"LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO DRIVE BORING CARS."
—ELVIS PRESLEY
Did you know that Amherstburg once tried to be a location for building cars?! Well, it did. The "Amherst 40." In 1911, the Canadian L Two-in-One Auto Company was formed to build a car featuring a demountable body. It was advertised as a vehicle that could quickly convert from a passenger touring car into an elite truck. The company only managed to build three prototype cars in a factory at the corner of Simcoe and Sandwich streets before losing their financial backing and going bankrupt.
WHAT MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT
Building cars in Amherstburg is long ago history, but the "Amherstburg's Gone Car Crazy" Show sure isn’t. On July 26th, it will take over streets in the heart of Amherstburg for the 19th time. For one day only, hundreds of cars, from muscle cars, classic cars, tuner cars, luxury cars, and street rods will cover its walkable streets. Plus, live entertainment including the band British Beat 66.
And if you like car puzzles, check out River Bookshop, which will offer 15% off beautiful and challenging car puzzles.
WHAT MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT: COMING SOON
Next week we feature an Open Air weekend that shines a light on one of the distinguishing aspects of Amherstburg: the town’s heritage.
Reminder! Join us this Saturday, July 25th, at 4PM, to celebrate the launch of André Narbonne's new book, Those Are Pearls. The novel is the result of years of research into André's family history, and was 25 years in the making.
Marty Gervais will also be reading from his newest poetry collection, The Shape of Disappearing Letters. In this deeply moving book, Marty transforms the experience of losing his eyesight into a source of astonishing clarity.
A reading and talk will begin at 4PM. Both authors will be happy to sign copies afterward, and books will be for sale! All are welcome: no RSVP needed beforehand.
CARS GONE CRAZY STORY TIME
Amherstburg has Gone Car Crazy this weekend. Come join Bookseller Julienne for a car crazy Sunday Story Time.
Don't STOP, just ZOOM right over to River Bookshop on Sunday at 11AM for this fun and fast paced Story Time.
RIVER BOOKSHOP'S SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
Our Kids Summer Reading Challenge is back!
Whether you are relaxing by the pool, on a road trip, reading by flashlight in your sleeping bag, or while waiting for your next game at the ball diamond or pitch, have a book with you on your travels and adventures and fill your summer with even more fun.
To join the challenge, simply print off the 2026 Kids Summer Reading Challenge journal sheet (photo on our Facebook page), or come in and collect one at River Bookshop.
When you finish reading a book, record the book title and a small note about what you enjoyed about it in the contest log sheet. Return the signed and completed journal to River Bookshop, and we will enter you in our 2026 Kids Summer Reading Challenge Draw for a chance to win a $50.00 gift card and other fun prizes.
Do you want to challenge yourself to more than 10 books? Go for it! Feel free to print off a second sheet and enter again!
SUMMER SILENT BOOK CLUB JULY 30TH
Silent Book Club is a hit, and we're doing it again! This time we're changing up the dates to give others a chance to attend. On Thursday, July 30th, from 6 to 8PM, join us for some quiet reading.
6:00-6:30pm - Arrive, shop, share what you're reading
6:30-7:30pm - Quiet reading hour
7:30-8:00pm - Optional socializing, or just keep reading
Join us to do some of your own reading and connect with other readers in the area. We'll have refreshments and a book fair table with discounts for Silent Book Club participants. Hope to see you there!
SAVE THE DATE: BOOKSHOP BIRTHDAY AUG 8 & 9TH
We're having a party for our birthday weekend, and you're invited 
River Bookshop is celebrating our 6th birthday all weekend long from August 8th to 9th. We'll have discounts, gifts for customers, and other fun things. Start planning you trip today.
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team