​Get Real: Coming home to the greatest community in the world at the Ripley Reunion

So, there I was with a camera in my hand, covering my fourth Ripley Reunion since arriving in Kincardine 30 years ago.

When I came to town in the summer of 1995, one of my first assignments for the “Kincardine Independent” was to take photos and write stories about this massive weekend community event. And nobody does community like Ripley, although because I live in Kincardine, I must say that reunion comes pretty close.

Back in 1995, things were a little more relaxed regarding liability concerns, but still quite buttoned-up as far as what was allowable in the local newspaper. I remember taking a photo of a young man marching in the shirt-tail parade, sporting a lovely fake bust, and we published that on the front page of the special section for the Ripley Reunion. Well, the reaction came thick and harsh, but we managed to come out of it somewhat unscathed.

Many of the activities were the same, including the ambassador competition, variety show, mammoth parade, back-to-school, tug-of-war, bed races, and the beard-growing competition – most of which were new to me since I hailed from Ashfield Township in Huron County and well, they just don’t celebrate the same way as Ripley!

In 2005, I was still at the “Independent” for the Ripley Reunion, but by the time the 2015 event rolled around, I was in charge of my own on-line news source, the “Kincardine Record,” and so it was the same for the rocking good time that was had on the holiday weekend for the 2025 reunion.

Over the years, the organizers have changed and the contestants have changed, but the activities mostly stay the same – and we wouldn’t have it any other way. This year’s bed races saw the same contraptions roaring down the street, but with the next generation leading the charge! The same held true for those pulling on the ropes in the tug-of-war, and growing beards and mullets.

It’s a lot of work for the reunion committee, but the response from the community is always a loud round of applause and thanks for a job well done.

And for sure, one thing that will never change, is the great big welcome you get when you walk through that gate at the Ripley Reunion. They’re all happy to see you and they’re really glad you came!

Reunion chairman Matt Farrell said it best, “This is the best community in the whole world!”

Let’s see what Kincardine can do in 2028!