Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The Aylmer 500 will take place on the weekend of August 23 and 24, bringing two full days of
free cultural programming to the heart of Old Aylmer. Organized by the Corporation du Vieux-
Aylmer, the festival will turn Rue Principale into a pedestrian zone lined with live music, family-
friendly activities, street food, and the long-awaited return of soapbox racing.

Running from 10 am to 4 pm on both days, the event will close Rue Principale to vehicle traffic
between Rue Park and Rue Jubilee on Saturday, and between Rue Parker and Rue Jubilee on
Sunday.

The festival will feature a broad range of family-oriented programming, including inflatable
games, face painting, and street performances. Outdoor concerts are scheduled throughout the
weekend, with a full musical lineup. Restaurants along Rue Principale will be active participants,
serving food and beverages in front of their storefronts to contribute to the street festival
atmosphere.

A highlight of the weekend will be the soapbox derby, scheduled for Sunday, August 24. The
event revives a local tradition that dates back to the mid-20th century, when handcrafted
soapbox cars were once a common sight along Main Street in the summer months. Races
continued intermittently into the 2010s but have not taken place since 2018.

This year’s race will mark a new chapter in that legacy. Participants will use standardized
soapbox cars provided by the organizers, purchased from a supplier in Montreal. Homemade
vehicles will not be permitted in this edition. This change, according to organizers, is intended to
ensure safety and allow as many people as possible to participate under consistent conditions.
Online registration will open soon, with eligibility criteria and age categories to be announced in
the coming days.

The Aylmer 500 is the first major festival to be organized under the new leadership of the
Corporation du Vieux-Aylmer, following a decade of event coordination by APICA (Association
des professionnels, industriels et commerçants d’Aylmer).

All events, performances, and activities are open to the public at no cost.