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Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Crowd braves the cold to enjoy TRUE Festival
Charlotte Szewczuk and Halayna Mailloux donned fairy wings during the TRUE Festival last Saturday night (above) while Brant Matthews a.k.a. “The Fire Guy” - shows off his new toy (right). Drag performer Dulce welcomed the crowd to the first of two performances (below).
By Ron Giofu The TRUE Festival made its return to downtown Amherstburg on the weekend with hundreds braving the cold to enjoy the show. People from Amherstburg and surrounding communities came out Saturday night with the TRUE Festival being held on the same footprint as Open Air Weekends. The crowds enjoyed shows from “The Fire Guy,” whose real name is Brant Matthews, as well as hot chocolate from the Rotary Club of Amherstburg, wheel spinning for prizes thanks to The House Youth Centre, s’more making, live entertainment at surrounding businesses and drag shows from performers Dulce, Edie Violet, Vanity Affair and Zsa Zsa. “This is a chance for people to get out of hibernation, get out of the house and re-connect with one another,” said Sarah Van Grinsven, a tourism co-ordinator with the Town of Amherstburg. The point of the festival was for people “to be true to themselves and have a great time together.” Billed as a “free disco dance party,” Van Grinsven said there were also benefits to businesses in the area. “It’s also economic development for businesses
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who are not as busy in the winter months,” said Van Grinsven. Holding a variety of different events is a priority of the town’s tourism department, she added. “In the tourism industry, we try to make people feel welcome,” said Van Grinsven. “That’s why we have such diverse events. We try to take care of everyone.” Van Grinsven said she spoke with people from Windsor, London and Toronto on Saturday, adding WE Pride also brought a bus load of people from Windsor again this year for the TRUE Festival. “It’s been a great partnership,” she said, of working with WE Pride. The “disco vibe” was a key reason people like the festival, Van Grinsven believed. Terri, Faith and Kristal Beauchamp came from Belle River to the festival. The family makes frequent visits to Amherstburg, one of them being annual trips to the TRUE Festival. “It’s fun. It’s wonderful. It makes you feel good,” said Terri, who noted the drag shows are one of the things they enjoy. “It’s a nice celebration, even though it’s freezing!”
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