Arts and Culture

The department of recreation, culture, and wellness develops vibrant and dynamic cultural projects and programs. With our partners, our goal is to develop a creative community and a place of discovery, learning and exploration for all residents and visitors. Learn more by viewing our Cultural Master Plan and our many Festivals and Events.

Culture Days

The Town of Pelham have prepared to provide a safe, yet interactive experiences taking place during Culture Days this year. Culture Days is a Canada-wide celebration that is the largest-ever public participation campaign undertaken by the arts and cultural community in this country. Culture Days features FREE activities that invite the public to participate in interactive arts and culture experiences.

The next national Culture Days will be taking place September 19 through October 12, 2025.
There will be an exhibit highlighting immigration to Niagara pre 1930s from the Welland Museum Exhibit in the Atrium of the Community Centre from Sept 19th to October 13th. 

Mixed Media Magic - Art Workshop
Saturday September 20th from 2pm - 5pm
Kinsmen Room - Meridian Community Centre
Led by Sherry Wilkinson
Workshop is currently full.
Join the Waitlist here
Space is limited.

Let’s create art just for fun and let any stress exit our minds and body! This therapeutic workshop focuses on exploring colour, textures and layering of materials to create an expressive abstract painting in mixed media. The facilitator will gently guide you and offer prompts but ultimately you will follow your own heart in creating a work of art that is yours!

Materials provided will be a stretched canvas, acrylic paints, various drawing pencils and upcycled printed papers.

Whimsical Woven Wall Hanging Workshop
Monday September 22nd from 6pm - 9pm 
Kinsmen Room - Meridian Community Centre
Led by Sherry Wilkinson
Workshop is currently full.
Join the Waitlist here
Space is limited.
Free to attend.

Make your very own organic wall tapestry inspired by and using elements from nature. This fun project speaks to the Bohemian soul in each of us. You will learn how to create your own simple frame loom and plain weave along with some knots. You will explore textures of fabric, twine, sea shells and driftwood to create a beautiful and unique wall hanging that you will be delighted to take home!

Sherry Wilkinson is a multi-disciplinary visual artist. She graduated from Brock University and York University with an Honours Degree in Visual Arts. She taught Fine Arts for 30 years as a District School Board of Niagara secondary school teacher and facilitated workshops for teachers as well as private art lessons throughout Ontario and in Yokohama-Shi Japan. Her artwork exudes a love of colour, textures, expressivity and a mindfulness that upcycled materials not only combat consumerism but can be truly beautiful.

The Town of Pelham is hosting activities to recognize the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. For activity schedule and more information, please visit the Day for Truth & Reconciliation webpage.

Writing Workshop
October 1st, 2025 from 7pm-9pm.
Kinsmen Room - Meridian Community Centre
Led by Yvonne Van Lankveld
Register here
Space is limited.
Free to attend.
Thinking about writing? Maybe a journal, a memoir, some poetry or the next great novel? Come meet a published author who will help you learn the basics of writing and why it makes your brain happy, common mistakes even good writers make and what it takes to get your work published.

In her first career as a Registered Nurse, Yvonne’s writing skills earned her acclaim in many clinical settings and professional journals; however, she never lost her passion for writing fiction. Her two previous novels, The Road to Alright and The Park Street Secrets, focus on human behaviour in the face of adversity.

She has earned two diplomas from Mohawk College, a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health Sciences from Brock University, complemented with a Creative Writing certificate.

Yvonne is a past member of the Canadian Authors Association and a four-time reviewer for the Whistler Independent Book Awards. She facilitates programs for both aspiring and seasoned writers. Her favourite role is interviewing best-selling authors for the Lincoln Pelham Public Library’s Books on the Bench events. In 2024, she was honoured with the Library’s Volunteer Peer Award. She also promotes literacy as a member of the Town of Pelham’s Pelham Cultural Advisory Committee.

Yvonne lives in Ridgeville, Ontario, with her husband John.

Painting Workshop
Thursday October 2nd from 5pm - 8pm 
Peace Park (20 Pelham Town Square) - Outside
Led by Danielle Greenwood
Register here
Space is limited.

Join Danielle as she guides you step-by-step in painting a landscape on a 16x20 canvas! No experience needed. All supplies provided.

Please note this workshop is outside. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Rain date will be held on Thursday October 9th from 5PM to 8PM.

Drop-in Family Music Time
Thursday October 9th from 10-11am
Kinsmen Room - Meridian Community Centre
Free to attend.

Sing, move and play! Children are introduced to music and movement concepts through songs and games. Together we will explore pitch, tempo, and timbre, learn respect for instruments and each other, and of course, get up and move, move, move. Classes will always have an emphasis on movement and play and have age-appropriate expectations for all children.

This class has a primary focus on ages 3 -6, however younger siblings, from birth, are welcome.

Culture Programs

Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: 9am - 3:30pm with a break for lunch. Please bring your own lunch from home.
Location: Old Pelham Town Hall, 491 Canboro Rd W, Fenwick
Register Here
Space is limited.

Learn how to trace the history of your property! In this workshop, The Brown Homestead's team of local historians and researchers will provide participants with basic hands-on knowledge and resources to conduct historical research of properties in Ontario. Content includes an overview of Ontario’s land registry system and structure, best practices for using the OnLand database, and instructions for how to trace the history of any given parcel of land from its Crown patent back to the present time, using the abstracts and documents stored digitally in the provincial land registry's database. All participants will receive detailed teaching from live instructors, along with take-home worksheets and resources.

The next Ballroom Dance Social is planned for Saturday February 15th. 

Doors open at 6:30pm. Dance to begin at 7:00pm.

Carousel Theatre's Niagara Children’s Festival Pop-Ups are the perfect preview to the full Niagara Children's Festival experience! Join us for a jam-packed ½ day of programming featuring performances of Pop! Pop! and Hare & Tortoise, crafts, and Pirate Mystery - an interactive, sensory play-based scavenger hunt! 

Saturday May 3, 2025 | Meridian Community Centre
9:30am - Pop! Pop!
11:30am - Hare & Tortoise 

Pop! Pop!
A Carousel Players Production
By Linda A. Carson, with Monica Dufault & Kim Selody
For Ages 2 – 4
Running Time: ~50 minutes
$10 Tickets

Pop! Pop! is a performance piece with sensory experiences, live music, adorable puppets – it’s lots of fun for children and adults alike. Two characters who are very different from each other are exploring a strange new world and finding surprises in this colourful sensory experience. One instinctively hides, the other instinctively seeks. Together they find lots of surprises that pop up everywhere!

Hare & Tortoise 
A Carousel Players Production
By Brendan Murray
For Ages 4-12
Running TIme: ~60 minutes 
$10 Tickets

Hare & Tortoise is a whimsical retelling of Aesop’s Fable about two friends who have opposite approaches to absolutely everything. As the seasons change from winter to spring, Hare impatiently waits for Tortoise to wake up so they can hurry up and have their race. But Tortoise has other things to do first: a little spring cleaning, taking care of the garden, and enjoying a holiday. Finally the race day arrives – but things don’t turn out the way Hare expected at all!

The next Comedy Night in Pelham - Saturday, August 9, 2025!
Meridian Community Centre - 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill.

Time & Location

August 9, 2025, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Pelham, 100 Meridian Way, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6, Canada

Comedy Night in Pelham returns with another amazing night of laughs headlined by "That Canadian Guy" Glen Foster!

Glen Foster has been one of the top headliners in Canada for over four decades. He didn't just work the road, he's one of the guys who helped to build it. Glen appeared in his first one hour comedy special, "That Canadian Guy" in 2000 and, since then, the moniker has stuck. Many of his fans, don't even know his actual name, but they do know one thing: "That Canadian Guy" is one of the funniest comedians anywhere.

Glen has since appeared in his second one hour Comedy Network special and has also performed on numerous other television shows including EIGHT appearances with CBC's "Just for Laughs", as well as "The Winnipeg Comedy Festival", "Halifax Comedy Festival", and "The Mike Bullard Show". He can also be heard frequently on CBC Radio's "The Debaters".

This laugh packed event will also feature host David Green, special guest Silvi Santoso, Fonthill favourite Bernie Law and the 2025 Grassroots Comedy Contest Champion Austin Conrad.

This is a 19+ event and there will be a licensed bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available.

Tickets are $30 or reserve a table of 8 for $200.

Call 289-668-3425 for more details

Doors open at 7pm Show at 8pm

For more info and details please call 289-668-3425 
Purchase Tickets Here

Join us for another memorable evening of laughs!

Visit www.gardencitycomedyfestival.com  

The Jimmy Marando Swing Band was formed in 1965 in Welland, Ontario by Jimmy Marando.
The band is still in 'full swing', bringing the best hits of the 30's through 70's to audiences throughout Niagara and beyond.
They continue to bring back musical memories of days when audiences danced to swing, jazz and classic (ballroom) standards. These include the best of Glen Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Broadway, Latin, and much more. Featuring guest vocalists.

Pelham Big Band Dance Night Featuring the Jimmy Marando Swing Band runs the third* Tuesday of every month in the Accursi Room at the Meridian Community Centre. 

2025 Event Schedule:
January 21
February 18
March 18
April 15
May 20
June 17
July 15
August 19
September 16
October 21
November 18
December 16

2026 Event Schedule:
January 20
February 17
March 10* (Note the change to the 2nd week of the Month due to March Break)
April 21
May 19
June 16
July 21
August 18
September 15
October 20
November 17
December 15

 

Free admission

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the band plays from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Donations are welcome for the band.

This event continues to offer free admission with food and beverage available for purchase.

 

Learn more about the band here.

We invite artists of all backgrounds and styles to exhibit their masterpieces and connect with a diverse community of art enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting on your creative journey, our platform welcomes the unique stories and perspectives that each piece of art brings. Share your passion, engage with fellow artists, and let your creativity shine on our welcoming platform. If you would like to display your artwork here at the Meridian Community Centre. Please apply below!

MCC Hallway Application

MCC Atrium Application

Artist Directory

The Town of Pelham has a vast variety of Artist living and working within its borders.

Call for Local Arts Professionals and Facilitators:

The Town of Pelham is creating a local online artist directory. The directory will be utilized for any future opportunities for artists in Pelham.  

In addition, the online directory may be available to the general public to discover local artisans, performers, teachers, art, music, photography, etc.

Artists of all mediums are encouraged to apply to the online directory.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be 18 years or older or have parent/guardian consent.
  • Persons with disabilities, visible minorities and Indigenous artists are encouraged to apply.
  • Applicants must reside in Pelham or have a Pelham based business.
  • All levels of experience and mediums are encouraged to submit an application. 

Terms and Conditions

  • The Town of Pelham is not responsible for any damages that may occur.
  • Information provided will be accessible by the general public.
  • Information provided from this application may be used as part of an online directory.
  • At any point you may request to be removed from the directory.
  • Completion of an annual participant form will be required to maintain up to date information.  

Art & You Inc Arts Centre
Contact: Shauna Daley
809 Poth Street
Fenwick, ON
artandyou1@gmail.com 

Workshops, Lessons, Children/Youth Classes, Open Houses/Tours, Exhibits/Performances 

 

Beverly Sneath
Ridgeville, ON
info@beverlysneath.com 

Paint Nights, Private Group bookings for businesses, families, community groups, Studio viewing by appointments 

Caitlin Miller Music
Fonthill, ON
caitlinmillermusic@gmail.com 

Workshops, Lessons, Children/Youth Classes, Exhibits/Performances

Christina Drummond 
Fonthill, ON
Christinadrummond@me.com

Studio visits, Participation in local shows and exhibitions

Distracted Art Club
Contact: Agata Mancini
Fonthill, ON
agata@assembledlight.com
Distractedartclub.ca
IG: @picturemedistracted, @colourmedistracted

Artist. Photographer. Architect gone rogue.

 

Hungry Hearts Band
Contact: Joseph Minicucci
Fonthill, ON
HungryHeartsBand@gmail.com 

Exhibits/Performances 
Available for festivals, concerts, private and corporate functions.

 

MCLOUDZ LLP
Contact: MC 333
Fonthill, ON
starwalkerrecords@gmail.com 

Musical performances in the area of conscious Hip-hop

Metal Mud Studio
Contact: Ruth Pallek
Fenwick, ON
ruthpallek@gmail.com 

 

Minicucci + Associates Advertising Inc.
Joseph Minicucci
Fonthill, ON
905-401-2998
info@minicucci.ca

Advertising, marketing and graphic design services for printing, signage, outdoor advertising, magazine and newspaper, web design, digital platforms and video production.

Neva Greig
Fenwick, ON
nevagreig@gmail.com

Abstract and nature themed multi media artist.
Open Houses/Tours

Nimea Ariana
Ridgeville, ON
hello@nimeaariana.com 

Visual Art & Design
Painting, Writing, Drawing, Sculpture and Textiles

Pelham Art Association
Meridian Community Centre
100 Meridian Way, Fonthill
Contact: Lynette Sanders
pelhamartassociation@gmail.com

Monthly painting classes and workshops: Watercolour and Acrylic, beginner to advanced.

Workshops, Lessons, Open Houses/Tours, Exhibits/Performances

Pelham Street Combo
Contact: Mason De Fazio
Fonthill, ON
mason.defazio@cogeco.ca

Live Music. From smooth swing to toe-tapping funk, their music will create an unforgettable experience for any atmosphere!

Stubborn Skull Fantastical Art
Contact: Kelly Yatulis
Fonthill, ON
kmyatulis@gmail.com 

Open Houses/Tours, Exhibits/Performances

Sue Swartzenburg
Fenwick, ON
sue.swartzenburg@gmail.com 

 

Vinyl Flux
Contact: Joseph Minicucci
Fonthill, ON
info@vinylflux.ca 

Exhibits/Performances 
Available for an outstanding classic rock musical and audience experience for festivals, concerts, private and corporate functions.

Past Programming with SAY IT! on Stage.

SAY IT! on Stage - Seniors and Youth Intergenerational Theatre On Stage

SAY IT! On Stage 
Seniors and Youth Intergenerational Theatre
www.sayitonstage.com

2019-2023

 

SAY IT! On Stage. “SAY IT” stands for “Seniors and Youth Intergenerational Theatre”.

It is a program designed to strengthen connections and encourage collaboration between teens and their elders. The Town of Pelham, students from E.L. Crossley High School, and community volunteers will be apart of this exciting creative process that will finish in the performance of an original dramatic production. Performance Dates and delivery change with each production. 

Through intergenerational conversation circles, senior participants will have the opportunity to share anecdotes and experiences from their lives; these stories will provide the foundation for a play that will be produced and performed by both youth and senior participants.

This initiative also seeks to showcase the broad range of talents and passions individuals bring to the project – music, dance, visual arts, crafts, trades. Our aim is to involve the community of Pelham in all of its diversity, including Indigenous presence and storytelling approaches.

We hope you will join us in this artistic endeavour.

  Goals of the Project: 

  • To provide opportunities for seniors to share their life stories
  • To validate and celebrate the life experiences of seniors within our community
  • To foster connections between seniors and youth through storytelling and drama activities
  • To encourage collaboration between high school students and seniors as they create, rehearse, and perform community theatre
  • To offer co-op placement and community involvement opportunities for high school students
  • To enrich cultural life for all residents of Pelham with a new performance arts initiative

2023 Project - Roundabout Now

Discover the live-on-stage community theatre performance of "Roundabout Now". Free to attend, limited seating available.

Imagine if you could meet your younger self. Would you still be able to relate to how you saw the world then, and what you hoped for your future? Come share in our magical mystery tour of a show. We'll take you to the past and to the future. But, don't worry. We'll bring you back to the present day before our carnival draws to a close. Or, at least you'll end up somewhere Roundabout Now.

The Roundabout Now performance is made possible through the generous support of Help Age Canada. 

A special thank you to the team of students from Niagara College who assisted in capturing the performance. 

2022 Performance - Stories Found

Live On-stage Performance - Nov 5 & 6, 2022

Meridian Community Centre (MCC)

Link to the Live Recording of Stories Found - November 5 2022 

SAY IT! On Stage. “SAY IT” stands for Seniors and Youth Intergenerational Theatre. The program creates connections and encourages collaboration between people of all ages and circumstances. Through intergenerational conversation circles, participants share experiences from their lives; these stories provide the foundation for the live on-stage performance of "Stories Found." 

"A little antique and curiosity shop in a small town holds a multitude of memories. Step through the door with us. Precious moments from people’s lives will be experienced anew, rediscovered through objects that call them to mind. The value of material possessions cannot always be measured in dollars and cents. What really counts is the richness of the experiences that they represent. Stuff is the stories that we are made of."
"Unearthed" An Original Radio Play (2020-2021 Project)
The second season of SAY IT! On Stage had us exploring new ways to be creative and stay connected. No longer able to meet in person, we have congregated in Zoom rooms, experimenting with a hybrid theatre art: old-time radio plays performed on a videoconferencing app of our own technological age. The project is as intergenerational as the participants!
After months of meeting weekly to read through vintage scripts, we set to work creating a radio play of our own. Rehearsing from a living document in a virtual venue had its challenges, but neither unstable internet connections nor endless electronic versions of a monster draft document could deter us. 

With all the safety precautions, and when restrictions allowed, the group was able to record all of the performers' voices. When all the scenes had been read through and each sound effect included, the editing began! The final result is the radio play..."Unearthed"

Contact Us

Town of Pelham
20 Pelham Town Square
P.O. Box 400
Fonthill ON L0S 1E0

905-892-2607 

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