Huron County, Ontario – From September 12 to 21, 2025, Huron County will celebrate Welcoming Week, an annual campaign that invites communities around the globe to host events that deepen understanding and connection among community members. This year, ten events will be hosted by organizations in seven communities in Huron County.
Highlights of the 2025 event calendar include:
- Bayfield Main Street Arts Festival, Sept. 21
A celebration of local creativity through interactive art installations and workshops. - Meet Your Neighbour Nights
Hosted in Brussels, Hensall, Seaforth, and Wingham, these gatherings offer residents a chance to connect with one another and learn about local services. - Dashwood Community Picnic, Sept. 13
A family-friendly event featuring games, food, and community engagement. - Exeter Block Party, Sept. 17
An evening of music, entertainment, and cultural celebration. - Goderich Conversation Circle, Sept. 15
An English-language practice session paired with an Indigenous beading workshop. - Goderich Networking & Dessert Social, Sept. 17
A community discussion on equity, accompanied by a multicultural dessert tasting. - Film Screening at the Huron County Museum, Sept. 20
A presentation of Parade: Queer Acts of Love & Resistance, followed by a facilitated discussion.
“Welcoming Week reflects Huron County’s ongoing commitment to building a community where all individuals feel valued and included,” said Huron County Warden Jamie Heffer. “We invite residents from all backgrounds to participate in this important initiative.”
Since its inception in Huron County in 2021, Welcoming Week has engaged over 4,000 participants across dozens of events.
Phil Maier, co-chair of the Huron County Immigration Partnership, said this year’s Welcoming Week program aims to spark meaningful connections, promote intercultural understanding, and strengthen community ties.
“Welcoming Week serves as a powerful reminder that communities thrive when diversity is embraced and every individual feels a sense of belonging. It is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to inclusion, and to recognize the invaluable contributions that everyone, including immigrants, bring to the cultural and economic vitality of Huron County,” Maier said.
For a complete schedule of events and additional information, please visit the official Welcoming Week webpage: https://www.huroncounty.ca/economic-development/welcoming-week/
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About the Huron County Immigration Partnership
Huron County’s Immigration Partnership is part of the County of Huron’s Economic Development department and is funded with support from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Working since 2010, the Immigration Partnership is dedicated to ensuring Huron County is a welcoming community where newcomers to Canada feel supported, at home and integrated in all spheres of life.
About Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.