MacGregor Music Festival brings Essex County together

By: Matt Weingarden , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

They say music brings people together. And for the 34th time, the MacGregor Music Festival has done just that — all for a great cause.

The festival returned June 8 to Co-An Park in McGregor, featuring eight area bands along with a car show, pig auction, raffle, door prizes and a rib dinner. The annual event raises money for the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, benefiting the Patient Assistance Fund (PAF) at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre.

Gates opened at 10 a.m., with live music from C2C Entertainment, All Nighters, Kenny and the Cruisers, Exit 31, Jammin for Wellness, Lookin’ Back, Crow Bar Hotel and Bad Moustache. More than 35 vehicles took part in the car show.

“We are here today to raise funds for the Patient Assistance Fund, which assists cancer patients in various ways, as it covers some of their living and medical-related costs such as dental,” said Sue LeClair, chair of the volunteer organizing committee. “If those with a cancer diagnosis need assistance, the funding is here for them.”

LeClair said the festival’s beginnings trace back to the Knights of Columbus MacGregor Council 2885, when one of their members was diagnosed with cancer.

“Going back that far, the local cancer centre was ill-equipped with the most modern facilities, and the music festival was born to help assist the cancer centre,” she said.

Asked why the event remains important to hold every year, LeClair said, “Everyone has been affected in one way or another by the disease.

“This can help ensure that anyone who needs assistance has access.”

Houida Kassem, executive director of the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation, said the centre has existed for more than 30 years, and its partnership with the festival group stretches back nearly as long.

“Music has a way of bringing people together in general,” she said. “It’s also a shared cause for the community … There are times when the need is great and the province doesn’t cover the cost of various items, and that’s why events like this can help cover extra costs like a mortgage, groceries or transportation.”

Kassem said that when someone is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is affected.

“You may have one person working and limited income… you don’t want them to go without… That’s where the Patient Assistance Fund comes into play.”

According to LeClair, about 60 volunteers help facilitate the event.

“The bands are all voluntary, and we’ve had the same musicians playing with us for years,” she said. “It’s actually a reunion of sorts, with many attendees coming from across the county.”

More than 800 people attended this year’s festival, and $2,000 was raised at the pig auction alone. Last year’s event raised $95,000 for the foundation.

“I just want to say thank you to the sponsors,” said LeClair.

Kassem agreed.

“I need to thank Sue and the entire organization for putting this festival on and the partnership we’ve shared over the years.”