Village of Stirling celebrates community during Settler Days 2026

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

Village of Stirling residents and neighbouring communities will gather to celebrate Stirling Settler Days 2026 from July 15-18. 

This year’s celebration kicks off Wednesday evening with a Tween Luau for ages 9-13 at the Stirling Pool. Other activities over the four-day event include an Artisan Craft Show, a Family Slow Pitch Tournament, Kids’ Craft and Music on the Veranda on Thursday evening, with Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, FCSS Games, Bouncy Castles, Cake Walk and Movie in the Park on Friday. 

“Our events committee’s done a very good job of adding things and changing things (each year) … It allows us the ability to flex and bring in different events and activities for people to participate in,” said Scott Donselaar, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Village of Stirling. “So it enables us to keep it fresh and give people some new things to do.”

The fourth and final day for Stirling Settler Days 2026 features an entire day of activities beginning at 7:30 a.m. with a Firefighter’s Pancake Breakfast, a Parade, Streetside Market Free Barbecue, Car Show, Live Music, Public Swim, and new this year, Mechanical Bull Rides. The event wraps up with a Family Street Dance at 8:30 p.m. and Fireworks at 11 p.m.       

Donselaar noted some of the fan favourites that return each year, including the ever-popular Cake Walk.

“It’s an annual thing – it happens every year and the turnout for it is always amazing,” he said.

Another popular returning event is Music on the Veranda. 

“It’s something that the Historical Society does as a small fundraiser, but it also allows us to showcase a lot of the local musical talent,” said Donselaar, noting the range of musical acts that participate each year. “You get a mix of the family choir to some people who (make music) part of their living.” 

In addition to activities, Stirling Settler Days t-shirts are available for purchase at the Village office prior to the event or at various facilities throughout the Village during Settler Days. 

Several concessions and food fundraisers will also be a part of the fun-filled Stirling Settler Days.  

“Our service groups do a great job of providing food and it’s an opportunity for the community to also pay back to the service groups who do a lot of good work within the community,” said Donselaar, noting the funds raised goes back to supporting the local community. “Whether it’s doing projects, or (giving to) the library, or upgrades to some of the recreational things – it’s stuff that all ends up coming back to the people so it’s good to get people out to support them.”  

Over the four fun-filled days, Stirling Settler Days offers a range of activities and something for the entire family. Donselaar noted it’s an important time of year for families to get together as a community and celebrate the community they live in. 

“Settler Days is an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together with their neighbours and socialize, get to know people they might otherwise not see in the community and really showcase what it means to be a community,” said Donselaar, adding that while some events include a small fee, the vast majority of events are free for everyone to enjoy. 

“Everyone’s welcome to come participate, meet their neighbours, hang out, have a good time and enjoy the nice amenities that we have within this community,” said Donselaar. “It’s things like this and the community events that are planned by a very dedicated group of volunteers, that really showcase what it means to live in a cohesive community.”