The Kingsville Migration Festival has been an important part of Kingsville’s social calendar for 51 years. Over all those years, the event has grown from its infancy and humble beginnings, and expanded to involve the whole town and surrounding area for the whole weekend. Each year things are just a bit different from every year that came before.

This year though we’re seeing the biggest changes yet, due to COVID-19. All things having to do with the Migration Festival must be done in accordance with COVID-19 official guidelines. Social distancing and masks are mandatory where guidelines dictate. Still, Kingsville has risen to the challenge, with passion, energy and loads of creativity to make this 51st Migration Festival a weekend to remember — and to enjoy!

Here’s an overview and schedule for festival events.

October 15-18

The Great Migration Paint-OUT
This plein air painting event  is hosted by the Migration Festival. Artists will set up outside to paint. You can watch works of art as they are being created.

October 17

“Pic”-Your-Pumpkin 
Pick up your free pumpkin at the Unico Centre parking lot to and strike a pose with it in the picture booth.

PJs and Pancakes with Community Heroes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Come and get your free Breakfast Kit at a Migration Festival booth downtown.

Migration Festival Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Local vendors will be set up outside Carnegie Hall for your browsing and buying pleasure. No admission fee.

Walk with your Flock from 10 a.m. till noon
Walk on by the Carnegie Visitor Centre, the Unico Centre, and the Migration Festival tent. Be on the lookout downtown for Jack Miner’s mascot Honker.

Wild Goose Chase
Thirty or more geese will be located in downtown Kingsville and the surrounding area. You’ll want a 2020 Migration Festival Passport so you can find them all using the Goose Chase map.

At the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary
There would be no Migration Festival without Jack Miner who founded the Bird Sanctuary. Come see the activities, demos and displays set up at the Unico building.

October 17 & 18

The Migration Festival Porch Parade 
The Migration Festival Parade won’t be marching through the streets this year. But everyone is invited to decorate a front porch, a balcony, or a front yard for people out walking with their flocks to enjoy. Participants who snap a pic and send it to AM800 could win a prize!

October 18

At the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary
The historic house and museum will be open. Check out the fun activities and demos.

Art shows at the Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Paintings created by our local artists this weekend will be on display and for sale at at the Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A student art show will also be on display.

For more information:

Kingsville Migration Festival webpage

Kingsville’s Annual Migration Festival Facebook page

Photo by Mike Gosselin