Windsor's Ford City district was awash in a sea of red on Saturday, December 20, 2025, as the city's inaugural SantaCon pub crawl brought festive merriment and charitable giving to Drouillard Road. Hundreds of participants, dressed as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and elves, transformed the area into a holiday spectacle with a purpose.
A Pub Crawl with a Purpose
The event was far more than a simple holiday party. Organized as a charitable initiative, the crawl encouraged participants to visit five local establishments: International Tavern, Brown’s Lounge, Cookie Bar, Circuit, and Sawyer’s Craft Barbecue. In exchange for seasonal drinks, cookies, and swag, attendees donated gift cards and winter essentials for Drouillard Place, a local non-profit supporting children, families, and individuals in the Drouillard and Grandview communities.
"This is about raising money for kids' gifts and supporting the community," explained organizer Shane Chiasson. "We chose Drouillard Place because they’re right here in Ford City and do so much for local families. We just want to give back and have some fun while we’re at it."
Community Support Exceeds Expectations
The community response was immediate and overwhelming. Anna Eschuk, partner of Cookie Bar owner Brent Phillips, reported that early turnout and generosity surpassed all expectations. "We’ve already collected more than expected," Eschuk told the Windsor Star. "By the end of the night, thousands of dollars in donations will go to Drouillard Place."
The donated items, which included gift cards from local retailers and winter necessities like gloves, hats, and socks, are destined to provide a little extra cheer for teens and families in the community who often struggle to afford such extras during the holiday season.
Festive Atmosphere on Drouillard Road
The self-guided crawl fostered a vibrant, communal atmosphere. Friends and strangers alike mingled as they moved between venues, snapping photos in their festive attire and enjoying the unique offerings at each stop. From Cormac Dunne enjoying a cozy pint at Cookie Bar to Moya McAlister dressed as Mrs. Claus, the event was a visual celebration of the season.
The successful debut of SantaCon Windsor demonstrates a powerful model of community engagement, blending social enjoyment with tangible support for vital local services. For more information about Drouillard Place, its programs, or to donate, community members can visit drouillardplace.ca.
