Aylmer will once again come together to celebrate its diverse cultures, traditions, and community spirit with the return of the Aylmer & Area Heritage Festival.
The three-day festival runs September 18th to 20th, with events taking place at several locations throughout Aylmer and Malahide.
Now in its second year, the festival was created as a way to bring different parts of the community together and showcase the many cultures that make up the area. Chair Jamie Chapman says the idea had been in the works for years, but took on new importance following the pandemic.
That sense of togetherness was on full display during last year’s inaugural festival, including a Sunday church service that brought together seven local churches and about a thousand people.
This year’s festival features countless activities throughout the weekend, including live music, food trucks, a vendor market, children’s activities, an art showcase and Indigenous singing, storytelling and drumming.
Things get underway Friday at Bandshell and Palmer Park, while Saturday includes activities at Balmoral Park, Trinity Anglican Church and other locations throughout the community.
Sunday will feature brunch at Saxonia Hall, followed by a community church service, family picnic and children’s activities at the Fairgrounds.
Chapman says making the festival family-friendly was an important part of the planning.
One of the other goals this year is encouraging people to explore parts of the community they may not normally visit.
The festival’s Beyond the Front Door component will feature several local destinations, including churches, the Aylmer Museum, fire station and Saxonia Hall, along with a special opportunity to see inside some of the area’s unique spaces.
Most festival activities are free, with food and items from the vendor market available for purchase.
Chapman adds that the weekend event wouldn’t be possible without all the support.
The Aylmer & Area Heritage Festival runs September 18th through 20th, with full details available through the festival’s Facebook page.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
