Turtle Fest 2025 is set to return to downtown Tillsonburg on June 13th and 14th, bringing two days of free, family-friendly fun. The festival was inspired by the folklore of town founder George Tillson. Mr. Tillson had told people he was eventually going to come back as a turtle to check on the progress of his town.
That was Mark Renaud chair of the Turtlefest committee. He added that the festival is now Tillsonburg’s signature celebration of community spirit with activities for all ages.
Festivities kick off Friday with a ribbon cutting at the Town Center and exhibits at the mall. Annandale House will host a movie night on the lawn to start the weekend on a relaxed note. On Saturday, the all-day block party kicks off and Renaud explains there is no shortage of things to do.
He went on to highlight the kids will enjoy bouncy castles and a petting zoo! For the grown ups there is a VIP area for the entertainment in the evening, which includes a beer garden.
Registration for vendor spots for this year’s festival have opened up. Committee member Vanessa Fortner says they have one requirement for their vendors.
Turtle Fest is Canada’s largest turtle-themed festival and highlights Tillsonburg’s rapid growth as one of the country’s fastest-growing communities. For more details, visit www.turtlefest.ca. Come join the “shell-a-bration”!
Written by Jeremy Hall