Windsor Open Streets commemorates ‘The Hitmaker’ Rosalie Trombley

By: Dale Cabuquin 

The local community united for the biggest street party – Open Streets Windsor and this year, it celebrated one of the pioneers in radio broadcasting. 

Open Streets Windsor commemorated “The Hitmaker” Rosalie Trombley on Sept. 17, a day before her birthday. The Leamington native was known for her influence to pick songs that hit the chart throughout the years. 

Performers were invited to cover some of the music made famous with Trombley’s help. 

One of the performers Ty Marion of the Lost and Found duo grew up listening to the Big 8 also known as the CLKW Radio Station. 

“I am very honored to be here absolutely, this is my era of music,” Marion says. “Lots of the bands I played which I am doing today are the bands that she got famous, which everybody know so, it was a nice being here.” 

Trombley’s commemorative sculpture was also unveiled by her family, friends, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, and the city councilors in front of Caesars Windsor.  

“Dare I say that Rosalie was the original influencer whose music and actions influenced and created the soundtrack for several generations of music fans during that era,” says Tim Trombley, son of Rosalie and the Director of Entertainment at Caesars Windsor, in front of the public. “But raising three kids as a single mother on her own? She would consider that to have been her greatest accomplishment.” 

The roads from Sandwich Town to Ford City were temporarily closed to trucks and vehicles allowing the streets to be enjoyed by the public for walking, cycling, dancing, and other activities 

Thousands of residents attended the event.  

“I love it, it’s the best,” local resident Megan Whittal says. “One of the best festivals Windsor has all year. I love all the volunteers and all the booths. Lots of things to do for everybody.” 

Community partners, vendors, businesses and organizations lined up from the east to west end of the city to offer their services or interact with the public. 

“We’re all about community building as an organization,” Artcite Incorporated Programming Coordinator Stephen Mueller says. “This is community building so anything that does that especially in the downtown core is definitely a good thing.”