Ingersoll Gets Ready for First Annual Hometown Hangout

Festivities are underway as Ingersoll prepares for a brand new event. Pictured is a work in progress of a Hometown Hangout mural painted by artists Nanta Dumont, Izzy Skinner and Sam Mansbridge of Aftermath Tattoo Studios. (Kyrah Smith Photo)

Kyrah Smith, Echo Correspondent

Ingersoll residents and local businesses are gearing up for the town’s first annual Hometown Hangout, a brand-new community event created to bring neighbours, families and local businesses together for a day of celebration.

Taking place Aug. 15 from noon until 11 p.m., Hometown Hangout is free to attend and will celebrate the community, creativity and local spirit.

“The committee’s vision was to build something positive for downtown Ingersoll,” explains Shannon McKechnie, owner of Commonplace Books and a member of the event planning committee.

The committee is made up of several local business owners and community members, including Tyler Weale and Trish Near of Ingersoll Automotive, Sam Mansbridge of Aftermath Tattoo Studios, Dave Cripps of All Celebrations, Scott Van Schnydel of Scotch & Ponder and Oxford Growth Co., Ingersoll Lions Club member Peggy Myall, Angela Neddo of the Ingersoll BIA and volunteer Jasmyne MacDonnell.

When asked what inspired the event, McKechnie says Hometown Hangout is intended to be “a celebration of community spirit and creativity that make Ingersoll a place we’re proud to call home.”

The event aims to support local businesses, tourism, live music, artists and community culture in a way that feels unique to Ingersoll.

More than 25 local businesses and organizations have sponsored the event, with their generous contributions helping make the day possible.

Several streets will be closed for the festivities, including Thames Street South and Water Street. Visitors can expect a little something for everyone, with live bands, food trucks, a vendor market, the Lions Club Beer Tent, classic cars and a kids’ zone.

Food Truck Alley, located along Water Street, will offer guests the chance to enjoy the “Taste of Ingersoll” food court, while live music will be featured across two different stages throughout the day.

Proceeds from Hometown Hangout will support the Alexandra Hospital Foundation and the Food Project.

Preparations for the event can already be spotted around town. A festive mural created by artists from Aftermath Tattoo Studios, including Nanta Dumont, Izzy Skinner and Sam Mansbridge, can be found at the soon-to-be Auto Shop Stage, offering residents a preview of the creativity and community spirit visitors can expect to see throughout Hometown Hangout.

With local businesses, artists, organizations and residents coming together, Hometown Hangout promises to be a celebration of everything that makes Ingersoll feel like home.

For more event details, you can visit https://hometownhangout.ca.