By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
After 27 years the Belle River BIA has decided to scrap the annual Sunsplash Festival.”Sunsplash has been a cornerstone of our community’s summer celebrations, bringing people together to enjoy music, entertainment, and camaraderie by the lake. While this chapter closes, our commitment to creating memorable experiences for Belle River residents and visitors continues, stronger than ever,” said Melissa Lauzon, Executive Director, Belle River BIA.She says it was a difficult decision for the team to make and understands that residents are upset, citing finances as one the reasons for the decision. She said it was a unanimous decision by the board.”Organizing Sunsplash has become increasingly difficult over the last few years, so the decision was made after careful consideration. I know that people are looking for an answer and they feel like they’ve lost something; we completely understand that.” Lauzon said. “This event takes six months to plan ahead. “We felt that we had to ask, did this event align with what a BIA really should focus on?” said Lauzon.”With the amount of time taken away from what the BIA should be focused on was another factor.” The Classic Car Cruise will still continue this year, along with a number of Stroll the Street festivities as well as other events.”We really want to express that we understand people are upset, it was a very difficult decision to make, especially with board members who also enjoyed the event with their families too. To have that weight of the decision put on them was something that was difficult. But, it was the logical decision for the board to make,” she concluded. The BIA is planning a number of “stroll the street” events throughout the year to highlight Belle River businesses and local vendors. The 2025 lineup includes:May 9th – Mother’s Day Stroll the StreetJune 13th – Father’s Day Stroll the StreetJuly 10th – Summer Shop Local Extravaganza / Sip and SavourJuly 11th – Classic Car CruiseAugust 8th – Summer Stroll the StreetSeptember 12th – Back to School Stroll the StreetOctober 10th – Thanksgiving Stroll the Street
November 28th – Tree Lighting and Holiday Moonlight Madness
