FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023 – Centennial Park, Watford
4PM - 12 AM - Food & Beer Garden (parking lot behind ELCC)
4PM - 9PM - Youth Fair & History Exhibits (Inside East Lambton Community Complex)
4PM - 8PM - Inflatables, Fire Safety Trailer & Sparky the Fire Dog
5PM - Indigenous Drummers & Dancers
5:30 PM - Opening Ceremony
6PM - Cake Cutting
6:30 PM - Old Fashioned Kids Games
6:30 PM - The Grandrents
8:15PM - Pocket Change
9PM - Optimist Bar Opens
10 PM - The Mudmen
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2023
EAST LAMBTON COMMUNITY COMPLEX
9AM - 3PM - Youth Fair & History Exhibits – Lambton Mutual Community Hall
9AM - 3PM - Kids Ball Hockey Tournament – Watford Optimist Arena Ice Surface
DOWNTOWN
9AM - 9PM - Kids Scavenger Hunt
10AM - 1PM - Watford Library (537 Nauvoo Rd.)
10AM - 2 PM - Community Market (Parking lot behind Libro & Municipal Office)
11AM - 1PM - Legion Barbecue (across from legion 5275 Nauvoo Rd.)
11AM - 8PM - Watford Museum Open (515 Ontario Street)
12PM - 6PM - Mike Winia Wood Carver (Bluebird Parkette)
12PM - Beer Tent Opens (Watford Fire Hall Parking Lot)
12:30PM - 2:30PM - Strawberry Social (Watford Fire Hall Parking Lot)
1:30PM - 3:30PM - Sawmill & Steam Engine Demonstrations (Searson’s – 5227 Nauvoo Rd.)
2PM - 6PM - Old Time Photos (Horticultural Society Building – 5306 Nauvoo Rd.)
2PM - Petrolia Community Theatre
2PM- Food Trucks
3PM - Maxmobile Movie Screening (Watford Legion – 5275 Nauvoo Rd.)
3PM - 7PM - Humes Horse Tours (Pickup/Drop off on Huron St. between BMO & Dan Good Pizza)
3PM - 5PM - Dandy Sandy the Clown & Face Painting
4PM & 6PM - Lucky Barber Show
4PM - 8PM - Hoola Hoop Zone & Stilt Walker
6PM - 8PM - Roaming Magician
8:30/9PM – Fire Show (main stage)
COMMUNITY MARKET PERFORMERS:
10AM - Neil Werden
11:30AM - Forest Pioneers
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MAIN STAGE PERFORMERS – In front of Fire Station:
12PM - Bill Knapp
2:30 PM - Ally & Meghan
4:30PM - The MacKinlays
6:30PM - Shed Heads
8:30/9PM - Fire Show
9PM - After Midnight
SUNDAY, JUNE 25 – Centennial Park & ELCC
10AM - 3PM - Antique Car, Truck & Tractor Show (Watford Track behind ELCC)
10AM - 3PM - Art in the Park (Centennial Park Pavillion)
10AM - 1PM - Fireman’s Breakfast (behind ELCC at Outdoor Kitchen)
10AM - 12PM - Youth Fair & History Exhibits (inside ELCC)
10AM - 12PM - Forest Excelsior Band (Fireman’s Breakfast area)
11AM - 12:30PM - Youth Corn Hole Tournament (Centennial Park Area)
12PM - 3PM - Food Trucks
12PM - 1 PM - Corn & Cabbage
12PM - Scavenger Hunt Prizes
12:30PM - 2PM - Old Fashioned Kids Games
1PM - 3PM - Lambton County Fiddlers
1PM - 3PM - Adult Corn Hole Tournament
4:30PM - 150th Anniversary Dinner (ELCC Lambton Mutual Hall- pre-purchase required)
Friday 10pm
The Mudmen
Always entertaining and definitely unique, The Mudmen are a blast of Celtic energy whose members are known to be characters both on and off the stage. First discovered in 1993 as “The Campbell Brothers”, the Brothers signed a record deal with EMI Records and changed their name to “Mudmen”. Established in 1998 Mudmen will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary in 2023. Mudmen's music has been featured on Xbox and PlayStation games, NBC’s television show "The Black Donnelly's”, WWE Wrestling, 6 Don Cherry’s Rock' em Sock' em hockey videos, The Mackenzie Brothers TWO-FOUR Anniversary Special on CBC, HBO’S Shameless, HNIC Coach’s Corner( special tribute to Dale Hunter), 6 music videos on Much Music/MTV, reaching the top 20 countdown on 102.1 The Edge radio (Toronto). In 2008 the Campbell Brothers were asked to perform on the new “Hockey Night in Canada” theme song produced by the iconic Canadian music producer, Bob Rock, where Ron MacLean said to the nation.. “Mudmen we love em!!" This led to many opportunities including a 3-month tour with Johnny Reid where the Campbell Brothers were featured on a PBS special/DVD, and a performance at the Canadian Country Music awards. The Mudmen/Campbell Brothers have appeared twice on the nationally televised Canada Day celebrations from Capital Hill, where they performed and shook hands with the Queen! They have also performed at the Edmonton Oilers & Calgary Flames home opening game ceremonies on CBC, and performed at The 1984 Oilers Stanley Cup Gala Reunion with Wayne Gretzky and the whole team present along with Sarah McLaughlin and Red Ryder on the card. With over 3000 shows to date, The Mudmen: Robby & Sandy Campbell, Colin Amey, Jordon Brosseau, Andy Gingerich and Alex Showdra believe that nice guys can finish first, while enjoying life & what you do translates to all audiences. The Mudmen are building a legion of fans from young to old with career highlights such as 12 Canada Walk of Fame Ceremonies, a Leaf & Bruins Game at The Air Canada Centre, opening for legends like ZZ Top & The Guess Who, 7 Grey Cup parties, 2 televised Special Olympic ceremonies, 3 Brier Curling events, 3 IPA plowing matches, Men's IHHF World Hockey tournament, 3 Memorial Cups, 6 Molson Canadian Snowjams, over 40 cross headlining Canadian tours, festival's across Canada, America & Europe including a very special
performance at TSN’s “For the Love of The Game” Canadian gold ring presentation with Sidney Crosby present. Ron Maclean says he loves'em, Johnny Reid says "their Canada's best kept secret, Don Cherry says "their good Canadian boys and Walter Ostanek says he's proud of them . It has been said to describe Canada's Celtic Rock Warriors in one word one would say fun!
The Grandrents
The Grandrents have been performing for about 10 years. Our original name was “The Rents” which is slang for parents. As the years went by, we’ve all become grandparents and decided to change the name to The Grandrents.
We started the band because we enjoy playing and our kids were all moving out doing their own thing and it was time to do something for ourselves. We’ve played at stag and does, parties, parks, and even a brewery! We enjoy playing classic rock, old and new country music.
Band members include John Straatman - lead guitar and vocals, Jeff Stewardson, rhythm guitar, bass guitar and vocals, Rick Ryan- drummer and vocals, Brenda Ryan- Vocals, Laura Soetemans-keyboard, bass guitar and backup vocals.
We look forward to entertaining everyone at the 150 Celebrations for Watford!
Friday 6:30
Saturday 12-2pm
Bill Knapp
Since his school days at North Middlesex in Parkhill, Bill Knapp has been involved in music or visual arts. He began his elementary teaching career in 1976 at Oxbow Public school in Ilderton, ON followed by stretches at Parkhill and Lucan. Knapp has been a drummer, and guitar player/singer for over 50 years playing with several well known musicians as well as the group called the Maple Sugar Music Co. which he formed together with a few close friends from Parkhill/Exeter area. Knapp has made several recordings including one in Nashville and appeared in the Opry North shows across Ontario. Bill will still doa single at with drums and vocals as well as commissioned art work for the asking.
Bill published his first book recently and currently resides in Watford with his wife Cathy and Bernadoodle Louise.
Saturday 2:30-4pm
Allison & Meghan
Hello, we are Meg and Ally!
Two small town girls who met in highschool and connected by our mutual love for music and performing. I think we can speak for any musician out there when we say it truly is something special to bring happiness to others by simply doing what you love. You can catch us playing locally at places like Stonepickers, Skeeter Barlow's, Twin Pines and much more. We're so excited to be able to celebrate 150 years of Watford with you all!
The MacKinlays
The MacKinlays, as they’re known on stage, have been performing practically their whole lives. Formed in 2013, the sisters have opened for artists such as Emm Gryner, Stacey Kay, Zach Neil, and comedian Gerry Dee. Besides performing, The MacKinlays are avid songwriters. They draw inspiration from artists such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, HAIM, Shania Twain, and Harry Styles. In 2022, they released their debut single, "Set You Free". Davis is a graduate of Music Industry Arts from Fanshawe College. Kara is a graduate of Audio Production from OIART. Aimee is currently at Fanshawe College studying Digital Marketing. In the upcoming year, The MacKinlays hope to be performing live and writing and releasing new music. Link to Website: https://themackinlaysband.com/
Saturday 4:30-6pm
Saturday 6:30-8pm
Shed Heads
The shed heads are a 4 piece band who are now settled in Sarnia Ontario. With all Original members hailing from St.John’sNewfoundland, the band brings on a diverse musical background blending Celtic, rock, country and blues influences into the music they play today. With broad musical backgrounds, the shed heads provide something for everyone, music and fun. They are looking forward to playing in Ontario early this year with a final stop in St. John’s Newfoundland in Aug 2023 ending their “welcome ome’ tour”
Saturday 9-11pm
After Midnight
We are After Midnight from London Ontario, and we like to funk things up!
Enjoy the sweet sounds of classic funk, soul, and pop cover songs from the 60s’, 70s’, 80s’, and more! The band members include Jake Moloy as lead vocalist and guitarist, Jessica Blum as lead vocalist, Max Williams on the bass, Krys Borek on the kit, and Tom Skinner ripping the keys.
Let’s enjoy some good times and celebrate with After Midnight!
Sunday 12-1pm
Bryan & Tony (Corn & Cabbage)
Bryan Aitken and Tony Hogervorst are two members of the former Corn, Beef and Cabbage group that performed in the 90’s and the early 2000’s era. The group performed light and sometimes humorous music primarily for the service clubs and organizations of the day. Bryan and Tony still get together occasionally for special events such as this!
Tony and his wife Joanne are vegetable crop farmers from Warwick Township, and Bryan and his wife Nancy are cash crop farmers also from Warwick Township. They each have several children and grandchildren that keep them busy as well.
Forest Pioneers
Frank and Shannon grew up in and around forest and enjoy playing for the community. They put their musical talent together to become the Forest Pioneers in 2018. Frank plays multiple instruments including the guitar and mandolin, Shannon is the main vocalist.
Shannon and Frank were married in 2020 and had a baby girl in September of last year.
They are happy to be playing once again and are excited to be at Watford’s 150th anniversary
Saturday 11:30-1:30
Sunday Afternoon
Lambton County Fiddlers
Established in 2017, with an eagerness to see fiddle playing spread across Lambton County, the group's goal was to bring fiddlers together in our area. The idea was based on a group formed in Prince Edward Island that meets weekly and shares tunes. The Lambton County Fiddlers began with 2 fiddlers, and today has 7, along with a flautist, a keyboard player, a guitarist, a bass player, and a bodhran player. All learning from each other, beginner and experienced, together they share and learn Canadian, Irish, Scottish, and East Coast tunes.
With their music and fiddling, combined with their enormous energy, these fiddlers and musicians are an enthusiastic group of players with an amazing spirit and love of fiddle tunes.
Forest Excelsior Band
The Forest Excelsior Band is a versatile, 18 piece band with full brass, woodwind, and rhythm section. The band has been in continuous operation since 1884. The longest non-military band in Canada.
We play big band, jazz, latin and contemporary music from Adele, and Elton John to the Doobie Brothers and Lady Gaga. We also feature a big band singer.
Sunday 10am
Neil Werden and Ruff “Round Th’edges will be performing during the Farmer’s Market Saturday morning from 10-11. Band members include Vaughn Wilde, Neil Werden, Jean Wilde and Diane Werden. The band have been playing together for nearly a decade and are excited to be part of Watford’s 150th.
Saturday 10-11am
Saturday 12-6pm
Mike Winia
Mike Winia is a chainsaw sculptor from Bothwell, Ontario and is also a third-generation logger and arborist. Mike has always had a passion for sketching and painting, and now finds himself trying to produce the same story and vision in his 3-D sculptures.
Mike’s past experiences creating unique sculptures, for both private and commercial clientele has created interest of the young and old alike. One of Mike’s specialties has always been his ability to pull together a story in a single sculpture.
Mike and his wife have traveled worldwide competing in Chainsaw Carving Competitions. This includes, but is not limited to, competing at the World Chainsaw Carving Championships in Germany, representing Team Canada, the Australian Chainsaw Carving Championships in Australia and the English Open Chainsaw Carving Championships in Manchester England.
Saturday 4-6pm
The Lucky Barber
"Dad Jokes & Danger! Lucky Barber Show is a "Real Metal, Real Sharp!" juggling comedy show for all ages. This "Hair-raising" show fuses timeless & modern Street Theatre with Juggling, Physical Comedy, Cigar Box Manipulation, Crowd Interaction, and a thrilling Knife Juggling & Standing Boots-of-Nails Finale!”
Hoop You Fire Show
We bring the Fire; we bring the Fun!
These gals love to entertain and connect with people, from interactive circus fun zones to Epic fire dancing shows.
This summer, you can find them hula hooping, juggling, stilt-ing and setting their show on fire, just for you.
Saturday Hoola Hoop Show & Stilt Walker 4-8pm
Saturday Hoop & Fire Show 8:30-9pm
Saturday 6-8pm
Toronto Magic Company – Ben Train
Ben Train is co-founder of the Toronto Magic Company and one of Toronto’s top performers. He’s been featured on Penn and Teller’s Fool Us, The Marilyn Denis Show, Breakfast Television, CTV, Apple TV, and more! He performs hundreds of shows per year, for top audiences all around Canada! You can click here to see Ben Train's promo material for the event.
Saturday 2-7pm
Petrolia Community Theatre
The Petrolia Community Theatre began in 1994, just two years after Victoria Hall was rebuilt with a superb theatre. The group is exceedingly diverse and draws people of all ages and many walks of life. They perform two high-calibre theatre shows each year in Victoria Hall, Petrolia. They also perform Murder Mysteries, historical vignettes, Cemetery Tours, act as guides on Bus Tours, and rent out costumes. Visit them on Facebook at Petrolia Community Theatre or www.petroliatheatre.com.
The Petrolia Community Theatre boasts a wide selection of stage costumes covering every decade. Look to see some of these spectacular outfits as we help celebrate Watford’s 150th Anniversary on June 24th.
Humes Town-wide Tours: Saturday 3-7pm
Sandy the Clown
Youth Cornhole Tournament: Sunday 11am-12:30pm
Adult Cornhole Tournament: Sunday 1pm
Ifast Parties Inflatables Friday 4-8pm
The Watford Presbyterian Church also turns 150 this year! Take a tour and get historical information on Saturday, June 24th, 2023 from 1pm-3pm!
This is a log cabin rebuilt with the same logs and artifacts that first settled Saunder's Corners 160 years ago. This is truly the closest dwelling to our community's beginnings that one can get. Mary Ellen King has offered this piece of our past as an open house on Saturday, June 24th for everyone to view!
Watford House Tour
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5 - Watford United Church
555 Ontario Street
6 - James McLaren House
583 Ontario Street
7 - William McLaren House
591 Ontario Street
8 - 607 Ontario Street
9 - 608 Ontario Street
10 - 598 Ontario Street.
11 - David Maxwell House
582 Ontario Street
12 - Dodds House
555 Erie Street
13 - Arthur Brown House
521 Erie Street
14 - Watford Carnegie Library
5330 Nauvoo Road
15 - Trinity Anglican Church
5331 Nauvoo Road
16 - Margaret Orange House
521 St Clair Street
17 - Old Baptist Church
531 St Clair Street.
18 - Mitchell House
5341 Nauvoo Road
19- Sunken Gardens
5359 Nauvoo Road
20- St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
5378 Nauvoo Road
21 - Ross House
5377 Nauvoo Road
22 - Our Lady of Help Christians
432 Victoria St
23 - Hollingsworth’s Sales Yard
391 Victoria Street
Link to House Tour
