Open Streets draws a crowd to Harrow

by Garrett Fodor

Summer is in full force, bringing warm temperatures and a buzz of excitement in the air with various events happening across Windsor-Essex. Friday evening was no different, as Harrow was the backdrop for another edition of the “Open Streets” festival.

  Spanning across King Street West, businesses and vendors from across the region came together, offering a fun-filled night of local shopping and entertainment happening in downtown Harrow.

  With the street blocked off to vehicular traffic, patrons were able to enjoy the sights and the sounds of the area, while browsing permanent and temporary shops that they may have seen before but not had a chance to visit.

  The idea for the Harrow Open streets event came about in 2021, and is something the Harrow and Colchester South Chamber of Commerce has seen grow, and made into a permanent fixture today.   

“To me, it's becoming more of a tradition in our town, and so it's helping the small businesses within our area and helping the smaller businesses that don't have storefronts,” Dr. Michael Janisse said, who serves as a Director on the Harrow and Colchester South Chamber of Commerce Board. “It’s something that has really taken off and grown throughout the years. We are adding more and more to it every year and always trying to expand it.”

  On hand Friday, more than 40 vendors were participating, from food trucks to artisans selling art, crafts, handmade items, collectibles, and even mortgage agents and insurance brokers connecting with attendees about their services.

  Aside from the items for sale, there was entertainment for patrons to enjoy, from magicians to music from James Gibbs and The Silverstones, an Elvis Tribute band. If stationary entertainment was more the speed for some of the attendees, Janisse noted Friday’s car show as a part of the event was the largest to date, with more than 40 participants lining the parking lot. 

  “It is so great to see so many friends and families coming together, walking the streets, enjoying the community street party, and supporting local, now more than ever,” Kristin Tell, President of the Harrow and Colchester South Chamber of Commerce, said. “We get a lot of feedback from the businesses and it is something that we are so proud to see grow, knowing how much it means to them and our community partners. It’s a good reminder to showcase what we can offer here locally.” 

  Harrow and Colchester South Chamber of Commerce’s last "Open Streets" for the calendar year falls on Friday, September 26, running from 5pm until 8pm. Tell noted they are always looking for additional vendors, so those who are interested in participating are invited to fill out an application on its website, visitharrow.ca.

  She added she is thankful to the community for their continued support, along with the support of their community partners, including the Rotary Club, the Town of Essex, and Atlas Tube, among others.

  “We’ve done it like this for so long, so it feels like it has become more of a traditional event,” Janisse added. “It just feels like it belongs. This is Harrow. It’s taken shape and feels like something that vendors and the community really look forward to each time, especially now, having two permanent dates, the last Friday of June and September. It’s sort of like the other local festivals put on.”