Calithumpian Weekend Celebrations in Thamesford

Wednesday, 15 May 2024 06:48

Photo Credit: Thamesford Calithumpian Facebook page

The Thamesford Calithumpian festival returns this weekend and the theme is 80s Throwback.

THAMESFORD - The May long weekend is fast approaching and the same goes for the Thamesford Calithumpian festival.

Calithumpian has been a tradition in Thamesford for the past 105 years, starting out as a celebration following a public hanging. Now it's just a weekend-long celebration that's fun for the whole family.

Sarah Smale, the Vice President of the organizing committee, reveals the theme for this year's festival.

"The theme this year is 80s Throwback, so we're all super excited. There will be lots of neon bright colours and great music!"

Committee President Lisa Goodwin says all of the fun will begin with the Children's Hospital Barbeque this Friday.

"All of the funds got to the Children's Health Foundation so we always like to see everybody come out and support that. This year they are going to be having some games, face painting, and a live auction, so that will be starting at 11:00 a.m. at McFarlan Rowlands here in Thamesford."

The Home Run Derby and the Men's Slo Pitch Ball Game will also be happening this Friday.

Goodwin says Saturday's schedule includes the Craft and Vendor Show, the Ball Hockey Tournament, the Turkey Toss, and the evening concert.

"This year we have a local band called Gravity Wagon and they will be starting at 8:00 p.m. at the Thamesford arena. You can still get your presale tickets for $15 through our website thamesfordcalithumpian.ca. After that, they are going to be $20 at the door."

The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and this is a 19-plus event.

The fireworks will be taking place in North Park on the Sunday night starting at dusk. It's free to watch, but donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of the show.

The parade will take over the town Monday afternoon. It's going to leave the Thamesford Arena at 1:00 p.m. before turning right on Middleton Street, right on Sloan Drive, right on Boyd Boulevard, left on Thames Springs Crescent, right on Darlison Drive, left on Boyd Boulevard, left on Seldon Street, right on Stanley Street south, right on Delatre Street West, left on George Street, and ending close to Thamesford Public School.

You can find more information regarding the different events and a map of the parade route on the Thamesford Calithumpian website.

Lisa Goodwin and Sarah Smale stopped by the Heart FM studio to chat with Dan and Marcie on Tuesday May 14th. You can listen to the full interview below: