by Adam Gault
In spite of the cancellation of the longstanding Harrow Fair this year, community spirits couldn’t be dampened as the Harrow Night Market gave families and vendors a chance to enjoy some late summer fun this past Friday evening.
King Street was shutdown to traffic to make room for the Harrow Night Market, which allowed families and friends to enjoy live entertainment and shop from a diverse selection of more than 20 vendors in a safe, physically distant, and PPE encouraged environment.
“I think that not having the fair this year was sad,” Libro Credit Union Regional Manager Lori Atkinson, said. “It’s just nice to get that feel tonight.”
Libro Credit Union presented a cheque to the Harrow & Colchester Chamber of Commerce for $3,000 in support of the event, which was also sponsored by the Town of Essex, Harrow Chiropractic, and Councillor Sherry Bondy.
The warm weather and wide-open streets allowed individuals to stay within their bubbles at a safe distance with a strong adherence to PPE, conforming to the health standards put forth by the Windsor Essex County Health Unit in ensuring a safe event for all those in attendance.
Restaurant patios were open, and the sounds of live music from across the downtown could be heard. Playing up and down King Street were The Golden Harps Steel Orchestra, from London. Foxboro and the Oxley Duo also performed, being local Harrow favourites.
President of the Harrow & Colchester South Chamber of Commerce, Tammy Affleck, added that the organization would continue to explore the possibility of additional Health Unit approved public events in the future to ensure support for local businesses throughout the duration of the pandemic.