Thousands of residents filled the Caledon East Community Complex on Saturday for the 17th annual Caledon Day, a full day of vendors, live music, civic awards and fireworks capped by a headlining set from Canadian country star Brett Kissel.

Dozens of local vendors set up food trucks, booths and tents across the south and west parking lots of the complex, while six musical acts performed from mid-afternoon into the evening, the Caledon Citizen reported. Performers included Grand River Band, The Wanted (Trio), EVARA, Bay Llagas, the Matthew & Richard Jazz Duo and the Canadiana Band, which closed the afternoon program with hits from The Tragically Hip, Bryan Adams, Blue Rodeo, The Guess Who, Neil Young and Loverboy.

Politicians mark community milestones

The opening ceremonies brought three levels of government to the stage, along with Margaret Sault, the newly elected Ogimaa Kwe (Chief) of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Mayor Annette Groves introduced a slate of dignitaries that included Deputy Premier and Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones, Brampton North-Caledon MP and Secretary of State for Combatting Crime Ruby Sahota, and several town and regional councillors.

Jones told the crowd, "What an amazing day to celebrate the community we call home," and invited attendees to "visit the vendors, enjoy the evening, and make new friends."

Sahota told the crowd, "We're celebrating as a community today and it's an opportunity to unite as a community. As Secretary of State, I've been introducing new legislation because this community has asked for change. We've put forth a record-breaking number of bills to strengthen the Criminal Code. All of this is so important to create a peaceful country. This is a community that really cares about protecting its neighborhoods."

Sault, elected in December 2025, reminded attendees that June is National Aboriginal History Month. "Events and spaces like these remind us about how important it is to belong," she said. "Events like these occur through the power of community spirit and the dedication of volunteers. This is a celebration of community in its best form. Enjoy the day. Enjoy the music. Most importantly, enjoy one another."

Groves used the stage to announce that Ontario will build the first Aboriginal hospice in the country, in Caledon. "We are determined to build our relationship with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation," she said. "This relationship must be based on trust and respect. The Land Acknowledgement we read at public events is not just words on paper."

The mayor also recognized the Royal Canadian Legion ahead of its one hundredth anniversary next month, thanking Larry Weltz of the Alton Legion Branch 449. Regional Councillor Mario Russo presented Weltz with a congratulatory certificate on behalf of the town.

Eighteen residents honoured with Civic Awards

The ceremonies also recognized 18 residents with Civic Awards for making Caledon a better place to live. Seven were honoured for Community and Social Services: Jennifer Malcom of Bethell Hospice; Jo-Anne Fiore, Amo Ilic, Lynn Baker, Mike Fiore and Paul Smith from BrightStart Caledon Family Centre; and Naseem Shad from the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.

Three were recognized for Sports and Recreation — Mike Louro of the Caledon Minor Hockey Association U12 Caledon Hawks, Terry Lawrence of the Caledon Tennis Club and Victoria Kring of the Caledon Minor Baseball Association — while Betty de-Groot, Cathy Pley, Fely Ragudo, Lucrezia Chiapetta and Paula Oake, all associated with ecoCaledon, received Environmental Leadership awards. Diana Mollicone, Lori Robinson and Mojgan Schmalenberg were presented with the Distinguished Citizen Award.

The evening wrapped up with a Taylor Swift tribute band fronted by Rikki Lee Wilson, a headline performance by Brett Kissel and a fireworks display. Earlier in the day, Caledon Community Services hosted Velocity, an annual cycling event that raises funds to support Caledon seniors.