Written By Olena Riznyk
AILSA CRAIG - On April 26, 2025, the North Middlesex Historical Society brought the Ailsa Craig Recreation Centre to life with its 28th Annual Fun Night and Auction — an evening full of energy, generosity, and community pride.
“This is our primary fundraiser of the year,” said Shawna Pickering, curator of the North Middlesex Historical Society. “We’re all volunteers. We have full-time jobs elsewhere — this is our passion: keeping history alive in our community.”
The event ran from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. and welcomed 190 guests. Tickets were $25 each and included dinner catered by Beechwood Presbyterian Church. All proceeds from the dinner were directed toward the church’s efforts to replace its roof, while funds raised through the auction supported the ongoing preservation of two historic church buildings owned by the Historical Society in Ailsa Craig — the former Baptist and Anglican churches.
“We’ve had those buildings for over 20 years now, and all the money we raise goes into maintaining them and keeping them open to the public,” explained Shawna.
This year’s auction featured over 300 lots, all donated by generous individuals and businesses from across the region. Items included everything from Toronto Blue Jays tickets, a fire pit, and patio furniture to a week-long cottage rental in Grand Bend.
“There are so many incredible items,” Shawna said. “We’re so lucky to live in such a supportive community. Every year when we reach out for donations, they step up without hesitation.”
The evening included a silent auction followed by a live auction, led by local auctioneer Will Johnson. Junior Farmers contributed to the fun by organizing games for attendees, while over 25 volunteers helped with setup and coordination.
“No one in the Historical Society is paid,” Shawna emphasized. “The amount of time and heart that goes into this event is unbelievable — but it’s worth it.”
The Society also has its sights set on the future. Plans are underway to digitize its historical collection so that materials can be more easily shared with people tracing their family roots. “Last year, we had people from England reach out. It’s amazing how far people will go to reconnect with their history — and how often those journeys lead them to Ailsa Craig.”
For now, though, organizers are still glowing from another successful evening. “It’s a long night,” Shawna laughed, “but for a great cause. We’ll absolutely do it again next year.”
