TurtleFest Tales
Something to SHELL-ebrate
Held every Father's Day weekend, TurtleFest is Tillsonburg's largest and most anticipated community festival, drawing visitors from across Ontario to experience the charm and warmth of small-town life at its best.
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The festival takes its inspiration from the story of Tillsonburg's founder, George Tillson, who once vowed to return as a turtle to witness how his town would thrive. Remarkably, a few years after his passing, a giant turtle was spotted on the banks of Otter Creek. In keeping with George's promise, the townspeople brought "George" downtown to see the town's progress for himself.
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Over 130 years later, the spirit of George Tillson lives on through TurtleFest, as the people of Tillsonburg celebrate the town’s steady growth—from its humble beginnings along Otter Creek to the vibrant community it is today.
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Join us each June to be part of this unique tradition, where we come together to honor Tillsonburg’s past, present, and future—and, of course, to have fun!
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Meet The Team
Each year, Tillsonburg TurtleFest is organized by a team of committed community volunteers, with assistance from the Downtown Tillsonburg Business Improvement Area ​

Terry Fraser
Coordinator

Olivia Taylor
Committee Member

Jason Collins
Committee Member

Mark Renaud
Committee Member

Naomi Dube
Committee Member

Kathleen Watkin
Committee Member

Vanessa Fortner
Committee Member

Tabitha Verbuyst
Committee Member

George The Turtle
Face of TurtleFest
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!