Amidst cross-border hostility, celebratory fireworks unite Windsor

Amidst cross-border hostility, celebratory fireworks unite Windsor-Detroit

Windsor residents hope the annual tradition will help neighbours put politics aside

Thousands are expected to line the streets of Windsor, Ont. and Detroit to see the 68th annual Ford Fireworks on Monday.

Set off from barges in the Detroit River, and spectacularly viewed from both sides of the river, the event aims to celebrate the historically strong friendship between both countries.

Jason Toner, with Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI), is hoping for an influx of Americans to take in the show on the Canadian side of the river.

“We have a ton of green space on the waterfront that they may not have across the border,” he told CBC Radio’s Windsor Morning host Amy Dodge.

“We have great vantages from those hillsides where you can sit and pop down and enjoy, but then also hop back across the border quickly after to get back home.”

Toner says watching from on the water is also special, if given the opportunity — something he did while growing up about an hour northeast of Windsor.

“We used to boat down to see it. Parked out in the middle of the river, which is a really cool experience too. You hear things differently too, right, because you don’t hear as much of the crowd.”

He says some local hotels are saying Americans are coming over to experience the unofficial kickoff to summer celebration in Windsor-Detroit.

“We want to show the warm and welcoming place … it is the the biggest festival in downtown of the year. American visitors want to come over and experience Canada."

If you’re planning on heading to the Windsor waterfront on Monday, TWEPI has an extensive fireworks guide available on its website.

Among other things, it includes details for the Transit Windsor shuttle services, bike parking and road closure information.

If getting away from the downtown crowds is your thing, Toner suggests heading to Malden Park on the border city's west side. He says that will give you zoomed out look at the fireworks from vantage points like the viewing platform for the Gordie Howe bridge.

“It's farther away, but you can see all three barges at the same time. I did that one year when I didn't want to head downtown for the crowd. There's some unique spots to check out. A different experience, but still a great experience to be part of one of those momentum events that you know people talk about every year.”

Hope show fuels cross-border connection

Amidst an ongoing trade war sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump, and the delayed opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the cross-border festivities are taking on a different meaning for some.

Jason Lidkea is a lifelong Windsor resident. He says Trump's actions have changed the feeling of this year's fireworks.

"Ever since Trump took office, the mood has changed," said Lidkea. "I love Canada, I'm a very proud Canadian — I think most Canadians are. And the antics he's pulled in the Oval Office over there is quite ridiculous as far as I'm concerned."

He says that that the fireworks are a good way to distract from it.

"I think [during] the fireworks, everyone puts that aside. They come together as family and friends, and everyone enjoys their time.

Friendly Windsor-Detroit fireworks impacted by earlier Canada-U.S. trade war

Windsor resident Rick Del Col says he was at the very first fireworks in 1959, and doesn't believe the current tensions are reflective of Windsor and Detroit's relationship.

"I mean, 6,000 people crossing to work in Detroit every day. You can't discount that, you know?" he said. "But then again, that's Windsor and Detroit. It has nothing to do with Texas, or California. It's Windsor-Detroit, and Michigan-Ontario."

His wife Judy Del Col wants the cross-border relationship to be like it used to.

"I'm just hoping that we maintain our friendships and our families and our connections," said Del Col.

Patti and Richard Lent are from Portage, Mich., about 10 kilometres south of Kalamazoo. They say they're optimistic that tensions will ease up between both sides.

"We love each other. It's the people, we just have to get past the politics," said Patti.

"When the administration changes on the United States, there's plenty of room for improvement," said Rick.

The Lents say they've never seen the fireworks in-person, but hope the event will bridge the gap between both sides.

"I think [the fireworks] are a great idea. Everyone loves fireworks!" said Patti.

Justin Escoto is a reporter at CBC Windsor. He is a graduate of Carleton University, and previously worked at the Canadian Press and the Charlatan. He enjoys covering music, history, and pro wrestling. You can reach him at justin.escoto@cbc.ca.