly, community is what this town is all about— the more you can bring people together, the happier everyone is,” Sweet said. “It’s nice to be able to get out, enjoy the weather, say ‘hello’ to your neighbour, and support your local small businesses. It means so much to us for people to take the time out of their long weekend and spend it with us. It’s so special.”

  Looking back on the past two-years of StreetFest, Sweet expressed deep gratitude for the support the event has received from permanent downtown businesses, as well as the many pop-up vendors, artisans, and food trucks who have participated along the way.

  “It’s a huge sense of pride. It was such a big undertaking to take on as a small team, but we’re proud of the growth and the feedback,” she said. “With two-years under our belts, I think we’re excited to see what year three brings. We’re thankful for everyone for their continued support.”