Welland Rose Festival returning with more events
Plans are being “scaled back up” for this year’s Welland Rose Festival as the celebration returns to a format close to its original form, says president Karen Bless.
Cancelled in 2020 and 2021 by the COVID-19 pandemic, last year’s edition was condensed into one weekend at Merritt Park. This year, several smaller events in June will lead up to a three-day finale on Father’s Day weekend.
With “fresh ideas and fresh faces,” said festival second vice-president Mike Szenasi, the festival that has been part of Welland for more than 60 years is returning to a monthlong schedule.
“It has been a few years since the festival has been able to grow because of COVID, but this year we have some great community partners already signed up to help build community spirit together,” said first vice-president Jessica La Hay.
Jeff Ward, who was president last year and who had served for many years, stepped down after the 2022 celebration.
A media launch was held Thursday evening at The Honest Lawyer to announce plans for next month.
The R.B. Willy Treasure Hunt will be part of the schedule, with clues to be released June 1, 8 and 15.
On June 3, Welland Motorcycle Club will present Night at the Races featuring “Battle at the Border” and the Gerald Young Memorial Dash for Cash.
There will be a youth art exhibition involving local high school students at Seaway Mall’s centre court on June 10 and 11.
On June 10, Skydive Burnaby in Wainfleet will host its first “legacy jump” as part of festival activities.
From June 12 to 16, another art exhibit will be held at Seaway Mall, but will feature adult artists, said the news release.
Intercounty Baseball League team the Welland Jackfish will host a game as part of the festival’s schedule.
Days in the Park, at Merritt Park, will kick off June 16 with a street dance featuring music from Sunset Rebels and The Cocktails.
There will be food, vendors and a beer garden on all three days, Friday to Sunday.
Live music on Saturday will be provided by South River Slim and Brass Transit.
New partnerships are important, said La Hay, referring to one made with Niagara Regional Exhibition, which runs June 2 to 4 at the Welland fairgrounds, hosted by Niagara Agricultural Society.
Both organizations are collaborating for a wingfest.
It’s all about bolstering “community spirit” through partnerships, said La Hay.
“It’s going to make it better if we can all work together,” she added.
Festivities on Sunday, June 18, will include the annual fishing derby to be held at Rotary Club of Welland Park, formerly known as the Lincoln Docks. The Chimps will rock the floating stage at Merritt Park, and the grande parade will put a wrap on this year’s festival, starting at Welland Main Arena.
To learn more about the Welland Rose Festival, visit the website wellandrosefestival.com.
The festival is always looking for volunteers, community groups and businesses to get involved, as well as sponsorships. Organizers are also hopeful that parade entry applications are filed by June 1. This can be done by contacting VMRosefestival@gmail.com.