🎒 Help give 4,000 local kids their best first day

Doing these weekly newsletters has made me realize how little of London I actually visit. I tend to stay in the north end, with a few trips downtown and west, which means I am clearly missing some great parts of the city.

So tell me, what are your favourite places to visit? Hit reply to this newsletter and nominate them.  Don't forget to tell me why you love the place/business. And if you have a great photo of yourself there, even better, let’s highlight more of the city together. 

The Gist: The City of London and the London Professional Fire Fighters Association have reached a new two-year agreement covering about 470 members. The deal raises a first-class firefighter’s annual salary to roughly $123,000 and ends negotiations that continued for about 19 months after the previous contract expired at the end of 2024. The two sides had been headed toward binding arbitration this summer.

Why It Matters: The agreement settles firefighter pay and working terms without leaving the outcome to an arbitrator. Union leaders say the new salary brings London in line with comparable Ontario cities, while the city avoids the additional cost and uncertainty of a lengthy arbitration process.

The Gist: Blueberry season is underway across Ontario, with local picking expected to continue into September. Kustermans Adventure Farm on Longwoods Road has 14 acres of hand-tended blueberry rows, while Bluegroves Farms in Eagle offers certified-organic berries picked daily through Aug. 15.

Why It Matters: A morning at a U-pick farm is an easy summer outing, especially with the long weekend coming up. Bring the kids, fill a few buckets and stock the freezer while local berries are at their best. Ripeness can change quickly with the weather, so check the farm’s website or social pages before heading out.

The Gist: The Thames Valley Education Foundation and United Way Elgin Middlesex are back with their annual Best First Day backpack drive, running through August 25, 2026. The team is hoping to collect 4,000 brand-new backpacks stuffed with supplies like pencil crayons, binders, and locker locks for local elementary and high school students.

Why It Matters: Making sure local kids have what they need from day one isn't just about school supplies, it gives them a fair shot and a real sense of pride when heading back to class this fall.

What's Next: Neighbours can drop off brand-new items, chip in online, or host a drive until August 25, while families needing a hand with supplies can reach out to their school principal.

Dundas East harbours an understated strip-mall spot built on six generations of Southern barbecue tradition. Smokin' Joe's skips the festival queues at Victoria Park, serving low-and-slow brisket, tender back ribs, and crisp buttermilk chicken burgers year-round.

The pulled pork sandwich remains the gold-standard recommendation, though the Southern burger stacked with onion straws has its own loyal following. It delivers rich neighbourhood comfort at prices well below downtown.

Thames Valley Outfitters makes it easier to try camping without filling your garage with gear you may only use once or twice a year. The London-based rental company offers complete packages for family camping, backcountry trips, canoe adventures and even winter outings, along with individual items for anyone who only needs to fill a few gaps.

Depending on the package, they can set you up with tents, sleeping gear, cooking supplies, backpacks, canoes, food barrels and other essentials. Customers reserve everything for their trip dates, then arrange local pickup or delivery. Rentals over $200 qualify for free delivery within 30 kilometres of London.

Need a great realtor in London or Port Stanley?
Email Silver Phoenix at [email protected]. He’ll focus on your lifestyle goals and neighbourhood needs to find the right home in a community you’ll love being a part of.

🍖 London Ribfest | Victoria Park | 07/30-08/03 | More
Smoky barbecue delights, vibrant chalk art, and lively midway rides fill the park.

🍏 Cider Gardens Finale | Heeman's | 07/30 | More
Sip summer drinks on the garden patio with live music and more.

🐛 Bug Safari | Fanshawe Conservation Area | 07/30 | More
Explore meadows to catch and observe tiny critters alongside educators.

🎠 Festival Friday | Storybook Gardens | 07/31 | More
Stage entertainment, amusement rides, splash-happy water fun, and food trucks.

🏊 Free Civic Holiday Recreation | City of London Facilities | 08/03 | More
Enjoy local pool swims, drop-in sports, crafts, and active outdoor workshops.

🤹 Juggle & Flow on the Green | The Green in Wortley Village | 08/03 | More Discover the magic of juggling, hula hoops, and flow arts with instructors.

😂 Comedy at Kellogg | 100 Kellogg Lane | 07/30 | More
Stand-up comedy starring Anjelica Scannura and Shanil Patel with Cam Phoenix.

✨ Glimmer Monthly Social & Dance | Victory Legion | 07/30 | More
Inclusive dance and social night featuring local drag talent and live DJs.

🔊 Afro Sound Clash | Vice Supper Club | 07/31 | More
Pulsating beats spun by simultaneous DJs creating one seamless dance floor energy.

🦇 Batman: The Movie (60th Anniversary) | Hyland Cinema | 08/01 | More
Classic campy superhero action on the big screen with retro pop-art charm.

🍺 Sweetwood Mac Live | German Canadian Club Beergarden | 08/01 | More
Decade-spanning pop-rock hits in a lush open-air beer garden setting.

🎷 The Ian Andrews Band & Alice Armstrong | Eastside Bar & Grill | 08/02 | More
Blues and soul fusion with blistering guitar solos and powerful vocals.

Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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