Record number of vendors at this weekend’s Windsor Art in the Park

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One of Ontario’s largest outdoor arts and crafts shows — Art in the Park — returns to Windsor this weekend with a record number of vendors.

Marking its 45th year, the popular event run by the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), will fill the 6.3-hectare (15.5-acre) Willistead Park with 300 artisans from across Ontario and Quebec to raise money for charity.

Event co-chair Allan Kidd told the Star that “it feels amazing” to continue delivering the popular festival that attracts thousands to the historic Walkerville neighbourhood every year.

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“We do fundraisers of all different kinds all year round,” said Kidd.

“But this is the one that we have the most fun with, and I think the community looks forward to it.”

Kidd said last year’s festival drew roughly 30,000 attendees, but estimates that number does not account for approximately 5,000 children, ages 12 and under, who were admitted for free.

“If we get the proper weather, I expect we’ll do 30,000 again this weekend,” he said.

Entry to Art in the Park is $8 at the gate and $7 in advance. Money raised from the event goes toward the restoration of Willistead Manor, as well as the Rotary Club’s charitable projects. 

“Every one of those people who pay to get in is a philanthropist,” Kidd said.

“We turn that money back into wheelchairs for people in Windsor, water wells for people in Africa, and books for kids in Guatemala.

“We’re able to do our good work because of the people that come out. So the more that show up, the more we can do.”

Kidd was unable to provide the exact amount raised last year, but said about $87,000 was donated directly back to the City of Windsor to support the restoration of Willistead Manor, as well as the surrounding grounds. 

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