Ripley Reunion 2025 draws thousands to “The Ground We Grew Up On”

The Ripley Reunion welcomed thousands of residents and visitors for the four-day celebration of community, from July 31 to Aug. 4.

Held every 10 years, the event was considered a resounding success, with an estimated 10,000 people passing through the beer gardens over the weekend.

Themed “The Ground We Grew Up On,” the reunion was a tribute to Ripley's history and a celebration of its present and future.

"It was truly a generational celebration of home," said reunion committee chairman Matt Farrell. "Seeing former residents return and new faces discover the small-town spirit of Ripley, was a powerful reminder of what makes our community so special."

A highlight of the weekend was the Mammoth Parade, Saturday, which drew an estimated 6,000 people to this small southwestern Ontario town. The reunion also featured a wide array of activities, including live music, sports competition, kids activities and historic displays, all organized by dedicated volunteers.
 

• 2025 Ripley Reunion Ambassador: Emery Harper
• Masked Singer Competition Winner: Mackenzie Burgess
• Bed Races Winning Team: Tanner Smith, Evan John, Carter Snobelen, Colban Liddle, Ashley Snow
• Mullet Competition Winner: Owen Farrell
• Beard Growing Competition Winners:
  • Bushiest - Jordan Ball
  • Best Groomed - Harold Keelan
  • Most Colourful - Joe Van Sickle
  • Longest - Wayne Fleming
  • Best Effort - Kyle Kortegaard

Organized entirely by a team of volunteers who spent the past three years planning it, the reunion was a testament to community spirit. Organizers were also proud to report only a handful of minor incidents over the entire weekend, ensuring a safe and fun environment for all.

Proceeds from the reunion will be reinvested into the community. Details on how the funds will be used will be announced at a later date.

The Ripley Reunion organizing committee extends its sincerest thanks to all the generous sponsors and volunteers who helped make the event possible.

To view the 2025 Ripley Reunion song, by Fran Farrell and her granddaughters, Nora and Paisley Farrell, click here: youtube.com/shorts/xTAa0hcHwj0?si=336GRfAvLxSP1TUe.