After rather humble beginnings and under 20 years in operation, the Iron Horse Festival has grown to become one of south-western Ontario's largest street festivals and one of St.Thomas' largest annual events.

Our surveys tell us that many of the attendees come from outside of St. Thomas and area, making the event a real economic boon for the community (and a must for anyone checking out Festivals in summer)!

The Iron Horse Festival began in 1994, when a group of individuals, business leaders, community groups and government established an organization named On Track. Its goal was to create a tourism industry based upon St.Thomas area's railway heritage. It was suggested that a community festival would be an ideal way to bring the public into St Thomas. On track wanted to combine the elements of a street festival with a focus on St Thomas' railway heritage. The Iron Horse Festival was a success and after missing just one year, has returned to St.Thomas every summer.

Like most successful events, the Iron Horse Festival started out as an opportunity to let the community have fun. The festival was put together as an event that would be similar to the old St.Thomas Shivaree, held annually (for approx. 1 week) in St.Thomas in the early seventies. Mayor Stephen Peters suggested the name Iron Horse Festival to coincide with On Track's railway theme, and thus the Festival was born.

The task was left to Paul Corriveau to establish and organize the first year's Festival. With only 6 months to plan such an undertaking, and a small committee to work with, the first step was to quickly decide the appropriate date for the Festival.

The Festival Committee initially selected the two week period between the third weekend of August and Labour Day, since it "filled the gap" between the already established Railway Heritage Days (held the third weekend of August) and the last remaining event from the Shivaree, the St.Thomas Fire Muster, held Labour Day weekend. It also seemed to be the most popular festival time for kids and families.

The challenge was to try to combine the already established events into the Festival celebrations while not losing the events' identity and audience. The first organizing meetings took place in the old Canada Southern Railway shops on Wellington Street. In the beginning, the Organizing Committee focused on bringing together events and groups to create the essential ingredients for the first Festival, knowing that we wanted these events to become eagerly anticipated every year. We wanted to combine the elements of a street festival with a focus on our railway heritage.

Selected events from the first year included: a family midway, rib-fest, street busker entertainment, car show, golf tournament, hand car races and pancake breakfast. Most have stood the test of time, have grown more popular with each passing year of the Festival, and remain part of the festivities today.

We have found that the festival supported both the Railway Heritage Days and the St.Thomas Fire Muster events, and was particularly beneficial to the Railway Heritage celebrations, given the focus on the railway theme.

The first two years saw the Festival take place in many locations throughout the city and over ten days (similar to the Shivaree). This proved extremely difficult, as the event had no focal point where visitors could look to spend the day or evening. Some events took place at Pinafore Park, outside of the main core of the city, at the Railway Lands, and others occurred downtown. Some happened one weekend, while others followed on the next. This was very confusing to our visitors and was very difficult to maintain an excitement level and volunteers.

The third and fourth years saw the Festival gradually move all of the events to the downtown area. Combining all of the events into the closed street area gave the Festival focus and excitement. The Festival was set to run over a five day period, delivering an exciting line up of activities that would satisfy any Festival visitor. Many visitors commented on the amount of attractions, and the special feeling that only a downtown festival produces. Others enjoyed strolling downtown and checking out stores (and the downtown) for the very first time. The downtown street location proved beneficial to many downtown merchants, the Festival, and most importantly our visitors.

During these years we tried several new events that began to bring us local, as well as regional media acclaim, and event sponsorship. In 1996 "World's Largest Line Dance" event, in 1997, our first annual outdoor concerts, and our first bi-annual "Kelly Miller Circus" are just a few of the exciting events that have drawn the people in. We also coordinated several annual On Track activities (like our special Railway Heritage coin sales, and the Railway Mural paintings and dedications) with the Festival, to provide the public with an even stronger connnection to a piece of our past.

Like any new enterprise, especially one run by volunteers, our first few years were a struggle. Though the event seemed to impress the public, we were not able to promote the festival as vigorously as we would have liked to. Luckily, more and more sponsors came on board each year, and the public really "caught on" to the Festival, producing record crowds each year. So much so, in fact, that the Iron Horse Festival was featured on CBC's Newsworld in 1998, when CBC checked out the leading festivals in the country. We know they were suitably impressed!!

In 1998 we were blessed with great weather, more organizations participating, increased fund raising initiatives, and a lot of help from our friends at CBC. As a result, we enjoyed our most critically and financially successful year. It was never imagined that we would grow so much in such a short time.

Since then, more attractions and new events have been added, more exceptional performers have graced our stages, and more and more people from across the Region and beyond have been showing up to experience the unique street festival atmosphere that we offer.

Make no mistake; Paul had plenty of helpers in those early days. The following folks went on to play key roles in the years that followed; Dave Bogart, Case Hoffer, Don Nicholson and Mary Lou Stanley.

In the following years volunteers such as Janice Beck, Carol Beechy, Paula Polland, Rich Harrop, Sandy Lee, Russ Sayles, Linda Corriveau, Yolanda Ritchie, Heather Jackson, Bill and Ed Lawrence, Linda Trueman and Herb Brown joined the team and played a key role.

Today, the Iron Horse Festival continues to grow. The current Festival is now well in the planning stages; it should be the biggest and best yet.

This has been a little snapshot of our history, but of course, we are more excited about our future. Read on to find out more about the exciting line-up we have got planned for this year. We certainly hope you can join us this summer. We think you will agree, the Iron Horse Festival is truly a unique experience.

What is the Iron Horse Festival and who runs it?
The Iron Horse Festival is a 4-day community festival which celebrates our rich railway heritage and community spirit. The Festival welcomes over 20,000 visitors each year. The Iron Horse Festival showcases unforgettable entertainment on 3 stages, delicious Festival cuisine in two food areas, and crafts artisans from the region demonstrating and selling their work. The Iron Horse Festival is operated by the Iron Horse Festival of St.Thomas - a registered non-profit organization that has one full-time seasonal employee. Fortunately, we have a volunteer Board of Directors and great volunteers to make this Festival a go!

When and where is it held?
The festival takes place each year typically the fourth weekend in August. Check our website for current dates. The Festival takes place in beautiful Downtown St.Thomas, on Talbot Street centrally located between St.Catherine Street and Elgin Street. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. except Sunday which finishes at 6 p.m. The Evening Concerts begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

How does Iron Horse Festival help the community?
The objects of the Iron Horse Festival are to:
1.1. Foster community spirit by producing an annual festival with a street connection and fun entertainment for all ages.
1.2. Benefit the local economy by assisting in the revitalization of the downtown and the promotion-of tourism.
1.3. Provide community organizations an opportunity to participate in the festival to raise funds, enhance people skills and promote their message to the community.
1.4. Work with other community organizations to promote our community as a good place to live and visit

Each year, Iron Horse Festival invites other non-profit organizations, community groups and service organizations to participate and raise funds for their individual causes. In addition, the festival has donated to various community groups that have provided services during the Festival. Remember that Iron Horse Festival is a nonprofit community organization, so your support not only allows a great festival to continue, but also makes donations to the community possible.

Admission
The Iron Horse Festival is Free to attend. There is no admission charge, however some attractions may require a fee such as Midway Rides and Games, Food and beverages, Steam Train rides, souvenirs etc. While it is free to attend, you can still support the Festival through the purchase of raffle tickets at our Ticket booth, and 50/50 tickets available during our evening concerts. Other donations are gratefully accepted and can be directed towards your personal Festival event or attraction.

How do you keep the Festival Free to attend?

Sponsors! Donations! Fund Raising Efforts! Through generous Sponsors, Donations, and Fund Raising Activities the Festival volunteers are able to present an entire weekend of entertainment and family fun! Please support the Festival’s fund raising efforts and remember to support our sponsors with your patronage.

How can I become a Sponsor and help the festival grow?
We have a wide range of ways that you can help the Festival. To learn more about our demographics and mutual benefits of sponsorship, visit our online Sponsor Section or send us an email so that we can arrange a face to face presentation.

ATM and Banking Facilities
ATMs are conveniently located in the Festival. All major banks are well represented as we have the following banks located within the Festival area: Bank of Nova Scotia, C.I.B.C., TD Canada Trust, Royal Bank, plus other private ATMs at local businesses.

Seating Festival-goers will find seating throughout the festival grounds where they can take a break and enjoy a delicious snack, listen to live music and entertainment or just simply relax. Picnic tables, grandstand bleachers as well as benches will be located throughout the Festival. If you would like to sit and relax in a shady location, way not try your luck in our Loonie Bingo Tent?

Food & Beverages
Delicious smelling and delicious tasting food will be featured at two Festival locations. Booths will offer a variety of tasty edibles including: Pork and Beef Ribs, Gyros, pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, chicken sandwiches, odas, water, beer and more will be offered for sale. Besides the many food vendors featured at the Festival, there are many interesting quality Downtown Restaurants that provide full menu service as well as outdoor patio seating. Some restaurants are located within the Festival area, while others are just a few blocks away.

What am I allowed to bring into the festival?
You are encouraged to bring or wear to the festival: Iron Horse Festival program, weather appropriate clothing, comfy shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, good attitude and, of course, smiles! Folding chairs and blankets are encouraged; however, you may not reserve space throughout the day. Standing attendees may block the view of seated patrons.

Bikes, scooters, skateboards, in-line skates, are not encouraged however as the Festival takes place on a city Street, the Festival cannot ban them. Festival security and Police will encourage all visitors to use caution and will ask any that are creating a potential safety incident to leave the Festival site.

What is your policy about weather?
Iron Horse Festival is a rain or shine event. During inclement weather, events or attractions may be postponed or cancelled at the discretion of the Festival Board.

Where can we park? Is there handicapped accessible parking available?
Parking is available on adjacent streets and available parking lots throughout the Downtown. Handicapped accessible parking is available in the Hepburn Parking Lot beside our Main Stage and at the St.Thomas Public Library parking lot behind City Hall.

Do you provide accommodations for the disabled?
Wheelchair accessible portable washrooms are located throughout the festival site: Rib-fest Hincks St. Stage, Midway and Community Stage Area and the parking lot by the Main stage area. Wheelchair accessible picnic tables are located at both stage locations as well as our main Rib-fest area Hincks St. Stage. As the Festival is held downtown on the city streets, all sidewalks have curb depressions for easy wheelchair navigation.

Are pets allowed on the festival site?
We know you love your pets and we love ours. However, pets are not recommended at the festival as it creates stress for both the animal and visitors. The Festival site is comprised of closed downtown streets which is accessible to everyone. The Festival encourages visitors to leave their pets at home unless used they are specifically trained to assist the handicapped.

When do Advanced Midway tickets go on sale?
Advanced Midway Tickets go on sale in August at many different locations throughout the city. The Advanced Midway Ticket allows riders to Ride-All-Day for any one day they choose. A wrist band will be issued at the Midway box office when one redeems their Advanced Midway Ticket. Advanced Tickets are only sold up until the Wednesday prior to the Festival.

Lost & Found
Lost children, parents or personal items (keys, wallets, glasses, etc.) should be taken to the Festival Information Booth. Ask a volunteer for its location, which may vary from year to year. Lost and Found items (except found/lost children, see below) are also kept here until the festival closes on Sunday night. After the festival ends, call 519-207-4000 to enquire about lost and found items.

Found/lost Children will be kept at the Information Booth until the Parent or Caregiver is located. The Information Booth is also a good place for your family to plan to meet up if anyone becomes separated. Announcements will also be made from all Festival activities including: Main Stage, Community Stage, Loonie Bingo Tent and the Kid’s Junction area. Local Police will also be notified if Found/lost children are not united with their Parent or Caregiver.

First Aid
Need first aid or medical help? St.John Ambulance and other First Aid volunteers will be on-site for the duration of the event.

How can I become a volunteer?
Volunteers are always welcome. We will provide on-line volunteer registration in early spring and summer. Please check our volunteer information for more information.

Who's playing this year?
The complete list of performances at the Iron Horse Festival are usually announced by May. See our Entertainments page for all performers and our community and main stage schedules. This website will be one of the first places to view the entire schedule.

How do you decide what entertainment performs at the Festival?
Iron Horse Festival has a dedicated entertainment committee that works diligently to bring a wide variety of music to our festival. Certain aspects are taken into consideration every year such as artist availability, artist schedules and, of course, budget restraints. Additional consideration is given to previous participation and contributions to our Community Stage program.

How can I apply to perform at the Iron Horse Festival?
If you are interested in performing at the Festival, please email our Entertainment Coordinator at entertainment@ironhorsefestival.com or by mail at:

Iron Horse Festival
Attn: Entertainment Coordinator
P.O. Box 20094
St.Thomas, ON N5P 4H4

The festival considers all Press kits/CDs sent to our office. Most bookings are confirmed by June 1st.However due to schedule changes, openings often occur in our Community Stage Program at later dates. Our Entertainment Committee starts considerations for the next year in September and applicants are encouraged to contact us and sent their kits early for our consideration.

I'd like to sell my art/craft/jewellery/etc. How do I apply?

We begin choosing Vendors to participate in the festival each year in the spring. More than 30 vendors are usually on hand exhibiting crafts, information and food items. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please complete the online application, print and mail for consideration. See the vendor information page for additional details.

How do I apply to be a Food Vendor?
If you are interested in becoming a food vendor, please complete the online application, print and mail for consideration or you can download it, print it, fill it out and mail it. There is only room for about 12 food vendors, so it is best to apply early. Past favourable participants are considered first, then any available spaces are considered next. See the vendor information page for additional details.

I'm a journalist interested in covering the Festival. How can I apply for press credentials?
If you have an assignment from a publication to cover the Iron Horse Festival, please send the following as early as possible:
1.) Letter of assignment from your editor;
2.) A copy of the publication;
3.) The days you're planning to cover the Festival and your contact information.

Send the above to:

Laura Sherret
Marketing and Promotions Coordinator
Iron Horse Festival
P.O. Box 20094
St.Thomas, ON N5P 4H4

Do you advise making a hotel reservation in advance?
The Festival is very popular and there is a high demand for hotel rooms, so we advise making reservations as soon as possible. Some hotels take reservations as early as a year in advance, and many Festival-goers book their rooms in the fall preceding the Festival.

Local Hotel Accommodations St.Thomas/Elgin provide a range of wonderful facilities that are conveniently located for Iron Horse Festival vendors, exhibitors, visitors and participants.