Hold Windsor Accountable boasted more than 30 protestors would be at Bright Lights Windsor — they may have overestimated.
Four people stood near the entrance to Jackson Park with signs that read Over 200 Living In Our Streets, Entertainment Does Not Solve Root Problems Dilkens, and Dilkens Has Bright Lights But A Cold Heart.
Co-organizer Ocean Connolly tells AM800 News instead of spending money on tourism events such as Bright Lights and events at the downtown aquatic centre, the municipal government should be focusing its attention and resources on homelessness, childhood poverty and death by drug overdose.
A Windsor resident, who preferred not to be named, says there needs to be money for fun too.
"We should be spending money on the homeless and homeless shelters, but we also should be spending it on fun activities where you can spend time with your friends and your family," she says.
LaSalle native Tim Kovacs and his family think tax money is also for the enjoyment of the tax base.
"This is a great event and I think it's a great way to spend the tax dollars," says Kovacs.
Amherstburg resident Tim Pamard tells AM800 News the event is free, but the vendors are drawing in profit from all over the county.
At the end of the day Pamard says the money spent on some holiday enjoyment is just a "drop in the bucket" compared to what's spent on poverty relief and metal health programs.
"They [the city] already do that, people should do their research. They want homeless shelters, they want more sewers, how much does that cost, and how much does the city have? They should be asking those questions instead of holding their cardboard signs and try to rain on our parade," he added.
Bright Lights Windsor ends January 6.