“TO PLANT A GARDEN IS TO BELIEVE IN TOMORROW”
—AUDREY HEPBURN
Amherstburg’s beautiful Navy Yard Park was originally a British naval station where numerous War of 1812 naval ships were built. In 1928, it was designated as a Historical Site of Canada. Today, together with the heritage Detroit River, it anchors one of the prettiest small towns in Ontario.
It also hosts so many things to enjoy throughout the year:
- Remarkable structures like the Commissariat, Gordon House, and Park House
- A gazebo that hosts the Windsor Symphony Brass Quintet every summer (July 12 this year)
- A cenotaph, fountain, and historic monuments
- Festive events like “River Lights” during the holiday season
- A tranquil setting for strolling along and watching large lake freighters slide by at eye level. And make sure to check out some of the best sunsets you will ever see.
AND it has beautiful, award-winning gardens. The park is recognized as a Bi-Centennial International Peace Garden, known for its many flower beds and its spectacular rhododendron collection. It’s the second largest rhododendron collection in Ontario, with blooms that burst into colour from early May to mid June. A tip of the hat to both the Town of Amherstburg Parks Department and the all-volunteer Amherstburg Horticultural Society.
Detroit River + Navy Yard Park = winning combination that makes Amherstburg great!
WHAT ELSE MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT?
Next week: Amherstburg has two things that very few small towns have today—a newspaper and a radio station. Let’s celebrate their birthdays 
SAVE THE DATE: LOCAL AUTHOR FAIR, JULY 11TH & 12TH
We're happy to offer our next Local Author Fair during this year's Art Crawl! It's a great opportunity to experience Arts of all kinds in downtown Amherstburg.
On Saturday & Sunday, July 11 and 12, visit us between 12 and 4PM to meet talented writers from within Windsor Essex County, get a book signed, and have great conversations about writing in our local area. With Open Air happening, we'll be out on Richmond Street enjoying the fresh air and meeting new readers.
We hope to see you then! Stay tuned for a full list of attending writers.
SPLASHING SUMMER STORY TIME
We're splashing into our Summer Story Times at River Bookshop.
Join us at 11AM on Sunday, June 28th to read stories featuring POOLS, BEACHES, AND OCEANS, with Simmie Sereg, and kick off our Summer Story Time Fun with a SPLASH!
ART: “IT WASHES AWAY FROM THE SOUL THE DUST OF EVERYDAY LIFE”
—PABLO PICASSO
Thanks to local sponsors like Everjonge Homes, the 4th annual Amherstburg Art Crawl is happening July 11th and 12th in the Open Air footprint. Go to artamherstburg.ca to learn more.
The first Art Crawl kicked off in Art Alley with two murals by Indigenous artist Naomi Peters. Today there are over 20 murals and photos, making it a “must visit” location in the town. Artist Kevin Burdick is busy creating a new mural on the south wall of Downtown Espresso Cafe. It will be unveiled at noon on July 11th.
THIS WEEKEND'S OPEN AIR SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Join us for Open Air Weekend on July 26th to 28th! Celebrate Pride this weekend by visiting our photobooth, creating rainbow bracelets, joining a dance party, and watching special performances! We have plenty to offer for everyone.
Friday
- Night Market: 5-9pm
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Live Music:
5-9pm: DJ Chris Tuer
7pm: Bagpipes in the ‘Burg
Saturday (TRUE Summer Fest)
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Activities:
8am: Acai Yoga/Pilates
11am-1pm: Chess Class with Latitude Chess
2pm: Historical Tour
6-7pm: Games with Mel Lucier
7:30-10pm: Disco Dance Party and Drag Show featuring Zsa Zsa, Airress, and Sevyn
All Day: Photobooth and Button Making Crafts -
Live Music:
7pm: Open Mic Night
Sunday
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Activities:
10am: Yoga in the Park
11am: Story Time at River Bookshop
2pm: Historical Tour
3pm: Coffee and Culture -
Live Music:
4-6pm: Tina Shroeder
Marty Gervais's photo book Amherstburg: Picture A River Town received a rave review in FRAMES Magazine this week. Take a peek below, or click here to read the whole review.
"The colors are soft, but not blurred. They are also oftentimes quite bright. While I would not describe Gervais’s approach as akin to watercolor painting, I would argue the two forms share an aesthetic that values the invitation of a lenient edge. The colors are in the photographic subjects, of course. But Gervais treats them with what you could call a bright nostalgia." Click here for your copy