Get ready, get set for 2024 Stonetown Heritage Festival!

Fun for everyone July 12 – 14

The countdown is on! The beloved Stonetown Heritage Festival takes to the streets of St. Marys from July 12 to 14.

Explore St. Marys and its history first-hand with one of our self-guided walking tours. Digital maps can be found starting Monday, July 8 at www.discoverstmarys.ca/festival. Enjoy a complimentary outdoor movie at Cadzow Park starting at dusk, hosted by The Friends of the St. Marys Public Library.

Saturday begins with delicious seasonal goodies at the Farmers’ Market at Milt Dunnell Field, just a short stroll from all the action downtown on Queen St. Free horse and wagon rides will be available at Milt Dunnell Field from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The downtown street fair is packed with entertainment for all ages! In addition to inflatables, face painting, and an array of vendors be sure to check out the performances at Queen St. and Water St. throughout the day. Downtown restaurants and eateries will also be open for delicious dining and takeaway.

It would not be a heritage festival without a chance to learn more about the town's history. New this year, discover the history of our waterways with river walking tours, led by local paddler and avid river steward, Pat Donnelly, departing from Town Hall at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Local historian Larry Pfaff is offering walking tours that will depart at 11:00 a.m. (from the southeast side of the Queen St. bridge) and 1:00 p.m. (from Town Hall). Heritage bus tours leave on the hour, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., from Town Hall.  Bus and walking tours will take place on Saturday, last 45-60 minutes and are free, but advance registration is strongly recommended by calling the St. Marys Museum at 519-284-3556.  

The recently restored Riverwalk Commons building (84 Water St. S) is open for discovery as it hosts ‘The Artists at Riverwalk Commons’, including an artist show, sale, and interactive demonstrations from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Following the vendor marketplace downtown, enjoy live music at the street dance beginning at 6:00 p.m. Johnny & Stacey (duo) will kick-off the show, followed by York Street Thought Process (indie folk duo). Sweetwood Mac (Fleetwood Mac cover band) will headline the dance.  

On Sunday, July 14, the weekend closes out with the St. Marys Horticultural Society’s Garden Tour from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Tour maps will be sold for $10 at Town Hall on July 14 from 12:45 to 3:00 p.m.

A St. Marys Vintage Market will pop up at Riverwalk Commons (84 Water St. S.) from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join fourteen curated vintage, thrift and upcycle vendors.

Young cyclists will participate in a Youth Road Development Series race around the Milt Dunnell Field loop road on July 14.

Organizers remind those attending the event to bring a reusable water bottle and that the festival is a rain or shine event. Queen St. will be closed between Church St. and Thomas St. from 7:00 a.m. to approximately 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, as will Water St. N to the parking lot, and Water St. S to Jones St. E. A section of Wellington Street N and Wellington St. S will also be closed on Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to approximately 11:00 p.m.

The trestle (Sarnia bridge) will be closed to pedestrian traffic on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. for the fireworks show. Those viewing the show are reminded to watch from a safe distance of at least 200 meters, including from water.

Stay up to date with Heritage Festival through social media! Discover all our social media accounts at www.townofstmarys.com/stayintouch. For a full schedule of events, please visit www.discoverstmarys.ca/festival.

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