For a quiet, old neighbourhood, Westfort does pretty well for itself when it gets to show off.
It may only be once a year, but the Westfort Street Fair captures a community at its most vibrant.
An expected 10,000 people from Westfort and beyond come to check out the fair, which is in its 36th year.
“It’s expanding all the time, we do little new things all the time.” Jack Moro of J.B. Evans, and Westfort Street fair board member, said.
New vendors, new artisans, and a military vehicle display was on the board for 2018’s installment.
But after 36 years, the formula seems to keep working.
Moro believes it’s the people that really make the fair worthwhile.
“Well, you see people you haven’t seen in awhile,” Moro said. “In Thunder Bay you’re only one step removed from each other, but we tend to travel in smaller circles. Events like these bring people together so it’s great.”
“It’s quaint, but it’s lovely,” said resident Jess Murphy. “It gives you a really positive glimpse into Westfort, especially because it’s like this every year.”
“I know not every neighbourhood could put something like this together,” said out-of-towner Steven Jenkins. “It obviously takes a number of people who care deeply about their community, and take pride in their community.”
Moro says the spirit of the fair exemplifies the motto for Westfort businesses.
“We interact well with our consumer and we know our businesses,” Moro said. “All the businesses are very good with what we do… We really want to build relationship with our customers here.”
