Back, back again, friend!

What is happening in Elgin County?

Here is a round-up of upcoming events in Elgin County. Don’t forget, if you want to get on this list, email us at [email protected]

1. 🎤 HypnoSteve Comedy Hypnosis Fundraiser Show
   Presented by Roaddog Entertainment

   📅 Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
   📍 Location: Elgin Railway Museum, 225 Wellington St., St. Thomas, ON
   🕡 Doors Open: 6:30 PM
   🎭 Show Starts: 7:00 PM

   🎟️ Tickets:

   • $35 in advance at ticketscene.ca

   • $40 at the door

   💙 All proceeds go to: St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation.

   Don’t miss this fun night of live comedy hypnosis with HypnoSteve while supporting a great cause!

2. Pride in the Park – Elgin County Pride 2025

🌈 Date & Time:
Saturday, July 26, 2025
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

📍 Location:
Pinafore Park Band Shell, St. Thomas, Ontario

🎉 Event Highlights:
Pride in the Park is a celebration of inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all. This fun-filled day is part of Elgin County Pride Week (July 25 – August 4) and features live entertainment, community booths, and family-friendly activities set in the beautiful Pinafore Park.

✨ More Events During Elgin County Pride Week Include:

• Flag raisings in St. Thomas, Aylmer, and Elgin County

• Events at the Elgin County Heritage Centre and West Elgin Community Health Centre

• Horton Market Information Booth

• Additional Pride Week activities

🔗 Learn More:
Visit ElginCountyPride.com for full event details and updates.

Perfect for all ages—show your pride and support your local 2SLGBTQIA+ community!

3. The Aylmer Community Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly event celebrating community spirit, local talent, and cultural diversity. Scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025, the festival kicks off at 10:00 AM and offers a full day of activities and entertainment for all ages.

🎉 Event Highlights

• Live Performances: Enjoy a variety of acts by talented local artists throughout the day.

• Delicious Cuisine: Savor a diverse range of dishes from numerous food vendors, offering a mix of local and international flavors.

• Unique Shopping: Browse handcrafted goods and unique items from local artisans and vendors.

• Kids’ Activities: Engage the little ones with fun-filled activities designed just for them.

• Classic Car Show: Car enthusiasts can admire a stunning lineup of classic vehicles, with awards and prizes presented at 5:15 PM

📍 Location

The festival takes place at Steen Park, located in Aylmer, Ontario. This central location provides ample space for all activities and is easily accessible.

🎟️ Admission

Admission to the Aylmer Community Festival is free, making it an accessible event for everyone in the community.

Hidden Gem Alert: Bear Friend Factory & Whistle Stop Peddlers
📍 Sparta, Ontario

Bear Friend Factory, located at 46349 Sparta Line in the heart of Sparta, Ontario, is a charming, family-friendly shop that combines the joy of creating personalized stuffed animals with the appeal of a local artisan market. -Your Own Plush Experience

Founded by Peter McDermid in 2013, Bear Friend Factory offers an interactive experience where visitors can create their stuffed animals. With a selection of over 70 plush options, including smaller "Buddies" and standard-sized "Friends," customers can choose their favorite, stuff it to their liking, dress it up, and even receive a personalized birth certificate. This hands-on activity is perfect for children and adults alike, making it a popular choice for birthday parties and special events.

🛍️ Whistle Stop Peddlers Artisan Market

Within the exact location, the Whistle Stop Peddlers market features products from over 35 local artisans and vendors. Shoppers can find a diverse array of items, including:

• Handcrafted soaps and candles

• British baked goods and Pop Shoppe beverages

• Cobble Hill puzzles and collectible miniature cars

• Locally sourced meats and handmade jewelry

• Seasonal decorations and unique gifts.

The market's ever-changing inventory ensures that there's always something new to discover with each visit.

💖 Community Engagement

Bear Friend Factory is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Through its "ER Buddies" program, the shop donates stuffed animals to the emergency department at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, providing comfort to children during difficult times. Since its inception, the program has donated over 550 plush toys to young patients.

🕒 Visitor Information

• Address: 46349 Sparta Line, Sparta, ON N0L 2H0

• Phone: 519-775-2779 or 519-852-2161

• Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Whether you're looking to create a cuddly companion, shop for unique gifts, or support local artisans, Bear Friend Factory offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.

_{A Matter of Life and Death}

A Matter of Life and Death is a business specializing in compassionate end-of-life and estate planning services. Founded by Lisa Jibson, a Certified Estate Advisor with a Master’s in Public Administration, the company offers a range of services, including estate planning, will drafting, legacy planning, and acting as a Professional Estate Trustee (Executor) for those without a designated executor. Their mission is to alleviate the burden on families during difficult times by ensuring that all final wishes are clearly documented and legally sound. Lisa's experience of unexpectedly being named an executor for a friend's estate inspired her to help others navigate these challenging processes with clarity and care. By providing personalized support and expert guidance, A Matter of Life and Death aims to bring peace of mind to individuals planning for their future and the loved ones they leave behind. See them at amatteroflifeanddeath.ca

Sponsor Alert

The Creative Hub is pleased to welcome Bradley Lister, Mortgage Agent Level 1 with Tango Financial, as a sponsor of our newsletter.

Bradley brings a strong personal commitment to supporting local creativity and community engagement. We're grateful for his support and thrilled to have him on board as part of our growing creative community.

We hope you enjoyed the latest edition of The Creative Hub. Do you have an idea for a story or an event? A hidden gem? Reach us at [email protected] 

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