WINDSOR, Ontario (WYXZ) – When people in Windsor, Ontario, talk about the U. S.-Canada relationship, many start with “politics aside.” At the Ford Fireworks, some believe there are no politics – just good feelings between the two countries.
Watch Tony Geftos’ video report:
Ford Fireworks unite Canadians and Americans despite tensions
On Monday morning, crews tidied up the waterfront to get ready for a big crowd on the Canadian side as both nations prepared for their annual simultaneous celebration.
“I think it’ll be quite busy tonight. I think a lot of people in Windsor come to it and kind of depend on it, so it should be good,” Olivia Birch, a Windsor resident, said.
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The event takes place even with political strains that have delayed the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
“I think there’s a lot of divide right now, but this is the Detroit River and this fireworks show is for both of us,” Windsor local Nicole Rubino shared.
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Some Canadians point to recent actions by President Donald Trump’s administration as reasons for tension between neighboring economies.
“Ever since he took office, things have changed and our relationship has declined quite a bit,” John Van Wylick from Ottawa stated.
Others, including some residents from Detroit, view American and Canadian citizens as essentially one community.
“Politics is what it is, but day-to-day life shows we have no issues with Canadians. You’re always welcome here. I understand why there might feel like there’s some tension, but we hope to feel welcome in Canada too – and we do,” Detroit local Elisa Torres said.
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“Emotionally speaking, I think it’s pretty cool to live somewhere where everybody’s similar; we just have some water separating us,” Julia Conlon from Walkerville noted.
Dave Mc Cagherty came from London, Ontario, marking his first time attending the Ford Fireworks. He secured a prime viewing spot early on and saw this event as an opportunity to create connections beyond just the physical bridges over the river.
“There’s always been a spirit of camaraderie here that will return,” Mc Cagherty remarked. “I think it’s time to celebrate our partnership between Canada and the United States while recognizing that what’s happening now isn’t part of our history – we’re here to enjoy Canada and America together while seeing great fireworks in beautiful Windsor.”
Watch more coverage leading up to the fireworks show below:
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WXYZ
Some Canadians point to recent actions by President Donald Trump’s administration as reasons for tension between neighboring economies.
“Ever since he took office, things have changed and our relationship has declined quite a bit,” John Van Wylick from Ottawa stated.
Others, including some residents from Detroit, view American and Canadian citizens as essentially one community.
“Politics is what it is, but day-to-day life shows we have no issues with Canadians. You’re always welcome here. I understand why there might feel like there’s some tension, but we hope to feel welcome in Canada too – and we do,” Detroit local Elisa Torres said.
WXYZ
“Emotionally speaking, I think it’s pretty cool to live somewhere where everybody’s similar; we just have some water separating us,” Julia Conlon from Walkerville noted.
Dave Mc Cagherty came from London, Ontario, marking his first time attending the Ford Fireworks. He secured a prime viewing spot early on and saw this event as an opportunity to create connections beyond just the physical bridges over the river.
“There’s always been a spirit of camaraderie here that will return,” Mc Cagherty remarked. “I think it’s time to celebrate our partnership between Canada and the United States while recognizing that what’s happening now isn’t part of our history – we’re here to enjoy Canada and America together while seeing great fireworks in beautiful Windsor.”
Watch more coverage leading up to the fireworks show below:The Ford Fireworks show is tonight in downtown Detroit
Brian Hines from La Salle, Ontario also marked out his spot early on. “Been watching these for years; my whole life has changed over time,” Hines shared. “But for about ten years or so now we book a room here for this.” Hines believes that these fireworks help everyone come together while attracting many Americans to Windsor. “A lot of Americans come over because there aren’t many places where you can be right at water’s edge watching fireworks like this,” Hines explained. “The place gets packed with Americans! Someone asked me.. ‘oh wow! You got your spot again?’”WXYZ
With stunning views of Detroit’s skyline all around him, Hines along with many others was ready to enjoy both the fireworks display and reflect on how both countries relate.—–
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with assistance from AI technology. Our editorial team verifies all reporting across all platforms ensuring fairness and accuracy.
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