This Week in Photos - July 2, 2026
Walk it like you chalk it – The first Elora Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival was a resounding success, according to organizer Pete Thorn. Held June 28 from 9am to 4pm at Bissell Park in Elora, the festival featured artists of all skill levels from as far away as the U.S. Thorn said this will mark the beginning of many more, as he and his volunteers are already planning next year’s event. PHOTO 1: Winning fist place in the under-13 category was Alice and Isla with their I Love Elora art piece. PHOTO 2: Third place in the under-13 category was titled Hearts by Morgan. Submitted photos. PHOTO 3: This piece, by Megan Parkinson of Cambridge, was given a bronze medal in the competition. PHOTO 4: Artist Timea was awarded a gold medal for her lively Koi Fish pond. Photos by Ellouise Thompson. PHOTO 5: The Best 3D piece was titled Tony The Gator. Winners not pictured include the People’s Choice Award winner Happy face and daffodils by Kathryn, Ally, Nora, Maggie and Grace; second place in the under-13 category titled Elorarex and tri-fergusuarastop dinosaurs by Jackson and Wyatt; and the silver medal went to artist Kim for her piece Flowers in a Pot. PHOTO 6: This cheeky piece of art was created by artist Melissa Mernagh. PHOTO 7: While it is unknow who created this bovine portrait, it was no doubt a fan favourite as onlookers pointed it out as they passed by. PHOTO 8: ABOVE LEFT: Second place in the under 13 category titled Elorarex and tri-fergusuarastop dinosaurs by Jackson and Wyatt. Submitted photos
Rocks! – On June 6, National Bowls Day, The Elora Rocks Lawn Bowling Club celebrated its 120th anniversary. Members, friends and family gathered for a barbecue lunch, sweets and treats, followed by an afternoon of games and prizes. PHOTO 1: Guest of all ages, from 2 to 95, filled the venue. Several dignitaries and VIP’s spoke to the crowd, including Ontario Lawn Bowling Association president Karen Atkin, and District 7 chair Blake Skinner. PHOTO 2: The celebration on June 6 of the Elora Rocks Lawn Bowling Club’s 120th anniversary attracted folks from near and far, young and less young, experienced and brand new to the game. PHOTO 3: Congratulations to Lorena Jones and Norm Bowler on winning first place in the Elora Rocks Lawn Bowling Club’s strawberry tournament. PHOTO 4: Political praise – Local politicians praised the Elora Rocks Lawn Bowling Club for reaching its 120th anniversary as the club hosted a celebration on June 6. From left: Centre Wellington Mayor Shawn Watters, Wellington-Halton Hills North MP Michael Chong, Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Joseph Racinski and Senator Rob Black. Submitted photos
Show it off – Highland Manor Retirement Lodge hosted its classic car show June 28 from 2 to 4pm. The event featured approximately a dozen vehicles and offered a glimpse into the history of automobiles. PHOTO 1: A black 1964 Chevrolet Impala Convertible was the perfect eye candy for those waiting in line for their hotdog at the event. PHOTO 2: A 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe owned by Brett and Fiona Allen of Elora. PHOTO 3: A 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. Photos by Ellouise Thompson
Canada Day – Canada’s most patriotic village hosted its major Canada Day celebrations early this year since the actual holiday fell mid-week. The multi-day festivities featured an extensive line-up of community events organized by two main hosts. The Arthur Chamber of Commerce, along with Walker Industries and the Township of Wellington North, operated a well-attended street market along a closed block of Charles Street East . The market included over 40 vendors, food trucks, live music and kid-friendly activities. The Arthur Optimists organized three days of sports and entertainment on the Arthur arena grounds, including three-pitch and horseshoe tournaments, live entertainment, free swimming, a family movie night and fireworks. PHOTO 1: From left, Robin-Lee Pereda of the Village Square treated families and their kids to a story during Arthur’s Canada Day street market on Saturday. Henry Zeas, Emma Miguel, Keren Zeas, and Selena Zeas enjoyed participating. PHOTO 2: From left, Heidi and Ellie Eschlboeck and Selena Zeas rock bright smiles and festive face paint. Photos by Sue Hogenkamp PHOTO 3: The mini Indy Car Race was one of many popular activities sponsored by the Arthur Pentecostal Assembly during Canada Day celebrations in the village on Saturday. Landon Silva demonstrates how it’s done while being cheered on by his dad, Helder. PHOTO 4: Al Lougheed, left, teams up with Larry Bell to take on the competition during the Arthur Optimists Canada Day Horseshoe tournament on Saturday. PHOTO 5: Bell tosses a horseshoe towards the pit. PHOTO 6, PHOTO 7: The Nasty Bunts, photo 6, prepare to take on the Big Knockers, photo 7, during the three-pitch tournament.
Kids Fishing Derby – The Arthur Optimist Club held its 58th annual Kids Fishing Derby on June 13. The derby took place at Burn’s pond, on the 18th Line just outside Arthur. Prizes were awarded for the youngest fisher, first catch, most caught and biggest fish. PHOTO 1: 56 kids came out for the free event. Hotdogs and drinks were provided by the club. PHOTO 2: Lily Goodlet with her “Most Fish Caught” trophy.
Visual arts – Grade 11 visual arts students at Norwell District Secondary School have stepped up to design and paint murals for the school. These artists have worked hard to execute larger-scale projects and have reignited the fire of mural painting at Norwell, school officials say, which will inspire many future students to bring more colour to the school. PHOTO 1: Lydia D., and Jax C. have designed this art room door featuring art supplies and tools seen within the classroom space. PHOTO 2: Timothy A. and Kaelan H. have also designed a panel to hang above the school lockers, along many paintings from years past. This one takes Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” scene and intermeshes it with the Christmas story and the city of Bethlehem.
