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NEXT UP: ANCASTER HERITAGE DAYS, SATURDAY JUNE 7 2025
FAQ
Who runs Ancaster Heritage Days? The answer: Ancaster Heritage Days. AHD is a registered and incorporated not-for-profit with the Province of Ontario. We are not run or funded by the Ward 12 Councillor's office, the Ancaster BIA, or any other group. We have a volunteer board of directors, a volunteer operations committee, and do not have any paid staff.
When and where is everything? Check out the events drop down menu located above. And you can find an events map right here.
How do I become a sponsor? Please contact us and we'll get in touch.
How do I put an entry in the parade? Please contact us and we'll get in touch.
I'd like to promote my business or organization with a tent onsite during the event. How do I do that? Only our sponsors have this privilege. If you'd like to discuss a sponsorship, please contact us and we'll get in touch.
Why are there road closures? The parade and soapbox derby require that we work with the City of Hamilton and Hamilton Police to safely close some roads to traffic. The roads are closed to enable these events to take place and to ensure public safety. Signage announcing the closures is put up in accordance with city by-laws at least one week in advance of the events.
Why do the road closures not align with the posted times on the announcement signage? It is not possible to close the required full length of Wilson Street at the exact same time. The professional company tasked with closing the road begins the hard closures at Rousseaux St & Wilson St at the posted time and works their way south towards Orchard St, closing intersections as they go. This process typically takes 30 minutes. The process is done as efficiently as possible, but we admit it comes with some frustrations for drivers who are using Wilson St while the closure is happening.
Why does Wilson St not immediately open as the parade concludes? For pedestrian safety, the opening of Wilson St is delayed 20 minutes past the final parade entry.
What happened to the fireworks? The fireworks displays were a great part of Ancaster Heritage Days. However, rising costs and environmental concerns mean that for the foreseeable future they will not be a part of the event.
What happened to the wagon rides? Many years ago, and for only a few years, there were wagons which transported attendees from the plazas at Wilson St & Fiddler's Green to the village core. The primitive wagons were pulled by tractors and riders accessed the wagons by using picnic tables as steps. Wilson Street was not the thoroughfare it is now . For safety and liability reasons, the wagons will not be returning.
What happened to the Strawberry Social? The Strawberry Social which was held in the Old Town Hall for many years during Heritage Days was an event organized and run by the Ancaster Seniors Achievement Centre. Several years ago the ASAC announced they could no longer support the event and it has not existed since. However, there is a possibility that a new group may resurrect it. Stay tuned.
Why aren't there more entries and bands in the parade? The parade is our most popular event with thousands of onlookers and dozens of participants, so it makes sense that people have ideas and suggestions. We are grateful for this. The volunteer organizing committee puts out a call each year for participants and encourages the use of decorations and imaginative and interesting entries. Our organizing committee does not create the entries. Without the interest of local businesses and organizations, the parade suffers. Please encourage the places you are connected to and support to enter the parade. Parade marching bands and professional music acts are at a premium. There are less and less options each year and they come with a hefty price tag. We will continue to allocate money to ensure we provide the best parade we can.
Why don't more local businesses get involved? We are so thankful for the local businesses that support, sponsor, and get involved with our event. We encourage all businesses, especially those in the village corridor, to get involved with specials, sales, displays, and more. Many do! However, we recognize that some don't. All we can do is ask you, the customer, to encourage the places you patronage to get on board. We work alongside the Ancaster Village BIA and are always open to discussing ways to support the businesses and their involvement.
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