THUNDER BAY— People are expected to flood Frederica Street this Saturday for the 43rd annual Westfort Street Fair.
Aaron Gillingham, owner and operator of The Sal restaurant, said this will be a huge outdoor fair with something for everyone.
“This year, we actually set our record for the most vendors we have ever had. We have 120 vendors signed up, so we are expanding,” he said.
“Frederica Street will be filled on both sides, from beyond Brown Street all the way to almost Ford Street.”
The fair includes live music, vendors, a beer garden, and a kids’ zone, he said.
“We have a kids’ zone sponsored by Tbaytel, we have our big stage sponsored by Heartbeat Hot Sauce that will have live entertainment going all day, we have our Bizarre Novelty beer gardens, and we have buskers that will be on the street performing,” he said.
The street fair will additionally include an Open-Mind Interiors Lounge, a fully enclosed live music lounge that has beverages and snacks available, he said.
“And then, as always, we always have the Shriners train that will be driving up and down Frederica carrying the kiddos around.”
“There are all kinds of things going on between like face painting and that fair-like atmosphere with popcorn and snacks and ice cream and Coney dogs and poutine and fries and burgers and you name it, every food will pretty much be available and then the best sales of the year from all our local vendors and Westford business owners,” he said.
He said even after 43 years, many people circle this event on their calendar.
“I know in like the Westfort business community, we kind of circle this day, as a way to celebrate our summer, celebrate our community,” Gillingham said.
“We all come together and start planning this event very early in the year, so, it's very much my favourite day of the year. It's our chance to welcome thousands of people onto the streets of Westfort.”
Patrons are encouraged to park on neighbouring streets.
“It is a very cool special event in Westfort and Thunder Bay, and we are looking forward to a big party,” he said.
“Often I see people walking up and down the street over the course of the entire day.”
The event is free and runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
