The 68th Ford Fireworks will light up the Detroit skyline on Monday night, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to Windsor's riverfront. The dazzling display, featuring more than 10,000 pyrotechnic effects, is scheduled to begin shortly after 10 p.m. and will last 24 minutes.
Road Closures
Many streets in downtown Windsor will be closed to vehicle traffic starting at 6 p.m. on Monday. Affected roads include a long stretch of Riverside Drive, as well as parts of Ouellette Avenue, Pitt Street, McDougall Street, Goyeau Street, Park Street, and Chatham Street East. Parking downtown will also be restricted throughout the day, with some areas designated as no-parking zones. Vehicles parked illegally will be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense.
Free Shuttle Service
With roughly $20,000 in support from Zehrs, Transit Windsor will operate free shuttles from Devonshire Mall (3100 Howard Ave.) to a drop-off location near city hall, a short walk from the waterfront and prime fireworks viewing areas. Shuttles will depart from Sydney Avenue at the mall starting at 6 p.m. After the fireworks, return shuttles will run until midnight, picking up passengers on McDougall Street across from the former Windsor Arena and bringing them back to the mall. Regular Transit Windsor bus service will also be free across the community starting at 6 p.m. on Monday.
Safety Tips
Windsor police encourage parents to take a photo of their children at the start of the evening in the clothes they are wearing for the event. Ensure children have identification, if age appropriate, and know a parent or guardian's phone number. Police also suggest choosing a designated meeting spot ahead of time in case you become separated. Compass stations with GPS-coded location markers along the waterfront can be used as waypoints. Those riding e-bikes and e-scooters are reminded to use caution, slow down, and prepare to dismount in large crowds along Riverside Drive and the waterfront.
Drone Use Prohibited
Windsor police warn residents not to fly drones during the fireworks. Drones cannot be flown at advertised outdoor events without appropriate Transportation Canada authorization. Violators may face penalties.
Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino, who represents Windsor's core neighbourhood, described fireworks night as a major event. He said, "You're gonna see a great show. It really is a spectacle." For those who have been critical of downtown, he added, "They're gonna see a difference. They're gonna see a cleaner downtown. They're gonna see a safer downtown. They're gonna see a busier downtown," one with new restaurants, shops, and things to do.
