Organizers say the second annual Dropped on Drouillard is about fun, but the heart of the street festival is showcasing the unique culture developing in historic Ford City.
Art, cars, skateboarding, live-music, food and drinks, just a few of the attractions featured at this year's event that took over most of Drouillard Rd. between Seminole St. and Wyandotte St. E. Saturday.
Organizers say Dropped on Drouillard showcases what the tight knit community has to offer. Art, food, music, and fun. #cklw pic.twitter.com/8TuWLyQpW2
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) September 22, 2018
Co-organizer Michael Difazio tells AM800 News the neighbourhood is still trying to shake the run down stigma that's been attached to it for years.
He says the eclectic street-party paints a picture of the creativity moving into the area.
"The art makers, the people that make the city unique instead of just making us another city, this is Windsor, this is what we're doing here that's going to separate us from Ontario," says Difazio, whose shop creates custom furniture and art from reclaimed materials. "This is where things are going to start to change, right here, and right in front of our eyes."
Streets are packed for the second annual Dropped on Drouillard Street Festival. #cklw pic.twitter.com/ZKqEmTfLOK
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) September 22, 2018
He says the Ford City Business Improvement Association is starting to view what many people see as broken as a strength.
"We have the ability because it's been so broken for so long to say whatever we decide to do now determines the fate of what this area becomes," says Difazio. "That's why I think it's so fun because now people are paying attention to whatever we're doing."
Difazio says the party is a small step towards showing the rest of the city the tight knit community that's growing stronger every day.
"Everyone knows each other, everyone looks out for each other and that's what this neighbourhood actually offers," he says. "So when people say, 'why'd you move to Drouillard Rd., that's crazy?" I just say 'man, you don't even get it, it's amazing here.'"
In the past, the event was referred to as the Arts and Heritage Festival but transitioned to the new format to capture the urban culture of many of the residents who have begun to call the area home.