About Us
Creating memories that last forever
TurtleFest is a community festival that returns year after year to bring Tillsonburg and surrounding areas together for a day full of family fun, tasty treats and great music!
Our Story
TurtleFest is Tillsonburg’s biggest community festival. Held every Father’s Day weekend, this three-day event encourages people from all over Ontario to come out of their shell and experience small-town living at its finest.
Our festival draws its inspiration from Tillsonburg founder, George Tillson, who promised to return one day as a turtle to see how his town was prospering.
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Remarkably, a few years after George Tillson’s death, a giant turtle appeared on the banks of the Otter Creek. Remembering their founder's words, the citizens took “George” downtown so he could see the town's progress for himself.
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More than 130 years later, the people of Tillsonburg remember George's words and take time each June to celebrate Tillsonburg’s slow and steady rise from a hamlet along the Otter Creek to thriving small town.
Meet The Team
Each year, Tillsonburg TurtleFest is organized by a team of committed community volunteers, with assistance from the Town of Tillsonburg. ​
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2023 TurtleFest Committee​
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Savanna Todd - Festival Director​
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Terry Fraser
Jason Collins
Carolyn Lamers (Country 107.3 Concert Lead)
Mark Renaud
Tabitha Verbuyst (Creative Imaginations Festival Lead)
Vanessa Fortner
Randy Owen
Patty Phelps (Annandale NHS Lead)
Lindsay Jacko
Tracey Helyar
Kelly Purtill
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If you're interested in helping bring this amazing event back next year, please contact info@turtlefest.ca. We'd love to have you join us!​
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