2025 KELLY FORD EXPLOITS VALLEY SALMON FESTIVAL CELEBRATES GORDON PINSENT’S LEGACY WITH FIVE DAYS OF MUSIC, FOOD, AND COMMUNITY
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April 10, 2025 (Grand Falls-Windsor) – The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor is proud to unveil the full event lineup for the 2025 Kelly Ford Exploits Valley Salmon Festival, running July 10-14. This year’s celebration holds special meaning, as it is dedicated to the memory and legacy of beloved hometown icon Gordon Pinsent.
The Festival honours the legendary actor, writer, and artist who brought pride to Grand Falls-Windsor and the entire country. Anchoring the Festival’s tribute to Pinsent is the Gordon Pinsent Statue Unveiling on Saturday, July 12, from 1:00–4:00 PM on High Street. Attendees will gather to commemorate what would have been his birthday, with live performances from Murray Drive and The Irish Descendants setting the tone for a heartfelt afternoon.
Among the many standout events this year are:
- The Codfather Night (Thursday, July 10): A delicious kickoff at Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium, hosted by four renowned chefs and featuring a full codfish supper and music from Jesse Hackett and The Jesse Hackett Band.
- The Rowdyman Pub Crawl (Sunday, July 13): A spirited 19+ evening inspired by Pinsent’s iconic film The Rowdyman, with live music across five local pubs and bus transportation included.
- Babar Family Fun Afternoon (Sunday, July 13): A day of outdoor fun at Gorge Park for the whole family, with bouncy castles, a scavenger hunt, mascot appearances, and live music from Murray Drive, Matthew Hornell, and The Rogue Notes. Sponsored by the Exploits Community Centre.
- Grand Falls-Windsor Day (Monday, July 14): A jam-packed celebration of local spirit at Church Road Park featuring free games, snacks, horse rides, and performances by Kevin Smith Magic, Karla Pilgrim and Jackie Sullivan and headliners The Ennis Sisters.
While some events will have admission fees, the Town is proud to offer many free events for residents and visitors to enjoy. More details, along with the full schedule of Festival events, can be found at www.evsalmonfestival.com.
There will be several different musical showcases throughout the Festival which, in addition to the acts listed above, will include performances by Shanneyganock, Bic and the Ballpoints, Mick Davis & Thin Love, Landlocked, NL Promotions Rock Show, Crows and Dimes, Candice and Evan, Kacie Callahan,and Fickle Strings.
For a sixth consecutive Salmon Festival, Kelly Ford will be the major sponsor. Kelly Ford proudly serves Central Newfoundland with 2 dealerships and one collision centre, including their brand-new facility in Grand Falls-Windsor which officially opened in Fall 2024. They are thrilled to welcome customers to a modern space designed for comfort, convenience, and top-notch service.
From pub crawls to heritage stories, from culinary feasts to kids’ activities, the 2025 Kelly Ford Exploits Valley Salmon Festival offers something for everyone while paying tribute to the town’s most celebrated son. Tickets to paid events will go on sale at 10:00 AM on May 1st, and can be purchased online via www.evsalmonfestival.com.
The Town of Grand Falls-Windsor is in the central region of Newfoundland and Labrador and is home to approximately 14,500 residents. The Exploits Valley Salmon Festival has taken place for over 35 years and is the ideal destination for music, food, and fun. Events include indoor and outdoor concerts, the much-loved stadium dance, numerous free family activities, and more.
Quotes
“This year’s Exploits Valley Salmon Festival is more than just an annual celebration — it’s a tribute to an icon. We are proud to dedicate this year’s festival to the legendary Gordon Pinsent, a native son of Grand Falls-Windsor whose remarkable career left an indelible mark on arts and culture from coast to coast across this great country. Gordon Pinsent was one of the most celebrated and accomplished storytellers in Canadian history, but despite all his success, Gordon never forgot where he came from. He carried a deep love and fondness for his hometown and cherished his regular trips home to visit family and friends. This year, we will honour and celebrate not only his extraordinary legacy, but the spirit he embodied — one that continues to inspire us as a community today. As Gordon said during his keynote address to a sold-out crowd at the 2017 Salmon Dinner – ‘Grand Falls-Windsor is not just grand, it’s great.’ I very much look forward to seeing Gordon’s family, including his children, and I welcome everyone from all over to come celebrate with us.”
Barry Manuel
Mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor
“The outpouring of affection has been steadfast in the three years since Gordon has passed. As a family, we have been so moved and honoured to witness what Gordon has meant to our culture and to people across this country, in so many ways, big and small. In these precarious days for Canada, we feel privileged to be able to attend his celebration of life in Grand Falls Windsor, and we’re certain that Gord would be beaming at this lasting tribute that symbolizes a touchstone of what makes this country’s culture so extraordinary and so well worth fighting for!”
Leah Pinsent, Peter Keleghan, Barry Kennedy, and Tracy Rideout
Family of Gordon Pinsent
“Kelly Ford is excited to once again sponsor the Salmon Festival, a cherished celebration that showcases the best of our community spirit, culture, and connection. Supporting our community isn’t just something we do – it’s who we are. From local events to everyday interactions, we’re committed to giving back to the community that continues to support us. We invite everyone to come out, celebrate, and enjoy all the amazing moments Salmon Festival 2025 has to offer. Here’s to another unforgettable summer.”
Craig Cameron
Manager of Kelly Ford
Media Contact:
Robyn Hannaford
Communications Officer, Town of Grand Falls-Windsor
communications@townofgfw.com
709-489-0173 | 709-689-3682
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