Windsor's Open Streets will be bigger and a little sweeter this year

For anyone who missed Windsor's biggest-ever block party last year, there's even more time to get in on the action in 2017.

Instead of holding two half-day Open Streets events, like the ones held in 2016, the city is putting together one big party that will stretch across most of the day.

Residents had a chance to learn about the upcoming recreational party — complete with yoga sessions, live music and children's activities along the way — during an information session held Wednesday at the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre.

Michael Chantler, project manager for Open Streets, says the change in schedule was due to popular demand.

"We went from a half day to a full day and that is in response to everyone saying 'We wish it was longer, it was so wonderful,'" he explained.

The city will shut down the stretch of roadways between Sandwich and Ford City on Sept. 17 starting at 10 a.m. with the entertainment going until 5 p.m.

Traffic will be able to cross the area at 10 intersections during the event.

Ontario's 150th birthday will also be celebrated at this year's event with the city commissioning 200 dozen cookies cut and coloured in the image of the province's trillium logo.

The tasty treats will be whipped up by Doug Romanek of Nana's Bakery, who said he's proud to take part in the Open Streets event.

"It's more of a fun activity than anything else," he said. "I'm a believer in the city of Windsor. I think the more you can help out the better it is."

The intersection of Ouellette and University avenues was one of the most popular spots to stop and check out activities and live music last year, so organizers plan on stretching that hub across a larger area to prevent a bottleneck from forming.

There will also be an Ontario 150 hub funded by the province that will feature dancing, musical acts, performances that reflect the region's multiculturalism.