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PHOTO GALLERY: Watford marks 150 years

June 26, 2023

There was lots to see and do as Watford marked the 150th anniversary of the town. Friday’s opening ceremonies were soggy, but that didn’t diminish the crowds. By Saturday, the sun came out and the downtown was alive with activity. Sunday’s big finale was the community dinner at the East Lambton Community Complex.

Indigenous dancers open the Watford 150 birthday celebrations.
Indigenous dancers open the Watford 150 birthday celebrations.
Indigenous dancers open the Watford 150 birthday celebrations.
Indigenous dancers open the Watford 150 birthday celebrations.
Lauren Wade, Remi Minten, Brynlee Downey and Kate Sanders were part of opening ceremonies of the Watford 150 celebrations Friday. The St Peter Canisius students sang Hey You – a song written for Watford’s 50th anniversary.
Frances and Kelly Olson of Watford North Dakota take in some of the opening celebrations.
Lambton County mayors Mike Bradley and Ian Veen are joined by former Brooke-Alvinston Mayor Don McGugan and the CAO of Lambton, Stephane Thiffeault, at Watford’s 150th anniversary celebration Friday night
Rae Parker and her friend, Claire Soetemans, (with her back to camera) were taking in the celebrations under the cover of an umbrella.
What is a birthday party without cake or in this case cupcakes.
Saturday was filled with activities including a chance to see the Searson Sawmill in action. Hundreds of people came to see the steampowered operation in action.
Jason Searson led a crew cutting planks at the Searson Sawmillion on Nauvoo Road
The Lucky Barber balances cigar boxes during his Saturday afternoon act
The Lucky Barber Saturday afternoon in Watford
The Youth Fair attracted a wide array of entries.
Kate Sanders poses for a photo in the downtown for her mom.
The Petrolia Community Players, dressed in period costume, stop to talk to some excited little girls SAturday.
Paul Shanahan had a few new listings on the board at his downtown real estate office, historic homes in Watford.
The antique fire truck in front of the Watford museum was a popular spot for photos
The Presbyterian Church in Watford was also celebrating its 150th anniversary this weekend. Many people touring the building were surprised to find a rose window above the pulpit. It can’t be seen from the exterior of the building.
Horse drawn tours of Watford were a popular attraction
Dozens of tractors lined the East Lambton Community Complex parking lot
The Mudmen played Friday night, despite the rain
The Searson Saw Mill put on a spark show at night Saturday after milling logs all day.
Classic cars covered the entire field near the tennis courts at the ELCC
Classic cars covered the entire field near the tennis courts at the ELCC
The room was packed for the formal dinner Saturday night
There was also a kids cornhole competition.
Photo via Facebook The Watford 150 organizing committee, some of the volunteers and local dignitaries on Friday night. Over 100 people helped with the celebration.

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