Community invited to free 150th anniversary celebration on May 2 at Montebello Park

The City of St. Catharines is set to mark a milestone, and the community is invited to celebrate in a big way with a free, family-friendly event.

Join us on Saturday, May 2, at Montebello Park and help celebrate the 150^th anniversary of St. Catharines being incorporated as a City. It was May 1, 1876 when the growth of the community – much of which was a catalyst of the work on the third Welland Canal just five years earlier – saw it attain City status after more than 30 years of being incorporated as a town.

Saturday’s event will take place from noon to 4 p.m., with official greetings, a ceremonial cake celebration and a welcome from Mayor Mat Siscoe at 1 p.m. The afternoon will feature a wide range of activities aimed at families, with all activities and food available free to those who attend.

“While our community’s story extends far beyond 150 years, rooted in the Indigenous peoples who first called this land home, we are proud to mark the 150th anniversary of St. Catharines’ official incorporation,” said Mayor Mat Siscoe. “This milestone is an opportunity to come together on our common ground, and we’ve made a conscious effort to ensure everyone can take part by offering free activities and food for the whole community to enjoy.”

Event highlights include:

• Live entertainment, featuring The Motels and the Lincoln and Welland Regiment Band
• Free hotdogs, beverages, and a water refill station (attendees are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles)
• A 150th birthday cake display, with complimentary cupcakes
• Inflatable games and an STC150 photo booth
• Touch-a-truck experiences with Municipal Works vehicles and St. Catharines Fire and Emergency Services
• STC150 giveaways, including temporary tattoos and custom stickers (Note: free items and giveaways will be available while supplies last)
• City department and community partner activations, including appearances by Bones of the Niagara IceDogs and Dunkin of the Niagara River Lions

The City will also celebrate the unveiling of its new interpretive panel for the historic rose garden at Montebello Park at 2 p.m. with Mayor Siscoe and the Garden City Growers. The Civic Rose Garden has been a treasured amenity at the park for more than 100 years.

Those attending will also have an opportunity to purchase exclusive St. Catharines 150 merchandise, including a variety of shirts, hats and special 150 flags.

Residents visiting downtown for the St. Catharines Farmers’ Market on May 2 are encouraged to stop by an interactive STC150 table before heading to Montebello Park to continue the celebration.

Celebrations at St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre

You can also make a splash on Saturday at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre, where the City will be marking the milestone with a series of free and themed activities.

Two free leisure swims will take place at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Registration is available at www.stcatharines.ca/activestc by searching “leisure”. Families are invited to swim 150 metres together to celebrate.

Throughout the week, residents of all ages can also participate in the “150 Challenge,” encouraging fun and active ways to celebrate in the water:

• Blue Challenge: Swim 150 metres in the lane pool
• Green Challenge: Complete 150 minutes of aquatic fitness
• Gold Challenge: Swim 150 centimetres during a swimming lesson
• Light Blue Challenge: Tread water for 150 seconds

These challenges are designed to be inclusive and accessible, allowing participants of all skill levels to take part in celebrating this historic milestone.

For more information about the City, including background on its special 150 logo and theme, Our Common Ground, visit stcatharines.ca/STC150.