by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative (More photos below)
This year’s Essex Fun Fest certainly had something on the schedule to pique the interest of just about anyone, thanks to the careful planning from the Essex Festival Committee, and the critical support from volunteers, sponsors, and community members in attendance.
Essex Festival Committee Co-Chairperson, Councillor Joe Garon, was pleased with the festival. Though the planning committee has found its sweet spot in terms of the event layout, members will continue to look to make the odd tweak to ensure things run more smoothly in the future.
The great weather Thursday to Sunday certainly helped attract big crowds to the festival, Garon noted.
Thursday at the fairgrounds seemed to be busier than it typically is. Friday’s attendance was slightly down, but that was likely due to the Downtown Friday Night Car Show. Garon noted it was great to spread the festival attendance beyond the fairgrounds.
Foot traffic during the festival on Saturday was phenomenal, and it remained steady on Sunday.
From its kick-off on Thursday evening to its wrap-up late Sunday afternoon, the 2024 installment of the Essex Fun Fest offered a Youth Talent Show from ages 7 through 12, the new Clash of the Voices singing competition for those over 18-years of age, Border City Wrestling, the first Sunday morning 5K Walk, Run, and Wheel fundraiser for the Essex Area Food Bank, horseshoe tournament, Chill Zone and Kids’ zone, and World’s Finest Shows midway with carnival rides and games.
It also offered a variety of local bands as part of the entertainment, in addition to demonstrations from Off Kilter Equine Entertainment, Krusher BMX Professional Stunt Team, and Four Paws Dog Show.
He heard the fireworks display was the best it has ever been.
Certainly, one of the major draws to the festival was the main stage entertainment.
This year’s Nashville Nights Country concert on Friday evening began with Carson Janik of Tecumseh, before Redferrin took the limelight before a large crowd.
The Essex Fun Fest’s Rock the Fest on Saturday drew in the largest crowd to date, as special guests, Canadian Juno-award winning band, Honeymoon Suite performed many hits to a very receptive audience.
The Honeymoon Suite concert was well-received, Garon noted, adding around 2200 attended the show. He has heard feedback on the desire to keep that area open longer past the concert, so attendees can socialize with friends. That will be something the Committee will look into.
Garon noted the 3rd annual Sip ‘n Shop Wine Mixer, for those 19 and over, has just exploded since its original debut. It sold-out of its 600 tickets. Up to $10 of every ticket purchased will go directly to support Community Living Essex County, a local organization that supports over 700 individuals with an intellectual disability.
Saturday’s annual Essex Fun Fest Parade proceeded through the downtown area with a “Harmony in Colour” theme. The idea was to create a vibrant parade that highlights the resilience and revival of the downtown area.
The Essex Festival Committee will be issuing a survey to vendors and the public to garner feedback and take in suggestions for next year’s festivities. One suggestion he heard so far is better signage, which the committee will look into improving.
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