Oktoberfest Ladysmith

06/11/2026

The Plager Boys are back for Oktoberfest Ladysmith 2026!

No strangers to our stage, The Plager Boys have become a true crowd favourite over the years with songs like
Otterlake Boys and Cottage Country.
Founded by brothers Jeff and Jamie Plager, the group has grown to include Jeff’s wife Trish and Jamie’s son Jordan. Together, they bring a rich mix of traditional country with folk and bluegrass influences.
They’ll be kicking off the festivities on Friday, October 2nd at 6:00 PM in the CB Building — don’t miss a great opening night of music and Oktoberfest spirit!


Oktoberfest Ladysmith est ravi d’accueillir à nouveau The Plager Boys pour l’édition 2026! Habitués de notre scène, The Plager Boys sont devenus au fil des ans de véritables favoris du public avec des chansons comme Otterlake Boys et Cottage Country.
Fondé par les frères Jeff et Jamie Plager, le groupe s’est agrandi pour inclure Trish, l’épouse de Jeff, ainsi que Jordan, le fils de Jamie. Ensemble, ils offrent un riche mélange de musique country traditionnelle aux influences folk et bluegrass.
Ils lanceront les festivités le vendredi 2 octobre à 18 h dans le bâtiment CB — ne manquez pas cette superbe soirée d’ouverture
remplie de musique et de l’esprit de l’Oktoberfest!

Oktoberfest Ladysmith freut sich, The Plager Boys für die Ausgabe 2026 wieder begrüßen zu dürfen! Keine Unbekannten auf
unserer Bühne, The Plager Boys sind im Laufe der Jahre mit Songs wie Otterlake Boys und Cottage Country zu echten Publikumslieblingen geworden. Die Gruppe wurde von den
Brüdern Jeff und Jamie Plager gegründet und umfasst inzwischen auch Jeffs Ehefrau Trish sowie Jamies Sohn Jordan. Gemeinsam bringen sie eine reiche Mischung aus traditioneller Country-Musik
mit Folk- und Bluegrass-Einflüssen. Sie eröffnen die Feierlichkeiten am Freitag, den 2. Oktober um 18:00 Uhr im CB-Gebäude — verpassen Sie nicht diesen großartigen Eröffnungsabend voller Musik und Oktoberfest-Stimmung!

Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame Awards Show in September o...

06/03/2026

Oktoberfest Ladysmith is excited to reveal our 2026 Entertainment Lineup!
Mark your calendars for October 2–4, 2026 and get ready for a full weekend of live music, great food, family fun, and Oktoberfest traditions right here in Ladysmith!
This year’s lineup features:
The Timber Line
Valley Mountain
The Plager Boys
The Folk Collusion
Grey Street Duo
Odd Man Out
Gillan Rutz
Maple Leaf - Almrausch Club Schuhplattler Dancers
Spencer Scharf
Live from Oktoberfest with VHR - The Valley
PLUS:
Truck & Tractor Pull (Whitewater Truck & Tractor Pullers)
Horseshoe Tournament
Children’s Games (Association Récréative Ladysmith/Ladysmith Recreation Committee)
Craft & Vendor Booths
Breakfast & German Food
Parade & more!
Come and experience a little taste of Germany, in the heart of the Pontiac!!
Check out our website (www.oktoberfestladysmith.com) for the full weekend schedule and start planning your Oktoberfest weekend!

Graphics provided by: The Equity's Community Hub

05/23/2026

Friendly PSA about water safety from Service d’incendie de Thorne / Thorne Fire Department

🚤 Thorne Fire Department

As warm weather and cottage season approach, the Thorne Fire Department reminds everyone to stay safe on the water this summer.

🔹 Wear a lifejacket or PFD
🔹 Never boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol
🔹 Check weather conditions before heading out
🔹 Keep required safety equipment onboard
🔹 Supervise children near water at all times
🔹 Keep a safe distance from swimmers and other boats
🔹 Slow down near docks and shorelines

🚒 Have a safe and enjoyable boating season!

⸻

🚤 Service d’incendie de Thorne

Avec l’arrivée du temps chaud et de la saison des chalets, le Service d’incendie de Thorne rappelle à tous de demeurer prudents sur l’eau cet été.

🔹 Portez un gilet de sauvetage ou VFI
🔹 Ne conduisez jamais une embarcation sous l’effet de l’alcool ou de drogues
🔹 Vérifiez les conditions météorologiques avant de partir
🔹 Gardez l’équipement de sécurité requis à bord
🔹 Surveillez les enfants près de l’eau en tout temps
🔹 Gardez une distance sécuritaire des nageurs et des autres embarcations
🔹 Ralentissez près des quais et des rives

🚒 Nous vous souhaitons une saison nautique sécuritaire et agréable!

05/15/2026

🚒🇨🇦 The Thorne Fire Department wishes everyone a Happy and Safe Victoria Day Weekend!

As cottage season begins, please take a few moments to review these important outdoor safety tips to help keep your family, friends, and community safe.

Enjoy the long weekend, stay safe, and make great memories!

— Thorne Fire Department / Service d’incendie de Thorne 🚒

05/15/2026

Whether you're heading to the cottage, spending time with family and friends, or simply enjoying some well-deserved downtime, we hope your weekend is filled with sunshine, relaxation, and great memories.

Don’t forget—the Thorne Community Garage Sale and BBQ Fundraiser in support of the Thorne Fire Department is happening this weekend! Come out to browse for treasures, enjoy a delicious BBQ, and support the dedicated volunteers who help keep our community safe.
Have a wonderful long Victoria Day weekend, and we hope to see you there!

Que vous partiez au chalet, passiez du temps en famille ou entre amis, ou profitiez simplement d’un repos bien mérité, nous espérons que votre fin de semaine sera remplie de soleil, de détente et de précieux moments.
N’oubliez pas que la vente de garage communautaire de Thorne et le barbecue-bénéfice au profit du Service des incendies de Thorne ont lieu cette fin de semaine! Venez dénicher des trésors, savourer un délicieux barbecue et appuyer les bénévoles dévoués qui contribuent à la sécurité de notre communauté.
Passez une merveilleuse fin de semaine de la fête de la Reine, et nous espérons vous y voir!

05/01/2026

Did you know? The German Maypole (Maibaum) dates back to pre-Christian times and symbolizes fertility, renewal, and community pride. Today, it’s raised with music, dancing, and celebration to welcome spring

Le mât de mai allemand (Maibaum) remonte à l’époque préchrétienne et symbolise la fertilité, le renouveau et la fierté communautaire. Aujourd’hui, il est érigé au son de la musique, de la danse et des festivités pour accueillir le printemps.

Der deutsche Maibaum hat seinen Ursprung in vorchristlicher Zeit und symbolisiert Fruchtbarkeit, Erneuerung und Gemeinschaftsstolz. Heute wird er mit Musik, Tanz und Feierlichkeiten aufgestellt, um den Frühling willkommen zu heißen.

04/29/2026

We are saddened to say goodbye today to one of our founding members, Roy Bretzlaff, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 85.

Roy was a pillar of our community—someone whose presence, dedication, and quiet service touched many lives over the years. A talented and devoted church organist, he faithfully shared his gift of music at Zion and St. John’s, enriching countless services and special moments.

His commitment extended far beyond the organ bench. Roy served as Zion’s church treasurer for many years with care and diligence. He also gave his time as a municipal councillor and was an active community volunteer. He played an integral role in organizing the Bretzlaff Family Reunions and was a familiar and friendly face at local events, often seen at the community suppers, fundraisers or the Farmers’ Market, connecting with neighbours and friends alike.

As one of the original founding members of Oktoberfest Ladysmith, Roy helped shape the spirit and foundation of what we are today. Even after stepping down from the board, he remained a dedicated volunteer, most recently serving as a parade judge.

Roy’s legacy is one of service, humility, and community pride. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.