Migration Festival

The Kingsville Migration Festival begins October 18, 2019 and ends October 20, 2019. There is something for all ages!

Join us for this celebration of migration, heritage, conservation and Jack Miner!

Jack Miner

Jack Miner was a hunter who knew the value of conservation of the natural environment and the wildlife. His efforts started the conservation movement and began the waterfowl refuge management system in Canada.

Jack was born in Westlake Ohio on April 10, 1865. Jack Miner settled on land in the former Township of Gosfield South, now the Town of Kingsville. The area is located in Essex County, surrounded on three sides by the Great Lakes and is a natural stop for many migratory birds. In 1909, Jack Miner began banding ducks, followed by Canada Geese in 1915, each with a bible verse. The bands allow the Sanctuary to gather details about migrating birds each season.

The Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary started in 1904 and continues its work to this day. Jack Miner's home and a museum dedicated to his work, as well as five kilometres of trails are open to the public free of charge.

Opening Ceremonies Thursday October 17, 2019

The opening ceremonies will take place  on Thursday October 17, 2019 at 6:30 pm at Pelee Island Winery.  Join us for a wine and cheese reception to kick off the 50th Golden Anniversary Celebration.

Events at Jack Miner Friday October 18, 2019 

Join us for a Musical Presentation at 7:00pm featuring Theatre One

Theatrical Presentation: 7:30 pm

An evening with Jack Miner at the Palyfair Stadium: Jack Miner Sanctuary.   Eric Hansen returns as Jack Miner to present his one-man play.

Tickets are $10 each, or $5 for children.  Proceeds to benefit the Jackm Miner Sactuary and Theatre One.  Refreshments will be served.

Festival Parade Saturday October 19 at 10:30 am

The parade takes place on October 19, 2019. It begins at 10:30am. You can enjoy the parade from anywhere on the parade route! The route begins at Main Street and Spruce Street and travels south on Division Street to Erie Street. This year's theme is golden 50th Anniversary  and you can enjoy bands, floats and entertainers.

If you would like to enter the parade you can fill out and submit the appropriate form online. All forms are due by October 1, 2019.

Parade Float Entry Form

Parade Band Entry Form

Marketplace October 19 and 20

The Marketplace takes place at the Kingsville Arena October 19, 2019 from 11:00am to 4:00pm and October 20, 2019 from 11:00am to 3:30pm. Come out and enjoy local vendors. The Arena has lots of parking and is fully accessible. The Marketplace is free to get in.

If you would like to be a vendor, you can fill out a 2019 Vendor Application Form and bring it to the Kingsville Arena.

Children's Events at Lakeside Park October 19

Come out and enjoy the children's activities during the Migration Festival!

Saturday October 19th hours 12 - 4PM

Children's Activities at Lakeside Park

Children's Marketplace

Fantasy Express Train Rides around the Park

Pony Rides 

Mini Putt Golf

Jangles the Clown

Air Brush Face Painting

Mystic Drumz Presentation

Kingsport Environmental Raptor Show

Golf Disc/Frisbee Throwing-presented by Windsor Essex Disc Golf

Steak BBQ Fundraiser October 19 at Grovedale House

Steak BBQ fundraiser for Kingsville Firefighter's Association, Jack Miner Sactuary and teh Migration Festival Committee at Grovedale.  Featuring music by Almost Famous.  Doors open at 6pm.  Tickets available at Jack Miner, Kingsville Arena, Firefighters.  This is a 19+ event.  Cash  Bar, tables of 8 can be reserved.

Sunday October 20, 2019 Events at Jack Miner Sanctuary

Breakfast with Honker 8am-10:30 am

Join us for pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs.  $5 suggested donation for adults, $3 for children under 13

Golden Egg Hunt 10:30 am

Children's Golden Egg hunt for ages 1-4 and 5-8, who will find the golden eggs?

Wild Goose Chase

5k walk or run starting at 9am at Jack Miner Centre

Registration starts at 8am

$20 Early Goose Registration online or in person until October 11, 2019

$25 day of race

$50 family rate

Children's Fall Crafts 11 am -1pm

Fall Walk 2pm

Kingsport Environmental Raptor Show 12pm-3pm

Quilt Draw 5pm

Dress a Goose Fundraiser

Purchase your very own Canadian Goose Decoy and dress it up to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of Kingsville Migration Fest.  Weekend guests will be encouraged to visit local businesses to find the geese and take a picture witht he hashtag #MigFest50.  Geese are available for puchase at Kingsville Arean for $75 or $50 to rent.  Help to promote 50 golden years and dress a goose with us.

Sponsorship and Media

For all media or sponsorship inquiries please contact Maggie Durocher at 519-733-2123 or by email.

We thank all of our volunteers and community supporters! Without you, this event would not be possible.

A special thank-you to our 2018 sponsors

• Pelee Island Winery
• Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary
• The Town of Kingsville

Local Links and Accommodations

Please visit our Business Directory for a full list of local links and accommodations.

Contact Us

Please feel free to contact the committee member with your questions listed in the table below: