Kinsmen Club of Aylmer

Next Event

82nd Aylmer Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade

Start off the Christmas season in Aylmer by joining us along Talbot Street, starting at 2PM. See plenty of floats, specialized vehicles, marching bands and, of course, Santa Claus!

The theme for this year is “Christmas Around The World!” Floats, please arrive using the Elk St. entrance by 12PM. If your entry involves horses, be sure to have a poop plan – the marching bands don’t appreciate having to walk through it!

There is no registration or free required to attend the parade or to enter a float into the parade.

Please be respectful and safe at all times. Parents, be sure to keep your kids clear of all moving vehicles, floats or marchers.

Canned goods and monetary donations are being accepted, to be donated to Corner Cupboard.

Latest News

2026 Steak Stag Dinner

The Club recently held a Steak Stag Dinner in support of the Environmental Leadership Program at EESS. Over $2000 was donated to that program.

2026 Canada Day Fireworks

The 2026 Canada Day Fireworks are coming soon, and the Club is eager to present our best display yet! More information to follow.

Save the Date!

Our 2026 Music & Pop Culture Trivia Night is coming. It will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Saxonia Hall. More information to follow!

Andy Beck awarded Life Membership

For his years of dedicated service, Deputy Governor Past President Andy Beck was awarded Life Membership at the Kinsmen 80th Anniversary Party.

80th Anniversary Party

With over 100 guests in attendance, the Club celebrated our 80th Anniversary in style. Taking place on May 3, 2025, entertainment was provided by Jeff West, a new life membership, and great company.

Club History

1944

The Kinsmen Club of Aylmer is chartered.

1944

The club hosts the first Santa Claus parade post-WWII.

1945

Milk for Britain becomes the club’s main focus.

1952

Club begins fundraising for the Aylmer Arena, by raffling a car a year. It took three years to raise $30,000.

1958

Kinette Club of Aylmer is chartered.

1959

2500 bags of candy and oranges handed out by Kinsmen and Rotarians during Parade.

1959

Some children were ill and unable to attend the parade – Santa makes over one hundred house calls.

1961

The Club holds a Halloween parade. Children in costume gathered at IGA and then paraded to Strand Theatre.

1964

Herb Kebbel makes presentation which includes construction of a new bathhouse building. Aylmer Kin pledge half the cost, or $7500.

1964

Kinsmen Car Draw. Mike Pfingstgraef wins a 1965 Rambler.

1965

Fire destroys eighteen businesses on both sides of Talbot St. W.

1970

Members pledge to establish Kinsmen park.

1972

Club installs magnetic goalie nets at the Aylmer Arena, and also aids in renovation requirements.

1977

First Elgin County Home and Garden Show, hosted by the Kinsmen. Raises $4000 and is a massive success.

1979

Third Annual Elgin County Home and Garden Show. Mike Pfingstgraef and Harold Phillips are made Life Members.

1982

K-40 Club is motioned into existence by Past President Herb Kebbel, seconded by Past Kin Harold Tuthill.

1982

First K-40 meeting held.

1982

Aylmer K-40 officially chartered. The Club held a dinner and dance for Former Members, as part of K-40 celebrations.

1985

The Club spent $30,000 installing lights and a baseball diamond in Steen Park.

1992

Kinsmen Club donates $14,000 to install a new sound system at the Aylmer Arena.

1993

Aylmer Femme Fest

1998

Past President Dick Campbell is awarded with a Life Membership.

2000

LMPP Lamers serves as Zone F Deputy Governor. He was later awarded the Governor’s Award of Excellence.

2003

The Kinsmen pledge $200,000 towards the East Elgin Community Complex. That pledge is fulfilled by 2014.

2005

60th Anniversary of club is celebrated.

2007

Paul Bode is awarded Life Member Past President.

2007

PP Todd Beamish and Kin Wife Cathy Beamish closely analyze some wine on a trip organized by the Kinsmen Club.

2012

Aylmer celebrated its 150th Anniversary, so the Kinsmen held a parade to celebrate.

2012

Kin Harold Phillip needed a wheelchair ramp for his home, and the club was glad to step up to help.

2016

The Club donates $5000 to the STEGH Foundation for the purchase of a new CT scanner.

2020

Due to the COVID19 pandemic, the Club was forced to adapt the parade to a night-time, stationary parade. This is a light-check in preparation for the event.

2022

The Club is presented plans for a new indoor athletic centre being spearheaded by Patrick Stanat and Albert Loewen. The Club later commits $10,000 to the cause.

2023

Kin Josh, Jack, Joe and Stacey Gaudette organized their annual Moore Ave. Fundraiser, to benefit the Aylmer Corner Cupboard.

2023

The Club commits to donating $10,000 to the Hospice of Elgin-St. Thomas, as well as $10,000 to the STEGH Transforming Tomorrow campaign to purchase a new MRI.

2025

Past President Andy Beck is awarded Life Membership.

Transparency

Meeting Minutes

The Club welcomed two guests to the meeting: Dan Taylor and Darrin DePutter. Thank you for joining us!

The Club donated $300 to Terrace Lodge.

The Club donated $1000 to ChildCan.

The Club donated $2000 to the Environmental Leadership Program, an award-winning forestry, outdoors and horticulture class held at East Elgin Secondary School.

The Club discussed plans for future events, to be revealed at a later date.

Congratulations to Kin Perry Babb for his tremendous work putting together the Steak Stag Dinner. It was highlighted as a successful event at the National level.

Executives

President

PP Jack Gaudette

First Vice

Kin Harrison Bates

Treasurer

Kin Josh Gaudette

Secretary

Past President Todd Beamish

Registrar

Kin Stacey Gaudette

Contact

Mailing Address
Box 162, Aylmer, ON, N5H 2R9

E-Mail
aylmerkinsmen@gmail.com