Arthur 150: A weekend to remember

July 5, 2022 @ 1:47 pmCommunity News, News

The Village of Arthur, colloquially known as Canada’s most patriotic village, celebrated 150 years since incorporation with three jam-packed days of festivities beginning July 1. Arthur 150 steering committee chair Faye Craig is seen here at the opening ceremonies, held July 1 at the Arthur cenotaph. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Village of Arthur, colloquially known as Canada’s most patriotic village, celebrated 150 years since incorporation with three jam-packed days of festivities beginning July 1. Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox is seen here addressing residents gathered at the opening ceremonies, held July 1 at the Arthur cenotaph. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Village of Arthur, colloquially known as Canada’s most patriotic village, celebrated 150 years since incorporation with three jam-packed days of festivities running July 1 to 3 and kicked off by opening ceremonies held at the Arthur cenotaph on Canada Day. Despite rain dampening the opening, the weekend came together thanks to Mother Nature's graces with open skies. Residents gathered at the opening ceremonies huddle under umbrellas on July 1 at the Arthur cenotaph. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Village of Arthur, colloquially known as Canada’s most patriotic village, celebrated 150 years since incorporation with three jam-packed days of festivities beginning July 1. Perth-Wellington MP John Nater is seen here addressing residents gathered at the opening ceremonies, held July 1 at the Arthur cenotaph. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Village of Arthur, colloquially known as Canada’s most patriotic village, celebrated 150 years since incorporation with three jam-packed days of festivities beginning July 1. MPP Matthew Rae is seen here addressing residents gathered at the opening ceremonies, held July 1 at the Arthur cenotaph. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Village of Arthur, colloquially known as Canada’s most patriotic village, celebrated 150 years since incorporation with three jam-packed days of festivities beginning July 1. Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott is seen here addressing residents gathered at the opening ceremonies, held July 1 at the Arthur cenotaph. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Village of Arthur, colloquially known as Canada’s most patriotic village, celebrated 150 years since incorporation with three jam-packed days of festivities beginning July 1. Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott donated a large Canadian flag seen unfurled and displayed by dignitaries during the Arthur 150 opening ceremonies, held at the Arthur cenotaph on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Village of Arthur, colloquially known as Canada’s most patriotic village, celebrated 150 years since incorporation with three jam-packed days of festivities beginning July 1. Wellington North councillor Steve McCabe and Perth-Wellington MP John Nater work together to fold a large Canadian flag donated by Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott during the Arthur 150 opening ceremonies, held at the Arthur cenotaph on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Village of Arthur, colloquially known as Canada’s most patriotic village, celebrated 150 years since incorporation with three jam-packed days of festivities beginning July 1. Wellington North county councillor Steve O'neill is seen here addressing residents gathered at the opening ceremonies, held July 1 at the Arthur cenotaph. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Village of Arthur, colloquially known as Canada’s most patriotic village, celebrated 150 years since incorporation with three jam-packed days of festivities running July 1 to 3 and kicked off by opening ceremonies held at the Arthur cenotaph on Canada Day. Despite rain dampening the opening, the weekend came together thanks to Mother Nature's graces with open skies. A person is seen wearing an umbrella hat on July 1 at the Arthur cenotaph. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Village of Arthur, colloquially known as Canada’s most patriotic village, celebrated 150 years since incorporation with three jam-packed days of festivities beginning July 1. An Arthur Legion member addresses residents gathered for the Arthur 150 opening ceremonies, held at the Arthur cenotaph on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Veteran, Arthur resident, and business owner John Walsh, who recently celebrated his 96th birthday, snips a ribbon during the Arthur 150 opening ceremonies, held at the Arthur cenotaph on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Village of Arthur, colloquially known as Canada’s most patriotic village, celebrated 150 years since incorporation with three jam-packed days of festivities beginning July 1. An Arthur Legion is seen during the Arthur 150 opening ceremonies, held at the Arthur cenotaph on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Canadian flags seen at a reception table in front of the Arthur Chamber of Commerce in downtown Arthur on July 2, the second day of Arthur 150 festivities. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
A reception table in front of the Arthur Chamber of Commerce in downtown Arthur on July 2, the second day of Arthur 150 festivities. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
A Canadian flag earring spotted in downtown Arthur on July 2, the second day of Arthur 150 festivities. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Lions club member Al Rawlins speaks to a crowd gathered for the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Lions club member Al Rawlins speaks to a crowd gathered for the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Lions club member Al Rawlins speaks to a crowd gathered for the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Lions club member Al Rawlins receives a $500 cheque from Wellington North Fire Services captain Eric Green at the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
A crowd gathered for the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
A crowd gathered for the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox speaks to a crowd gathered for the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae speaks to a crowd gathered for the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Wellington North councillor Lisa Hern speaks to a crowd gathered for the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Wellington North councillor Lisa Hern reacts as she presents Jack Baker, a local youth and member of a skatepark advisory committee, with a signed skateboard deck during the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Jack Baker, a local youth and member of a skatepark advisory committee, reacts after unwrapping a signed skateboard deck presented to him by Wellington North councillor Lisa Hern during the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Jack Baker, a local youth and member of a skatepark advisory committee, addresses a crowd gathered for the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Jack Baker, a local youth and member of a skatepark advisory committee, addresses a crowd gathered for the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2, the second of three days full of festivities celebrating Arthur's 150th year since incorporation. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Joyce Barnes, wife of the late Brent Barnes, gestures as she becomes emotional while delivering remarks during the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Joyce Barnes, wife of the late Brent Barnes, becomes emotional while delivering remarks during the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Local residents and dignitaries gathered for a photo opportunity at the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark in Arthur on July 2. Pictured left to right: Arthur Lions Club member Warne Horton, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae, Perth-Wellington MP John Nater and son Bennett, Lions Club member Al Rawlins, Jack Baker, Joyce Barnes, Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox, Wellington North councillor Dan Yake (behind Lennox), Arthur Fall Fair Ambassador Emma Smyth, Wellington North councillor Lisa Hern, Wellington North councillor Sherry Burke, Wellington North councillor Steve McCabe, and Lions Club member Glen Cheyne. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Jack Baker, a local youth and member of a skatepark advisory committee, reacts while showing off a newly unwrapping skateboard deck presented to him by Wellington North councillor Lisa Hern during the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark on the afternoon of July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Skateboarder Cody French gives a demonstration for onlookers at the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark in Arthur on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Skateboarding demonstration during the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark in Arthur on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Local youth Jack Baker and skateboarder Cody French seen at the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark in Arthur on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Local youth Jack Baker seemingly hangs in the air during a demonstration for onlookers at the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark in Arthur on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Skateboarder Cody French ollies at the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark in Arthur on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Local youth Jack Baker seemingly hangs in the air during a demonstration for onlookers at the official opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark in Arthur on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Residents claim spots along the parade route to catch the Arthur 150 parade on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
An old Arthur fire truck is followed by the Arthur Legion's Colour Party and the Fergus Pipe Band leading off the Arthur 150 parade procession along George Street on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
The Arthur 150 parade, coinciding with Canada Day festivities was a success with downtown Arthur and neighbourhood streets lined by spectators on July 1. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Wellington County Warden and Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton provides remarks in front of the Arthur and District Chamber of Commerce on July 2. A plaque commemorating Athur's 150 was unveiled there on Saturday afternoon. In 1972, the Town of Fergus presented the Town of Arthur with a plaque installed on the wall of the chamber for Arthur's 100th anniversary celebration. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Wellington North councillor Lisa Hern and Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox unveil a plaque commemorating Arthur's 150 on July 2. Wellington County Warden and Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton (far right) presented the plaque and provided remarks in front of the Arthur and District Chamber of Commerce on July 2. In 1972, the Town of Fergus presented the Town of Arthur with a plaque installed on the wall of the chamber for Arthur's 100th anniversary celebration. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
A plaque commemorating Arthur's 150 was presented by Wellington County Warden and Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Arthur's downtown seen facing northwest on George Street on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Alden Kramp and Curtis Roubos interact with animals at a petting zoo in Arthur on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Angela Densmore and 18-month-old Myles check out a camel at a petting zoo in Arthur on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Checking out a camel at a petting zoo in Arthur on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
People check out a reptile in downtown Arthur on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Arthur's downtown seen facing southeast on George Street on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Riding in style during the Arthur 150 weekend. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)
Canadiana spotted in downtown Arthur on July 2. (Photo by Jordan Snobelen)

ARTHUR – Arthur 150 celebrations were a grand success this past weekend.

Coinciding with Canada Day festivities, Arthur was treated to three days jam-packed with activities, from July 1 to 3, organized by the Arthur 150 steering committee.

Residents, young and old, from near and far, experienced the opening of the Brent Barnes Memorial Skatepark, a parade, horse-drawn rides, live music, a petting zoo and fireworks – to name some of what took place.

On Canada Day, the weekend was officially welcomed under rainy skies with an opening ceremony held at the Arthur cenotaph.

Arthur retains a distinct village identity; one tethered to its roots. Its 2,450 residents make it what it is today: a modern community with a sense of respect for the village’s origin story.

Residents showed their respect Friday morning, gathering under umbrellas and taking cover under trees as local politicians and dignitaries – including Canadian Senator Rob Black, Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox, MPPs Ted Arnott and Matthew Rae, MP John Nater, Dave Kozinets, Nancy Croft, and the Arthur 150 committee – provided remarks on the weekend celebrating 150 years since Arthur’s incorporation.

Veterans from “Canada’s most patriotic village” were remembered, and Arthur resident, business owner and veteran John Walsh helped snip a red ribbon that Friday morning.

“The history of the community is very important; that’s what we’re celebrating,” Arthur 150 steering committee chair Faye Craig told the Advertiser in advance of the weekend.

Reporter