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30 Tillson Ave., Tillsonburg, Ontario
519.842.2294
​​Annandale National Historic Site was built by E.D. Tillson, first mayor of Tillsonburg ~ and son of Tillsonburg's founder, George Tillson. It is considered the best surviving example of the Aesthetic Arts movement, popularized by Oscar Wilde. During Turtlefest, you can tour the property, plus enjoy a variety of activities inside and outside the home.
June 19th, 2026
6pm
Cowabunga! We are Back Again!
TurtleFest Movie at Dusk
Come kick off TurtleFest with us by painting turtle-themed rocks - a fun and creative way to start the celebration!
Grab a bite while you're here - Las Mexicanas, Speedy Fries Food Truck and SUPPA Swirls Ice Cream Truck will be on-site serving up delicious dinner and treats.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and snuggles and come to the Museum Lawn at dusk to watch the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: "The Turtles Are Back... in Time” (1993) in celebration of TurtleFest Weekend.
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Cost: By Donation
There is no charge for the movie.
Running time : 1 hour 33 minutes
Movie to begin at dusk
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Sponsored by Tillsonburg's Recreation, Culture & Parks Department
June 20th, 2026
10:00am - 2:00pm
Be sure to stop by Annandale National Historic Site on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fun-filled TurtleFest celebration featuring live turtles, carnival games, LEGO creations, a turtle hunt, and an open house. There will be plenty of free family-friendly activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy throughout the day.
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Lego Fun on the Lawn
Sponsor/Partner: ToroLUG & The Tillsonburg District Historical Society
Get your build on with the Toronto Lego Club (ToroLUG). Come see the Lego turtle and other displays that the club has created just for Turtlefest. Play with Lego and while supplies last pick up a free kit to build your own small Lego turtle!
Children's Book :Never Give Up" by Jan Everett
Sponsor/Partner: Jan & John Everett
Can't get enough of Turtle Stories - don't miss Jan Everett reading her very own Turtle Tale and showing us how to help our turtle friends. ​​​​
Turtle Crafts
Sponsor/Partner: Oxford Creative Connections Inc.
Bring out your inner artist by painting your own ceramic turtle to take home. All materials supplied at no charge - while supplies last.
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Guess the Turtle in the Tank
Sponsor/Partner: Annandale NHS
Come to the Museum's front desk and guess the number of jelly turtles in the tank. If you guess correctly, you get to take home the turtles!
Live Turtle and Snake Display
Sponsor/Partner: Scales Nature Park & Annandale NHS
Come see turtle and snakes native to Ontario and join the staff of Scales Nature Park to learn all about them.
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Long Point Basin Land Trust
Sponsor/Partner: Long Point Basin Land Trust
Come learn all about local wild species and ecosystems through an information booth and fun activities.
Turtle Buttons
Sponsor/Partner: Annandale NHS
Have you ever wanted a button of a turtle? Come and colour your very own button of TurtleFest's very own - George T. Turtle (mascot) - no charge - while supplies last
Turtle Find & Count
Sponsor/Partner: Annandale NHS
Can you see the turtles? Can you count the turtles? Have fun exploring throughout the rooms of Annandale House.
Information Booth & Live Animal Display
Sponsor/Partner: Skunk Haven of Dragon's Lair
Did you ever wonder about skunks and other animals that live in our neighbourhoods? Come to the museum's lawn to talk with the "Skunk Lady" and her friends to find out all about our animal neighbours.
Turtle Games
Sponsor/Partner: Annandale NHS
Come to the lawn and have some "Turtle-ly" fun playing games and winning prizes for FREE. While supplies last.
Turtle Balloons
Sponsor/Partner: Annandale NHS
Hold on tight to your helium filled balloon. It's green and features George!
By donation - while supplies last
Seed Planting Activity
Sponsor/Partner: Tillsonburg Horticultural Society
The Tillsonburg Horticultural Society will have a seed planting activity for children in keeping with this year's Junior Gardening Program theme "Plants Have Friends Too". Families can get information on the Horticultural Society's many activities and opportunities for learning.