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

The opening ceremonies will be at Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Thursday October 18, 2018 at 6pm. Join us for a wine and cheese reception.

Festival Parade

The parade takes place on October 20, 2018. 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 Colours of Fall 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 6, 2018.

Parade Float Entry Form

Parade Band Entry Form

Please take some time to read through the staging instructions

Photography Competition and Sale

The Wild and Wonderful Nature Photography competition and sale will take place at the Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary. It is from 11:00am until 4:00pm on October 20, 2018 and October 21, 2018.

You can stop by on October 20, 2018 and put in your vote for the People's Choice award.

Enter your photographs for a chance at a cash prize! Age categories for 15 years of age and under, and 16 years and up.

If you would like to participate in the Photo Competition and sale please download the participant package rules   and the application form then bring the completed forms to the Kingsville Arena

Marketplace

The Marketplace takes place at the Kingsville Arena October 20, 2018 from 11:00am to 4:00pm and October 21, 2018 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

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

The Migration parade begins at 10:30am on October 20, 2018. It is the perfect way to start your day at the festival!

At Lakeside Park from 12:00pm until 4:00pm there will be

• Kingsport Environmental Birds of Prey Shows at 12:30pm and 3pm
• Sarah Parks Horsemanship Pony Rides 12:30pm until 3:30pm
• Mad Science 2:00pm until 4:00pm
• Scouts BBQ 12:00pm until 4:00pm
• Sailor Sue Face Painting 12:30pm until 2:30pm
• Brad Toulouse Magic Show 2:45pm until 3:45pm
• Zoo to You 12:00pm until 2:00pm
• Jangles the Clown 1:00pm until 3:00pm
• Medieval Village 12:00pm until 4:00pm

Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary will be open Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am until 4:00pm. On Sunday October 21, 2018 the Kingsport Environment Birds of Prey shows will be from 11:00am until 3:00pm.

Other Events

Kingsville Lions Club -Dress a Decoy Contest.  Peoples Choice Award Vote and Win.  October 10-20 vote for your favourite decorated decoy at the Carnegie Arts and Visitors Centre 28 Division Street South.  www.facebook.com/dressadecoy

Have an event you would like to see here? Contact Maggie Durocher at 519-733-2123. Please include a

• Description
• Location
• Date
• Time

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 2017 sponsors

• Merli's Coffeehouse and Eatery
• 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: