06/22/2026
Forest Kiwanis Canada Day Celebration Returns July 1st at the Esli Dodge Conservation Area
FOREST, ON – The Forest Kiwanis Club is proud to invite residents and visitors to join us for one of Lambton Shores’ most anticipated community traditions—the annual Forest Kiwanis Canada Day Celebration on Wednesday, July 1, 2025, at the Esli Dodge Conservation Area, 88 Main Street North, Forest.
The festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with family-friendly activities, including children’s games, inflatables, delicious food vendors, and community fellowship.
Food and refreshments will be available throughout the evening from:
Stutt’s Food Truck
Optimist Club BBQ featuring hot dogs and hamburgers
Jana and Scoops Ice Cream
Kiwanis Kineto Popcorn
Entertainment begins at 6:00 p.m. on the stage located on “The Island” and will feature an outstanding lineup of local talent, including:
Tracey Vaessen
ConArtist
Excelsior Band
Robb Sharp Band
The Elder Brothers, performing just before the fireworks spectacular
The evening will be expertly hosted by MC extraordinaire Tom Hales.
The Forest Kiwanis Club extends special thanks to Matt Vaessen for providing sound, stage, and backdrop setup, helping create a first-class entertainment experience for our community.
This event would not be possible without the generous support of Heritage Canada, the Municipality of Lambton Shores, our many business sponsors, individual donors, volunteers, and community partners.
A very special thank you goes to the Forest Firefighters Association Local 1888, whose partnership and support are essential to the success of this event. The firefighters coordinate, order, and professionally set up the fireworks display, a process that requires specialized training, permits, insurance, and countless volunteer hours. Their commitment helps ensure a safe and spectacular Canada Day celebration for everyone. We simply could not host this event without their dedication and partnership.
Support the Fireworks Fund
A community fireworks display of this size comes with significant costs. Event expenses exceed $20,000, and while the Forest Kiwanis Club contributes substantially each year, community support remains vital.
Residents can help by purchasing tickets for the 50/50 Draw, with proceeds supporting future fireworks displays. Tickets are available now from Kiwanis members and members of the Forest Firefighters Association and will also be sold onsite on July 1. The winning ticket will be drawn just before the fireworks begin.
Donations will also be accepted at the gate, and Kiwanis volunteers will be circulating throughout the grounds with donation buckets. Every contribution helps ensure this cherished community tradition continues for years to come.
Bring your lawn chair, gather your family and friends, and join us for an evening of entertainment, community spirit, great food, and a spectacular fireworks finale. Come out and support our local entertainers, volunteers, and community organizations while celebrating Canada Day together.
We look forward to celebrating with you on July 1st!
For more information, please contact:
Forest Kiwanis Club-Rick Lean 519-332-7943
Forest, Ontario
Happy Canada Day from the Forest Kiwanis Club and our partner Forest Firefighters Association 1888
