Mayor's Message, August 2026
As Labour Day weekend approaches, I am pleased to welcome fiddlers, stepdancers, families, and visitors to Pembroke for the 48th annual Canadian Fiddle and Stepdance Championship.
This event has been a longstanding tradition in our community, bringing generations of talented musicians and dancers to Pembroke. This year marks an exciting new chapter as the competition takes on national championship status, recognizing the reputation it has built over nearly five decades.
To everyone joining us from outside the area, whether you are camping at Fiddle Park in Riverside Park or staying at one of our great local hotels and motels, welcome to Pembroke. I hope you enjoy your time in our city and have an opportunity to experience everything our community has to offer during your stay.
The festivities begin Sunday, August 30, when Riverside Park once again becomes Fiddle Park for a week of camping, music, dancing, and gathering with friends old and new. The championship competition takes place September 4 and 5 at Festival Hall @ L’Équinoxe, 401 Isabella St. Playdowns begin September 4 at 1 p.m. and continue at 6 p.m., with another round September 5 at 10 a.m. The championship finals begin September 5 at 6:30 p.m.
I encourage Pembroke residents to take in some of the competition and help us give a warm welcome to the talented performers and visitors coming to our community. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the music, dancing, and traditions that are an important part of the culture of Pembroke and the Ottawa Valley.
An event with a history as long as this one does not happen without a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes. On behalf of Council and the City of Pembroke, I congratulate the Pembroke Fiddling Association organizing committee on the 48th edition of this special event. Thank you to the committee and the many volunteers who give their time and energy each year. Your dedication to this event, our community, and our local culture is greatly appreciated.
As we enjoy the festivities, I also want to wish everyone a safe and happy Labour Day long weekend. This is a busy weekend on our roads, and unfortunately, we know serious collisions can occur. Whether you are travelling to Pembroke, heading out of town, or simply making your way around the community, please drive carefully, be patient with others on the road, and never drive impaired. Let’s all do our part to ensure everyone gets where they are going safely.
I wish all competitors the best of luck, and I hope residents and visitors alike enjoy a safe and memorable Fiddle Week in Pembroke.
Mayor Ron Gervais