LAURIE WEIR
Mark your calendars, Smiths Falls! The much-anticipated Old Home Week is set to return in August 2025, bringing with it a vibrant celebration of community, history, and fun that only comes around once every 25 years. With the theme “Our Roots, Our Past, Our Present, and Our Future,” this inclusive festival promises to captivate residents and visitors alike with a mix of cherished traditions and exciting new attractions.
Shelly Bradley, a committee member, provided an update during the Jan. 13 committee of the whole meeting of town council, sharing the ambitious plans and progress made so far. “The countdown is on, and while August might seem far away, there’s still so much to do,” she said.
Thanks to the $40,000 contribution from town council in 2024 and generous sponsorships, the committee has been able to confirm several signature events that highlight the town’s rich history and vibrant community spirit.
Highlights of Old Home Week 2025
A Spectacular Drone Show:
One of the most highly anticipated events is a mesmerizing drone show that will light up the night sky, weaving together a story of Smiths Falls’ heritage and aspirations. This one-of-a-kind display will showcase the town’s beauty.
Signature Events:
- Wellness Fest (Aug. 3): Featuring interactive exhibits like a giant 40-foot colon for colorectal cancer awareness, a period pain simulator, and a teddy bear clinic.
- Parades: The main parade kicks off on Aug. 2, followed by the whimsical Nightshirt Parade on Aug. 7, culminating in a movie under the stars at Centennial Park.
- Flow Fest (Aug. 4): A dazzling display of floating art on the canal.
- Riverbank Music Fest (Aug. 8): A lively celebration featuring local musicians and a nod to Smiths Falls’ historic victory homes.
- Closing Ceremonies (Aug. 9): Wrapping up the festivities with a concert at Lower Reach Park.
A Community Effort
The festival has already garnered over $117,000 in sponsorships from local businesses and community partners, including the Hershey Company ($50,000), Home Hardware ($25,000), and Denoco Energy Systems ($15,000). The committee has also been hard at work applying for grants and ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely, with a contingency fund in place to address any unexpected costs.
Volunteers will play a vital role in the event’s success, with training programs and subcommittees already in place to ensure smooth execution. Community engagement remains a top priority, as Bradley shared heartwarming stories of former residents planning their vacations around Old Home Week and accommodations filling up fast.
Celebrating Diversity and Accessibility
Old Home Week 2025 aims to be a festival for everyone, with many free events and activities designed to welcome participants of all ages and abilities. The committee is also committed to honouring Indigenous culture through daily events and entertainment, reflecting the town’s historical roots and embracing its diverse future.
Bringing the Town Together
Bradley emphasized the festival’s significance as a unifying force, describing it as “an exclamation mark at the end of a long five years since the start of the pandemic.” With a focus on collaboration and community pride, Old Home Week 2025 is expected to bring significant benefits to local businesses and groups, fostering connections that could inspire future events.
From the return of the cherished Old Home Week playing cards to innovative new attractions, Smiths Falls is gearing up for a festival that promises to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a returning visitor, or discovering the town for the first time, Old Home Week 2025 is an event not to be missed.For more information and updates, visit the festival’s website or follow their social media platforms.
