Written By David Gomez
STRATHROY – Bigger rides, new vendors and an expanded Sunday program are among the changes awaiting visitors as the Strathroy Hometown Festival prepares to return to Alexandra Park from June 19 to 21.
Festival Chair Richard McCammon said organizers have spent months building on last year’s success, with a particular focus on creating a more connected experience within the park.
“The midway is going to be bigger than ever,” McCammon said. “We’re going to move Vendor Alley even closer into the main music area.
The enhanced midway comes after an unexpected setback in 2025, when weather-related scheduling issues in another community affected the number of rides available in Strathroy. This year, organizers negotiated a larger attraction lineup.
Vendor Alley will also see growth, with more than 30 vendors expected to participate.
“We’ve got some new food vendors coming in, we’ve got some new people coming in with different products,” McCammon said. “It’s a really interesting mix this year.”
Live entertainment remains at the heart of the festival. Friday’s country-themed lineup will feature Graham Bedard, Copper Sky and Maddy McKenzie, while Saturday’s rock showcase includes Ozzy Forever, Def Bombs, The Cherry Dogs, Full Throttle and 4-Way Street.
McCammon said Sunday’s programming has received particular attention this year.
“Sunday used to be kind of a quiet day,” he said. “But this year, we are really trying to up the game.”
For the first time, The Strands will perform a Sunday afternoon concert benefiting Strathroy Hospice. The day will also feature the midway, the continuation of the baseball tournament finals and other festival activities.
Behind the scenes, planning begins months in advance.
“We get started in October every year,” McCammon said. “There’s just numerous things that all have to fall together.”
As a volunteer-run, not-for-profit event, community support remains essential.
“We live and die by raising funds,” he said. “Our sponsors are key to continuing success of the Strathroy Hometown Festival.”
The festival will take place June 19 to 21 at Alexandra Park. Weekend passes are available for $45, while single-day tickets can also be purchased in advance.
