The St. Thomas Rotary Music Festival for 2019 came to a spectacular close with its Keynotes Concert April 5. This was under the overall direction of Gerald Vreman as Chairman of the Music Festival Committee.

Featured were the Public School Grade 1 & 2 choir from Aylmer showing well in bright red shirts and leading in O Canada and an Intermediate choir from John Wise Public School who sang their winning Hallelujah.

Individual performers thrilled the packed auditorium with piano, vocal and instrumental presentations. These were Sandra Huang (piano) Maggie Yurek (vocal), Madison Carrick (flute), Sydney Barrett (Bass Clarinet), Levi Redekop (piano), Haley Clark (vocal),  Mimi Zhang (piano), Alexandria Pearce (vocal). Kevin Alexander capped the wonderful evening with piano numbers by Brahms and Listz.  He captured both the Silver Tray and the Stephanie Leung scholarship and trophy. 

Fifty-Five scholarships were awarded.  It was wonderful to see so many young people accepting these.  Presenters commented on the value of music festivals, and the need to encourage more young people into all the varied music fields open to them for festival growth.  The St. Thomas festival welcomes students from the surrounding areas of Elgin and Middlesex and is opening the way for advancement to the higher levels of provincial competition

A bevy of volunteers served up fashions old and new plus a delicious array of food at their annual Historical Fashion Show and High Tea. The event is the main fundraiser for the Sparta Church Museum.

“Port Bruce”, the latest exhibit at the Aylmer and Malahide Museum and Archives opened on Thursday June 21st with a splash – including a Lake Erie beach vista and sounds, and an old-fashioned beach picnic enjoyed by opening reception attendees.

Quilts in Bloom filled the Shedden Complex with an amazing display of pattern and craftsmanship on April 13th and 14th.

The Rotary Music Festival Keynotes Concert celebrated 64 years, showcased some amazing local talent and announced an exciting new initiative which will provide new opportunities for young performers.

 The Rotary Music  Festival, ended Friday March 2 with the final competitions once again showcasing fine local talent. Shown above are are Alexander Friesen, Aylmer,  Silver tray award; Katrina Wohlgemut Dorchester, Stephanie Leung award; Rachel Ginther, St. Thomas, Rose Bowl for vocal.
 
The Keynotes Keynotes Concert will take place on Friday April 6th, 7pm at the Salvation Army. All are welcome with admission by goodwill donation.

Elgin County’s new Heritage Centre hosted a Family Day Medieval Day on February 19th. Visitors turned out to pack the “castle” and experience some of the activities of medieval times.

Congratulations go to all who organized, judged, presented their soup creations and at the 2018 edition of Soups On! in support of the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Photos at St. Anne's as well as who won below.

Several New Year's Levee events across Elgin County welcomed members and community to a warm welcome on a cold first day of 2018. Show below are photos from a few of the many Levees and some snowy outdoor scenes along the way.