Celebrating Windsor 125

Windsor celebrated its 125th birthday last weekend, bringing together the many cultures that reside in the city.

Windsor closed the streets of the downtown core so people could experience events throughout the weekend without traffic. Large screens and stages were scattered on several corners to play a live feed of the Memorial Cup and host different performers.

Some street events took place on the Ouellette Ave. corridor like the MissionMile race and the outdoor pole vaulting on Friday night. Saturday offered the Mayor’s Annual Walk down the riverfront at 10 a.m. which lead to the biggest event of the weekend, raising the giant Canadian Flag.

The 18-metre wide flag took five long years to fundraise for. It was hoisted on top of a 45-metre high pole situated in Dieppe Park at the foot of Ouellette Ave. and Riverside Dr. The group responsible for achieving the flag’s placement was also able to donate $100,000 to the City of Windsor for the cost of maintaining the condition of the flag in the future.

Hundreds gathered to watch and listen as speakers praised Canada and Windsor for being a diverse country and city. The large body of people sang the country’s earlier anthem Maple Leaf Forever before continuing on to sing Oh Canada and then raising the flag.

Snowbirds flew by twice once the flag reached the top. People admired the flag for over an hour before they went on to the birthday celebration at the Vision Corridor on the corner of Riverside Dr. and Bruce Ave. between the Art Gallery of Windsor and the Windsor International Aquatic Centre.

Free food and beverages were given out during the party, while cultural groups performed their traditional dances and songs for the public. Surrounding buildings hosted a variety of free events and the festivities carried on through Sunday for all to enjoy.