Derek Baldwin
Published Sep 25, 2023
Sam Brady, chair of the annual Belleville Rotary Porchfest, and his popular Impish Grins music band didn’t disappoint huge crowds gathered Saturday afternoon at his home on Bridge Street East.
Brady belted out an energetic playlist that proved immensely popular for revellers who danced away the afternoon with partners and children on his front lawn.

The music started flowing following an opening ceremony at 12:45 p.m. at Glanmore House at 257 Bridge Street East across the street from Brady’s home, the epicenter of the Porchfest revelry.It was one of 60 musical acts on offer to fans attending the 14th annual fall musical love-in on front porches across Old East Hill.

Organizers of the Belleville Rotary Porchfest estimated more than 3,000 spectators took in the free neighbourhood celebration.

The picturesque streets under a canopy of old trees were jam packed with smiling crowds quietly milling about between the different venues on a sunny and warm afternoon.

Uniformed Belleville Police officers on bicycle patrol during the Belleville Porchfest Saturday ensured the annual event was a safe and peaceful event by maintaining a visible police presence.The crowds were, as usual, well behaved.

The City of Belleville provided portable washrooms at locations throughout the event.

The celebration continued later in the day until 9:30 p.m. at the Porchfest After Party in Downtown Belleville.

Organized by the Belleville Rotary Club and the City of Belleville, the Old East Hill boundary for the event was bounded by Front Street to MacDonald Avenue and from Dundas Street East, to Pine Street.

As scheduled, popular performer and minstrel Andy Forgie performed his annual children’s concert at Robin Jeffrey Park Saturday morning for families.