This Week in Photos - May 21, 2026
Duck race – The 30th annual Arthur Lions Club Duck Race took place the afternoon of May 9. Traffic on the bridge on Highway 6 was halted while a front-end loader emptied hundreds of yellow rubber ducks into the Conestogo River below. Low water levels and a brisk headwind proved a challenge for the little ducks, but they battled on to the finish line in front of an appreciative crowd lining the river banks. The owner of the winning duck received a $1,000 prize. The race was the culmination of a street party featuring live music, face painting, food, and a truck from the Arthur fire department. PHOTO 1: Lenora from Arthur tries her hand at “driving” the fire engine. PHOTO 2: The racing ducks are kept in line by a volunteer. PHOTO 3: Millie from Arthur gets into the spirit. PHOTO 4: The leading ducks talk strategy, making sure to keep their shades on to avoid giving away any tells. PHOTO 5: Youngsters and adults lined the banks to cheer on their little yellow friends as they approached the finish. PHOTO 6: From left, Isaiah with Arthur Lion Len Cheney, and Stella and Jade with granddad and duck race chair Mike Marshall prepare to launch the ducks. Photos by Duncan Hossack
Invasive – A team of volunteers from Neighbourwoods, the Fergus Dog Park Volunteer Association and the Centre Wellington Native Plant Gardeners (CWNPG) made short work of the invasive garlic mustard in the Fergus Dog Park last Saturday. The invasive species were put into black bags to solarize them over the summer to kill the roots and seeds. Cardboard and mulch were laid down where native plants will be planted in the fall to help prevent the garlic mustard from taking hold again. The CWNPG is working with the Township of Centre Wellington to plant native plants in the community to help struggling pollinators. To get involved, contact cwnativeplantgardening.com. To help remove invasive species, contact nwprojects@eloraenvironmentcentre.ca. PHOTO 1: From left, Penny Hendricks, Genevieve Beals, Ian MacRae, Kate Anderson, Kari Olsen, Kelsye Coulter, Jessica Haddock, Jenn Terris and Richard Smythe. (Submitted photo) PHOTO 2: Oliver Warren-Senko came out to help his dad Graham Warren, who is back in the bushes pulling up some of the plants for the project. PHOTO 3: ABOVE LEFT: Richard Smythe who is chair of this project on the left along with Oliver Warren-Senko and his father Graham Warren gathering up the bad weeds. PHOTO 4: Of course at the dog park many dogs came around to investigate what this group of people were doing. Watching over the dogs is Avon Giddings on the left while Ian MacRea is stuffing the bags for disposal. Photos by Bill Longshaw.
Pipe band – The Grand Celtic Pipe Band is partnering with the Elora Legion Branch 229 to help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion. On May 15 both came together in a small ceremony at the Elora Cenotaph to officially kick off the major milestone for the legion. The Elora Legion laid wreaths at the cenotaph in tribute to veterans and those who served, followed by the Grand Celtic Pipe Band performing a few sets. The tribute will continue throughout the summer, with members of the Grand Celtic Pipe Band scheduled to perform every Friday evening at 6pm at the Elora Cenotaph in honour of the Legion’s centennial year. Submitted photos
Plant sale – The Hillsburgh Horticultural Society hosted its annual plant sale May 16. Gardeners found deals on a variety of vegetables and annual and perennial flowers. Photos by Tristan Clark
Art – The 2026 Elora Plein Air Festival was a success, drawing artists from far and wide to Centre Wellington. The festival began May 13 and concluded May 16 with a gallery showcase and sale. The showcase was held at the Elora Centre for the Arts and saw paintings of Centre Wellington’s most iconic sights up for sale. PHOTO 1: Greg Hargerton, right, and Harry Walter, chat about proportion as Walter paints a portrait of a gentleman. Walter says he paints one portrait a month to “keep his skills sharp.” Last month he painted a portrait of 86 year old poet and novelist Margaret Atwood. PHOTO 2: Painting by Michelle Van Maurik entitled “head in the clouds”. This painting depicts the iconic “tall man” statue located in the centre of the Elora green space. Photos by Ellouise Thompson
Open house – The Guelph/Eramosa Fire Department hosted its annual Open House on May 8. The event features various community safety organizations, safety demonstrations and special visits from “Pluggie,” a remote-controlled fire hydrant. “The weather held out perfectly and there was something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day,” the Guelph/Eramosa Fire Department stated on social media. “The auto extrication and airbag demonstration were a big highlight and gave residents a chance to see firsthand some of the specialized training and equipment our firefighters use to keep the community safe.” PHOTO 1: Firefighters give a demonstration using the “jaws of life.” PHOTO 2: Pluggie makes the rounds. PHOTO 3: This youngster couldn’t help but smile in the front seat of this fire truck. PHOTO 4: Big firefighters pose with some mini firefighters. Submitted photos
Open house – The Grand Celtic Pipe Band welcomed the community to its annual open house on May 3 at the Elora Legion, to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The band performed along with Crowded Table, the Fergus Pipe Band and the Blue Bonnet Lassies School of Highland Dance. At least $1,900 was raised for the Legion through a silent auction. “We’re so grateful for the incredible community support and thrilled everyone had such a great time,” said Grand Celtic piper Peter Hummel. “It was a fantastic afternoon of music, dancing, food and good company.” A community investment fund grant from Centre Wellington helped make the event possible. Photos by Whimsical Photography. PHOTO 3: From left, Cory Gammie on the bass drum, pipe majors Mark Cripps and Peter Hummel and base drummer Austin Cardinell of the Grand Celtic Pipe band. Photos by Bill Longshaw
