Fireworks fans will once again have a hassle-free way to head to downtown Windsor on the big night.
For the 14th year, Transit Windsor is teaming up with Zehrs to provide a free shuttle service to the downtown core for the 66th Ford Fireworks, set for Monday, June 24, 2024, on the Detroit River.
Transit Windsor Executive Director Tyson Cragg said the shuttle service is a surefire way to avoid the traffic and parking woes that come with the spectacular event, along with the often slow ride home afterward.
"You park at Devonshire Mall, you get on the bus, we'll get you down there and get you back," said Cragg. "There's no cash exchange, there's no ride card required. Just get on the bus, we'll get you down there and get you back."
Transit Windsor will also offer free bus service on its entire network on fireworks night. The Zehrs locations at Parkway Mall in Windsor, St. Clair Beach in Tecumseh, and LaSalle, are footing the bill.
Windsor Ward 7 Councillor Angelo Marignani said the shuttle service is part of a tradition that has signalled the start of summer for Windsorites and Detroiters alike.
"This night means so much to families in Windsor, across the region, and across the river," said Marignani. "It is one of those magical experiences that truly highlights the benefits of our unique two-nation destination that exists between Windsor and Detroit."
The Ford Fireworks is the largest pyrotechnic show in North America, regularly drawing a million people to both sides of the Detroit River. The tradition began in 1959 as part of the International Freedom Festival, celebrating both Canada Day and U.S. Independence Day.
Shuttle buses will start leaving the Sydney Avenue entrance to Devonshire Mall at 6 p.m., and run continuously to downtown before the show. The drop-off and pick-up point will be on MacDougall near City Hall. Return buses will head back to the mall until midnight.
The rain date for the Ford Fireworks is Tuesday, June 25.
Zehrs and Transit Windsor also announced Tuesday morning a stuff-the-bus campaign, collecting non-perishable food items, clothing, and cash donations.
On Saturdays beginning June 15, a bus will be stuffed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the first location being the St. Clair Beach Zehrs on Manning Road in Tecumseh.
On June 22, the bus will be at the Parkway Mall Zehrs at the same timeframe, and at the LaSalle Zehrs on June 29.