Celebrate 150 Years of Leamington - Join the Festivities!

Today, we celebrate an incredible milestone in our community’s history. Over the past year, we’ve come together to mark Leamington’s 150th anniversary in many unforgettable ways.

Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the year to make these celebrations memorable. A special shoutout to the Leamington 150 Anniversary Committee, including John Moran and Michelle Fortier, and the incredible volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to bring these events to life. We couldn’t have done it without you!

🎥 Watch this special video wrap-up capturing some of the highlights of our celebrations, and share your favourite memories in the comments below.

Here’s to Leamington – a place we’re proud to call home!

The Municipality of Leamington, in partnership with the Leamington 150 Anniversary Committee, is thrilled to announce the grand finale of Leamington's 150th anniversary celebrations with two final back-to-back free concerts at The Bank Theatre.

Jersey Nights: A Tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 7:00 PM at The Bank Theatre

Experience the timeless magic of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with Jersey Nights. This captivating musical tribute brings to life the iconic hits of this legendary group. Starring Paul Saunders, Reese Brunelle, Joe Docherty, and Drew Chester, the show promises powerful vocals, dynamic performances, and a nostalgic journey through classics like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don’t Cry," and "Walk Like a Man." Don’t miss this unforgettable evening filled with energy and excitement.

Broadway at The Bank Theatre
Sunday, November 24, 2024 | 2:00 PM

Closing Leamington’s 150th celebrations is a captivating afternoon of Broadway favourites. Join known actors from Windsor-Essex as they perform songs from some of the most cherished Broadway musicals. This final concert promises to be a perfect blend of love, laughter, and musical entertainment, offering a fitting conclusion to a year of celebrations.

Ticket Information:

Tickets for both concerts are free, but reservations are required due to limited seating. Attendees may reserve up to two tickets per person. Accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be requested by completing an online form available at leamington.ca/events.

Reservations open on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 9:00 AM and can be made at leamington.ca/events.

The Municipality of Leamington, in partnership with the Leamington 150 Anniversary Committee, is excited to announce two more free back-to-back concerts to celebrate Leamington’s 150^th anniversary. These special events, featuring acclaimed artist Séan McCann and local talent, promise to deliver memorable performances filled with music and storytelling in honour of this milestone.

Friday, November 15: Monarch Café - Songs & Stories in the Round
On Friday, November 15, 2024, at 7:00 PM, Séan McCann will join Justin Latam, The Bank Theatre’s artist in residence, alongside special guests Ally Corbett, Bethany D'Altimonte, and Max Marshall, as part of the Monarch Café - Songs & Stories in the Round series.

Séan McCann is a founder of the iconic Canadian band Great Big Sea and a recipient of the Order of Canada for his mental health and recovery advocacy. Over the past decade, Séan has toured the country as a solo artist and musical keynote speaker, sharing his story through music and inspiring audiences across Canada.

Now in its third season, the Monarch Café series, inspired by the popular Nashville Bluebird Café, features intimate, roundtable-style performances with solo artists surrounded by the audience. The seating arrangement enhances the up-close and personal feel of the evening.

Saturday, November 16: An Intimate Night with Séan McCann in Celebration of Leamington 150
On Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 7:30 PM, Séan McCann returns to The Bank Theatre for an intimate evening of music and celebration. As one of Canada's most beloved performers, Séan will share his personal story of resilience and deliver a powerful solo performance in celebration of Leamington's 150^th Anniversary.

Ticket Information

Tickets for both concerts are free, but reservations are required due to limited seating. Attendees may reserve up to two tickets per person. Accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be requested by completing an online form available at leamington.ca/events.

Reservations open on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 9:00 AM and can be made at leamington.ca/events.

The Municipality of Leamington, in partnership with the Leamington 150 Anniversary Committee, is excited to announce two free back-to-back concerts to celebrate Leamington’s 150th anniversary. The concerts, featuring world-renowned Celtic music phenoms Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 2:30 PM at The Bank Theatre.

These special anniversary concerts are a tribute to Leamington’s history and community spirit. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, two of the world’s most celebrated fiddlers, promise to deliver an unforgettable performance filled with fiddle-driven music, dance, and song. Audiences will be captivated by their incredible musicianship, energy, and engaging storytelling.

Natalie MacMaster, a member of the Order of Canada, has toured with iconic acts such as The Chieftains, Faith Hill, Carlos Santana, and Alison Krauss, and has recorded with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Donnell Leahy, a multiple Juno Award-winning musician, is a member of the acclaimed Leahy Family and has shared the stage with Shania Twain, showcasing his remarkable talent and versatility. Together, they create a powerful synergy that has made them two of the finest fiddle players in the world.

“We are thrilled to have Natalie and Donnell return to Leamington to share their extraordinary talents with us and look forward to two memorable evenings of music to celebrate Leamington’s 150^th anniversary,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald.

“Donnell and Natalie always bring such a high calibre of entertainment, and we are excited to host these Leamington 150 events on behalf of the Municipality,” said John Moran, Chair of the Leamington 150 Committee.

Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. Due to limited seating, reservations are limited to two tickets per person. Accessible seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be arranged by contacting The Bank Theatre at 519-326-8805. Tickets will be available for reservation beginning on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM and can be booked through leamington.ca/events

For more information about the events and to reserve your tickets, visit leamington.ca/events.

The Leamington 150 Anniversary Committee, in partnership with the Leamington & District Half Century Centre and supported by the Municipality of Leamington, is happy to announce two upcoming all-ages card tournaments in celebration of Leamington’s 150th Anniversary.

A Euchre Tournament will take place on Saturday, September 14, 2024, followed by the Pepper Tournament on Saturday, October 5, 2024. Both events will be held from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Leamington Half Century Centre, located at 160 Talbot Street East, Leamington.

"We’re happy to offer these inclusive, community-focused events as part of our 150th-anniversary celebrations," said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. "These tournaments are a wonderful opportunity for residents of all ages to come together, enjoy some friendly competition, and celebrate Leamington's history and community spirit."

Whether you're a seasoned card player or new to the game, these events promise an enjoyable experience for all. Space for the tournaments is limited, and participants must register early to secure a spot. To register, email playcards150@gmail.com.

For more information on Leamington’s 150th Anniversary celebrations, visit leamington.ca/150.

The Municipality of Leamington, in collaboration with the Leamington 150 Anniversary Committee and The Bank Theatre, is thrilled to announce two upcoming free concerts as part of the MusicOnthe42 Summer Concert Series. These events are part of the continuing celebration of Leamington’s 150th Anniversary and will be held at the picturesque SUNSET® Amphitheatre in Seacliff Park.

Event Details:

• Saturday, August 24: Enjoy an evening of nostalgia with Mary Newland & The Blue Bayou Band, renowned for their captivating renditions of seventies hits from icons like Linda Ronstadt and Fleetwood Mac. Opening the night will be Sam Sly & The Smoke, setting the stage at 7:00 PM with the main performance by Mary Newland & The Blue Bayou Band scheduled from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

• Saturday, September 14: Enjoy an all-original acoustic performance by Leamington's own Jody Raffoul. Jody, a local rock sensation known for his passionate performances and deep roots in our community, will perform from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This special performance promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the town he loves.

These concerts are free to the public and provide a perfect family-friendly evening. Attendees can purchase refreshments at the Kinsmen Kanteen. To ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities, the LT-Go on-demand transit service will be operational until 11:00 PM.

The Municipality of Leamington, in partnership with the Leamington 150 Anniversary Committee and The Bank Theatre, is thrilled to present another exciting MusicOnthe42 summer concert. On Saturday, August 17, at 7:00 PM, music fans are invited to the SUNSET® Amphitheatre at Seacliff Park for a tribute to the legendary Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) and John Fogerty, featuring the exceptional Mystic Highway tribute band.

Leamington's own Justin Latam will open the evening at 7:00 PM, followed by Mystic Highway at 8:00 PM, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of music.

Mystic Highway, renowned as the ultimate tribute band, brings to life the iconic music of Creedence Clearwater Revival and the distinctive sound of John Fogerty. Led by the talented Gil Giadola, whose powerful vocals and masterful guitar work capture the essence of Fogerty, the band promises an unforgettable evening of classic rock. Fans can expect to hear timeless hits like “Bad Moon Rising,” “Fortunate Son,” and “Proud Mary,” transporting them back to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll.

The concert will be a full sensory experience, with vintage instruments, authentic attire, and a captivating stage production that recreates the atmosphere of the 1960s and ’70s. Mystic Highway’s dedication to authenticity ensures a performance that not only sounds like CCR but feels like a step back in time.

This concert is free and open to the public, offering an un-ticketed, family-friendly event for all to enjoy. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the Kinsmen Kanteen. Additionally, to accommodate concertgoers, LT-Go on-demand transit operates until 11:00 PM.

Quotes:

“The Municipality of Leamington is excited to bring our community together for this special celebration of music and heritage, said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “The MusicOnthe42 concert series has been a wonderful way to showcase Leamington's vibrant culture and beautiful waterfront, and this tribute to CCR and John Fogerty is sure to be a highlight of the summer.”

“We know from event surveys that our audiences are looking for tribute bands, classic rock, country, and music from our local talent,” said John Moran, head of the Leamington 150 Anniversary Committee. “Michelle Fortier and I, along with the Leamington 150 Anniversary Committee, have worked together to bring music fans a great experience this summer while celebrating our town with the backdrop of our beautiful waterfront.”

Michelle Fortier, manager of The Bank Theatre, agreed, saying, “The most important thing we can do is bring the community together to laugh, dance, sing, and share in these free concerts! The best thing in life is seeing people happy, and we’re fortunate to be a part of these fantastic events.”

The Municipality of Leamington, in partnership with The Bank Theatre and the Leamington 150 Anniversary Committee, is happy to announce the 2024 lineup for the Music Onthe42 Summer Concert Series. This year’s series, in celebration of Leamington’s 150th anniversary, promises to be a memorable celebration of local music and community spirit.

Leamington’s SUNSET® Amphitheatre at Seacliff Park will set the stage for an exciting array of musical acts:

• Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM – Richard Janik, Canadian Goldrush Unplugged, will take the stage with a dynamic performance of Canadian hits and 'deep tracks.'
• Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM – James Gibb & Mystery Train Band will delight audiences with a tribute to the legendary Elvis Presley.
• Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 7:00 PM – The Windsor Symphony Orchestra, featuring Maestro Franz, will conclude the series with a captivating musical experience.

All concerts are free and open to the public, offering an un-ticketed, family-friendly environment for all to enjoy.

Refreshments will be available for purchase at the Kinsmen Kanteen. Additionally, to accommodate concertgoers, LT-Go on-demand transit hours have been extended to 11:00 PM for each concert evening.

“We are excited to bring this lineup of local talent to our community as part of our 150th Anniversary celebrations,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “We invite everyone to join us for these memorable evenings of free live music by great local artists.”

The Leamington 150 Anniversary Committee, in partnership with Greater Essex ETFO Local, Greater Essex County Occasional Teachers Local, and UE Enclosures, is thrilled to announce an exciting event to celebrate Leamington's 150th anniversary. Supported by the Municipality of Leamington, this interactive multi-generational LEGO mosaic event will take place at the Essex County Library – Leamington Branch, starting the week of August 5, 2024.

This unique celebration invites community members of all ages to come together and contribute to creating a LEGO mosaic, making it a memorable and engaging experience for everyone involved.

The idea for this project was first proposed by Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald, who envisioned a community-driven, creative activity to mark this significant milestone.

“We wanted to create something that brings together our community in a fun and engaging way, something that all ages can enjoy and contribute to,” said Mayor MacDonald. “This LEGO mosaic project perfectly embodies our spirit and unity as a community.”

Designed by Jim Wiebe of Aylmer, Ontario, the mosaic will offer both young and young-at-heart participants the chance to place LEGO pieces into a pre-designed form. Jim, known for his intricate LEGO designs, has created a frame and kits based on a selected image, which remains a secret until the mosaic is completed.

Participants will use 431 LEGO plates and 27,648 LEGO pieces to assemble an impressive 5-foot-wide by 5-foot-high image. This collaborative project celebrates creativity and is a testament to the power of community involvement.

The final mosaic, a cherished image revealed only upon completion, will be displayed at the Essex County Library – Leamington Branch.