North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser is seen speaking during the official opening ceremony of the 2026 Art on the Waterfront was held shortly after 10 a.m. on June 6. Thompson Goddard Photo

CHESTERVILLE – There was a good turnout for the 2026 Art on the Waterfront held on June 6 in Chesterville. There was a lot to see and do during the one-day event which featured a Kids Zone, lots of local vendors and organizations as well as music in the old town square and fun competitions for the young people.

The opening ceremonies began shortly after 10 a.m., with Piper Hugh Metcalfe opening the ceremony with a musical selection. North Dundas Mayor Tony Fraser commented in his opening remarks how Art on the Waterfront signals the start of a fun-filled summer in North Dundas.

Organizer Carrie Keller thanked her organizing team of Christina Kozmin, Sharon Monteith, Linsey Geroux, Jacob Li, Caity Smyck, Suzanne Millaire, Pam Kirkwood, Cheryl Wells, and Darcy Paquet for their dedication and hard work. North Dundas Councillor Gary Annable served as the municipal representative on the committee and described the team as hardworking and very organized. Keller then thanked the sponsors for their contributions to the 2026 event and declared the 2026 Art on the Waterfront officially open.

There were plenty of vendors along sections of Main Street, Water Street, and several locations. There were businesses selling baked goods, jewellery, paintings and maple syrup products to name just a few situated along Main and Water Streets and other nearby locations. As usual the Kids Zone was a busy place with lots of things to experience.

People were able to enjoy a breakfast at The Gathering House, with church tours and a plant sale at Christ Church United. Further up Main Street, St. Mary’s had a bake sale as well as tours of the historic church and a bake sale at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Mill Street.

Volunteers for the Chesterville & District Historical Society had the Heritage Centre open for visitors to come and learn about our local history. The Main Stage, in the “old” town square across from the Heritage Centre, featured a Kids Talent Show which was held followed by fun activities and in the afternoon musical performances to enjoy.

From 11 a.m. into the early afternoon people were able to enjoy demonstrations of line dancing and martial arts. During the day people were able to view entries in the Art on the Waterfront Youth Art

Contest, with winners announced during the event, mentioned speaking with some vendors who commented they enjoyed coming to the event and ND Councillor Gary Annable mentioning the organizational skills of the team planning the event were wonderful.

All in all, the organizers, sponsors and vendors are to be congratulated for the success of this year’s Art on the Waterfront. It is now 14 years since that popular spring into summer event began and each year it keeps getting better.