August 5, 2025
After more than two years of planning, organizing and implementing, the weekend of celebrations for Palmerston’s Homecoming and 150th Anniversary is over.
By all accounts, the weekend was a tremendous success. Blessed by perfect summer weather and great attendance, the weekend featured a broad array of events and entertainment with plenty of opportunities for socializing and renewing acquaintances.
It was a dedicated and determined effort on the part of the Homecoming Committee that made it all happen, not to mention remarkable support from businesses and organizations who stepped up as sponsors, and the many community groups who jumped in to help make things run smoothly. The Frank Lambier Legion Branch 409, the Palmerston Agricultural Society, the Minto Fire Department, the Town of Minto – and many others – are all to be commended. As well, there were numerous individual volunteers who helped along the way and during this past Homecoming weekend. The list of people who made it a reality is a long one.
From the JYD ball tournament to the live entertainment dances, from the grand parade to the beer garden, from the Norwell and Midwestern Regional Centre reunions to the vendors market, the kids events, to the food trucks, the car show and the return of Palmerston’s handcar races – it was a weekend to remember!
In the midst of it all, Palmerston residents past and present have warmly embraced the revival of their community newspaper for this milestone occasion. Attendees picked up copies of the Palmerston Observer ‘Redux Edition’ throughout the Homecoming weekend with more to be mailed to those who have ordered online. We’ll also have copies available at the Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum and Norsco Sports & What’s the Occasion for those who haven’t yet got their own commemorative issue.
The return of the Palmerston Observer was a success thanks to the support of volunteer contributors. Former Minto Express editor Mike Wilson (whose column was published here yesterday) and others graciously returned to their publishing roots to help make this Observer a success. This website will be kept live and we may continue to share stories that didn’t make it to the printed issue due to our limited page count.
We hope you have enjoyed reading through your copy of this special edition newspaper and reflecting on the history and progress our hometown has seen in recent decades and since its inception in 1875. Our thanks to the Palmerston Homecoming Committee for their support of the Observer project – and for delivering an incredible weekend of festivities for Palmerston that will be remembered for a very long time!
– Rob MacKenzie, Publisher & Editor