UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE BALLOON FESTIVAL A HIT WITH FAMILIES BY KRISTIE PEARCE
Balloons weren't the only uncommon sight in downtown Windsor this weekend.
Thousands of families flocked to the city's core for the second annual Balloonapalooza - an award-winning festival that's gaining steam.
"It's a huge economic generator for downtown merchants and it also showed off our downtown to tourists as a family-friendly destination," said Debi Croucher, acting director of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association.
Croucher said Sunday afternoon it was too early to know attendance numbers, but she could safely say Balloonapalooza was "significantly busier" than last year.
"Last year at this time we had 35,000."
She not only credits the added line up of entertainment, like fairy tale characters from Windsor Light Music Theatre, face painters, stilt walkers and clowns strolling through the streets, but the buzz created by last year's event.
It was enough to bring the McNamaras back for the second year.
"We just loved it last year," said Brea McNamara, a mother of two. "We are always going downtown so it's nice to bring the kids. Everything is family friendly. It's one of my favourites."
Brea said the event was even better than last year's and she and her husband, John, planned to return at night.
"I liked the orange cat and the vegetables," their six-year old daughter, Abey, said while holding what was left of a balloon sword.
"I liked the boat balloon," her younger brother James, 2, said.
Geoff Zanetti, who's Villains Beastro on Pelissier Street offered a kids menu for the weekend, said he doubled business Saturday and his small, underage, customers were ecstatic to see the dozens of hand drawn famous villains hanging on the wall.
"I think it's great because downtown is not just for nightlife. It's for everybody." Zanetti said. "Sure, it would be nice to see more shops but if you have one long weekend a year and close the streets I think it's great for the city."
The award-winning free show took home the 2011 Business Improvement Area Award in the category of Special Events.
Croucher said the DWBIA is working to bring a Christmas Wonderland festival to the city core.
Read more: http://www.windsorstar.com/Uplifting+experience/7148801/story.html#ixzz24rfqdBed
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