Bicentennial events will be added once they are confirmed. Keep checking back for the latest updates!
| JANUARY |
| January 6 - 80th Anniversary of the Almonte Train Wreck. Candle lighting ceremony to begin at 7pm at the Train Wreck Memorial (corner of Bridge St. & Mill St.) then to Almonte Old Town Hall for displays and presentations. January 17 - The Official Launch of the Bicentennial! Please join in the celebration online or in-person at the municipal office. There will be a toast to mark the occasion, remarks by the mayor, a land acknowledgment and smudging ceremony as well as an announcement by a Town Crier! Don't miss this wonderful event! January 17 - Voting begins for the Bicentennial Photo Contest! Photos are on display at the municipal office, stop by to view the AMAZING photographs of our beautiful municipality. Voting will happen online and paper ballots are available at the Municipal office. Voting ends February 6th and the winners will be announced at the February 7th Council meeting. January 22 - Author & historian Tim Cook is launching his new book "Lifesavers and Body Snatchers - Medical Care and the Struggle for Survival in the Great War" at 2pm at Almonte Old Town Hall |
| FEBRUARY |
| February 6 - Voting for the Photo Contest ends at 11:59pm. Be sure to cast your votes! February 7 - Announcement of the Winners of the Bicentennial Photo Contest. Winners will be announced at the Council meeting at 6pm. Join in-person or online for the announcement! February 1-23 - Bicentennial Colouring Contest - Mississippi Mills students in grades 4-6 are invited to participate in the Bicentennial Colouring Contest. The drawing to be coloured was created by artist Auni Milne and is featured on the Bicentennial Commemorative Coin. The top three winning entries will receive a Bicentennial Commemorative Coin and the winning entry will have stickers made of their artwork that will be distributed as part of the Bicentennial festivities (the winner will receive multiple stickers!). You can download the image here with the privacy statement (that must be signed by a guardian) and submit it to the Mississippi Mills Library or Municipal offices (Almonte Old Town Hall or 3131 Old Perth Rd.) The deadline for submissions has been extended to Thursday, February 23rd. February 20 - Bicentennial FREE Family Day FUN! - Come to Almonte Old Town Hall at 11am to watch a movie then continue on to the John Levi arena for free public skating from 1pm - 3pm or go to the Stewart arena from 2pm -4pm. The movie canteen will be run by the MMYC! It's a great way to spend a Monday! February 24 - Heritage Dinner hosted by the North Lanark Regional Museum at the Legion in Almonte, with special guest Robert Gardiner, author of "History of Pakenham 1823-1867". Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance - www.northlanarkregionalmuseum.com An event not to be missed! |
| MARCH |
| March 2 - Community Luncheon from 11:30am - 1pm, hosted by the Almonte Civitan. Meet your neighbours, talk about local news all while enjoying some delicious food. Tickets are $17 and on sale at Baker Bob's or at www.almontecivitan.com March 4 - Indigenous Author Event featuring author and knowledge keeper, Rick Revelle, 10:30am at the Almonte Library. March 17 - St. Patrick's Dance featuring 'Sham Rockin' with the Ryans with special guest Terri-Lynn Mahusky' at the Stewart Community Centre, the fun starts at 8PM. Tickets are $15 and on sale at Nicholson's, Stewart Community Centre and Almonte Old Town Hall. Come out and have some Irish fun! March 25 - Celebrate Almonte! - This is the 1st major Bicentennial event! Come out and celebrate Almonte's past and present. This event is for the whole family and runs from 11am - 3pm. While you're visiting any of the 4 Destination Points, pick up a passport which includes a map of Almonte along with trivia questions highlighting Almonte's past. Enter to win some amazing prizes from local shops!
March to May - MM Community Reads!"The Days of Toil and Tears: The Child Labour Diary of Flora Rutherford" by Sarah Ellis. This story is set in Almonte about an orphan who works in a textile mill. |
| APRIL |
| April 6 - Community Luncheon (sold out!) from 11:30am - 1pm, hosted by the Almonte Civitan. Meet your neighbours, talk about local news all while enjoying some delicious food! Tickets are $17 and on sale at Baker Bob's or at www.almontecivitan.com |
| MAY |
| May 4 - Renewing our Friendships: Introducing the Seven Gifts - come out for an evening of learning and inspiration! Experience a Smudging Ceremony, learn about the Seven Grandfather Teachings and hear from the artists behind this amazing sculpture. Tickets are $15 and on sale through www.ticketsplease.ca. Visit www.mmallmyrelations.ca for more information about this exciting project! May 12 (POSTPONED UNTIL AUGUST 4!) - RCMP Musical Ride at the Almonte Fairgrounds. Visit www.almontefair.ca for more details and ticket information. A beautiful setting for an amazing show! You won't want to miss it! May 27 - 'The Story of Almonte' Part 1 - documentary film by Rob & Sharon Newton. Stop by the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum at 2pm to view part 1 of this documentary with a special introduction by Rob & Sharon Newton. Donations to the food bank will be accepted. A great time to check out the museum while you're there! |
| JUNE |
| June 3 - Pioneer Day - Come out to the North Lanark Regional Museum in Appleton for Pioneer Day! Lots of activities and events are planned, lots of fun for the whole family! June 16 - Mill Workers' Walk Re-enactment - all are welcome to join in this historical walk re-enacting a century of mill workers in Almonte going to work at the mills. Begin your walk to arrive at 'work' at the 'Rosamond Mill' (now the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum) for 10:30am. Bells will be ringing in town as you make your way to work. On your way, paper bag lunches (with a small snack) will be handed out. Once you arrive at the mill greetings will be given by a Town Crier and you will hear from former mill workers. You can walk through the museum to see what mill workers did and the machines they worked on. Everyone is encouraged to wear period costumes reflective of workers from the 1800s to the closing of the last mill in the 1980s. Drones will be capturing this exciting event, be part of history! June 24 - Almonte Home & Garden Tour - 10am - 5pm. Put on by the Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation and the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here. June 30 - Pakenham Canada Day Eve Parade and Fireworks Join in the Canada Celebrations starting in Pakenham on June 30th! To kick things off, RBC is hosting a BBQ at 5PM. The annual Canada Parade is at 7PM and live music with Mike Ryan at 8PM! 6PM to dusk is the Fireman's BBQ, face painting, games and the grand finale - FIREWORKS! Come out for a great time for the whole family! |
| JULY |
| July 1 - Canada Day Celebration Come out and celebrate this Bicentennial Canada Day in Almonte! The fun happens in Gemmill Park starting at 1:30PM. There is a large KIDS ZONE with lots of inflatable games, crafts, face painting, Jon 'The Cowguy' entertainer, t-shirt making, puppets, games and more!LIVE MUSIC also kicks off at 1:30PM on the mainstage in the bowl! Come out for an amazing lineup with lots of local talent! The music lineup includes:
5 Wednesdays in July - This free event happens every Wednesday evening in July at the Augusta Street Park in Almonte. Come out for some live music and good eats! July 22 - ClaytonFest - come out and enjoy this annual event at the Clayton Ball Diamond. A day filled with music and entertainment! July 25 -30 - Mexican Textile Collection Show and Sale from the Collection of William Hodge & Robert Wylie. This event pays homage to General Juan Almonte! Put on by the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum July 29 - Community Bicentennial Celebration - this event, hosted by a variety of local service clubs, is happening at the Almonte Civitan Club. Come out for a free BBQ, live entertainment, games and more! It will be an amazing day celebrating our Bicentennial! |
| AUGUST |
| August 3 - Movie in the Park - at the Clayton Community Centre featuring Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. August 4 - RCMP Musical Ride at the Almonte Fairgrounds (rescheduled from May 4th). Visit www.almontefair.ca for more details and ticket information. A beautiful setting for an amazing show! You won't want to miss it! August 5 - Yellow Bus Farm Tour - SOLD OUT! Come out for an AMAZING day touring and learning about the rural community in Mississippi Mills! This guided tour begins at 9AM and ends at approx. 4:30pm. Buses will depart from the John Levi Community Centre (182 Bridge St.) and you will travel to visit the RCMP Horse Stables, a Sunflower Farm, a Robotics Dairy Farm as well as a tour of the Dairy Distillery - Vodkow. Lunch is provided and is hosted by the Clayton Community Centre. While in Clayton you will get to see a Dressage Demonstration and enjoy some live entertainment! You will not want to miss participating in this Bicentennial event! Tickets are $30 each ($15 for children under 12) and that includes your guided tour and lunch. Tickets are available at Nicholson's in Pakenham, Clayton General Store and Almonte Old Town Hall. Limited tickets are being sold - so don't delay! (Cash only please)
* Please note: dress for the weather, wear closed toed shoes (no sandals), strollers cannot be on the farms due to possible contamination, be mindful if you have allergies, lunch is a set menu and unfortunately dietary changes cannot be accommodated. Please advise if you have any disabilities we should be made aware of at 200@mississippimills.ca. August 10 - Movie in the Park - in Pakenham featuring Super Mario Bros. August 12 to October 7 - Post Up - an art exhibit by Mallory Tolcher. This art exhibit plays tribute to Mississippi Mills deep roots in the sport of basketball. Visit the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum to see the exhibit. August 12 - Celebration of the Induction of Dr. James Naismith into Canada's Walk of Fame Hometown Stars! Dr. James Naismith was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2019. This year we get to celebrate it! Come out for a public ceremony and a plaque presentation. You won't want to miss this! August 12 - Naismith 3x3 Basketball Tournament - this annual event, coupled with the celebration of the induction of Dr. James Naismith into Canada's Walk of Fame, will be an amazing day! Basketball games around town, so much to celebrate! August 17 - Movie in the Park - in Munro Meadows featuring Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. August 18-20 - 'Come Home to Pakenham' Weekend Celebration! FRIDAY, AUGUST 18th, 4PM - 9PM - Opening ceremonies, craft beer fest, BBQ and live music by Mike Wattie - free entry! - Pakenham History Pop-up display - FIREWORKS at dusk! SATURDAY, AUGUST 19th, 11AM - 4PM - T-ball game followed by Men's and Women's fastball games - Kids yard games and a BOUNCY CASTLE! - Skateboard Demos (bring your board!) - Pakenham History Pop-up display - Almonte Civitan BBQ and more! 6PM - 11PM - FAMILY DANCE featuring MIKE RYAN with opening act JUNKYARD SYMPHONY! Tickets are $10, kids under 16 are free! A lunch will be served. Dances and celebrations were an important part of life 200 years ago. From then until now fashion and finery has always been part of stepping out. Pick your favourite era and if you wish, costume up! SUNDAY, AUGUST 20th 10AM - 1PM Community Paddle at the Pakenham Beach Bring your kayak/canoe/paddleboard and float down the river. 11AM - 4PM Pakenham History Pop-up display 11AM Ecumenical Service at St. Andrew's United Church 12PM - 4PM ANTIQUE CAR SHOW All events are at the Stewart Community Centre and Fred Millar Park. Come out for a great time! August 20 - Antique Car Show - part of the 'Come Home to Pakenham' weekend celebration, come out and enjoy the antique car show on Sunday from 1-4pm at Fred Millar Park. Lots of great old cars to see! August 24 - Movie in the Park - at the Almonte Library/Alameda featuring Hook. August 27 - Appleton Community Celebration Picnic/Potluck - beginning at 5pm (dinner at 5:30pm), bring a picnic or a dish to share! The community of Appleton is hosting an evening picnic/potluck at Lubbers Park. Tents, tables and electricity is provided. Bring dishes, utensils, lawn chair and bug repellent! Musical instruments are also welcome. The North Lanark Regional Museum will be open so be sure to take a tour! August 31 - Movie in the Park - in Riverfront Estates Central Park featuring Guardians of the Galaxy 3. |
| SEPTEMBER |
| September 9 - OPP Golden Helmets at 3pm in Pakenham. The main street in Pakenham will be closed for this amazing show! Bring the whole family for this FREE event! September 15 - Meet the Artists of The Seven Gifts - the Sivarulrasa Gallery is hosting the event. It runs from 5-7PM. Drop in and meet the artists of The Seven Gifts! September 17 - Seven Gifts Opening Ceremony and Celebration - From 1:30pm - 4:30pm everyone is welcome to attend the celebration of the completion of a very important project in Mississippi Mills. This Truth & Reconciliation project is a bronze and marble art installation located at 320 Spring St. in Riverfront Park in Almonte. The ceremony will include smudging, drumming, prayers, story of the Seven Gifts and fire. There will also be artists' stories. You will have the opportunity to taste a traditional Indigenous feast which includes venison stew, wild rice, bannock and strawberry water. Music will be performed by Nathan Sloniowski and there will be children's activities! Come out and be part of the unveiling of this important and significant sculpture that is now part of our community. Many special guests will be in attendance. Visit www.mmallmyrelations.ca for more information about this project! Cérémonie d'ouverture et célébration des sept cadeaux – Tout le monde est invité à assister à la célébration de l'achèvement d'un projet très important à Mississippi Mills. Ce projet Vérité et Réconciliation est une installation d'art en bronze et en marbre située au 320 Spring St. dans Riverfront Park à Almonte. La cérémonie comprendra des cérémonies de purification, des tambours, des prières, l'histoire des Sept Dons et du feu. Il y aura également une cérémonie d'inauguration ainsi que des récits d'artistes. Vous aurez l'occasion de goûter à un festin traditionnel autochtone, de la musique fournie par Nathan Sloniowski et il y aura des activités pour les enfants ! Venez participer au dévoilement de cette sculpture importante et significative qui fait partie de notre communauté. De nombreux invités spéciaux seront présents. Visitez www.mmallmyrelations.ca pour plus d'informations sur ce projet ! * This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada. Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grace au gouvernement du Canada. * September 23 - 'The Story of Almonte' Part 2 - documentary film by Rob & Sharon Newton. Stop by the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum at 2pm to view part 2 of this documentary with a special introduction by Rob & Sharon Newton. Donations to the food bank will be accepted. A great time to check out the museum while you're there! |
| OCTOBER |
| October 14 - Yellow Bus Farm Tour II - this is the second Bicentennial Agricultural Farm Tour, this bus tour will take you to local farms so you can get a behind the scenes look at what happens in our rural farming community. A ploughman's lunch will be provided, an amazing gift bag will be given out and you get to go on a wagon ride! The guided tour begins at 8:30am at 182 Bridge St. (John Levi Community Centre) and ends at approx. 4:30pm. Stops on this tour include a beef farm, dairy farm, tree farm and a garden. Tickets are $30 each and are now on sale at Almonte Old Town Hall, Almonte library, Clayton General Store and Nicholson's. * This tour involves stairs, standing for periods of time, and uneven ground. * Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, no strollers allowed, be mindful if you have allergies and please advise if you have any disabilities that we should be aware of. Limited tickets are being sold, so don't delay! October 14 - Hot Air Balloon Rides - happening from 3-7PM at the Almonte Fairgrounds, the RE/MAX hot air balloon will be onsite for FREE tethered rides! Rides will happen on a first come, first serve basis. Riders must be a minimum of 48" tall. Each ride can have the equivalent of 2 adults in the basket. This event is WEATHER PERMITTING. Food donations to the food bank and/or cash donations to the local 4H Club are appreciated! October 14 - Old Fashioned Harvest Dinner and Dance at the Almonte Fairgrounds. Come out for a fall feast, with food sourced from local farms! There will be a town crier, a live auction with auctioneer - Frank Burns, and a square dancing demonstration by the 4H club with caller - Glen Syme. The Glenn Silverson band will get you up dancing! There will be a cash bar. All auction items will be processed in cash. You will not want to miss this heritage event! Step back in time to how the community used to come together after the harvest! Tickets are $40 each and are now on sale at Almonte Old Town Hall, Almonte library, Clayton General Store and Nicholson's. Thank you to our sponsors: the Co-operators, RBC, Lanark Federation of Agriculture and the 5 Span Feed & Seed |
| NOVEMBER |
| November 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 - The Millworkers' Musical - a musical theatre production that will feature the Textile Mill Workers. This show will surely impress! Written by Fern Martin and directed by Kris Riendeau. Produced by Barb Dickson and Michael Rikley-Lancaster. |
| DECEMBER |
| December 1 - Light Up the Night! December 2 - Santa Claus Parade - Pakenham December 3 - Santa Claus Parade - Almonte |
