Keene's 200th
Thank you for being part of the Keene 200 celebrations—made possible by the dedication of the organizing committee and community partners.
Photo Gallery
Keene 200 Moments: Celebrating Our Past, Present, and Future
Past Events
We've had so much fun celebrating 200 years! Here's a look at the fun moments in 2025.
Mayor's Levee - January 1, 2025
Intergenerational Bonspiel - January 11th, 2025
In celebration of Keene's 200th anniversary, the Keene Curling Club hosted an intergenerational bonspiel.
On May 10th, participants had the opportunity to explore Keene and the surrounding area.
Visitors dropped by the Lions Den between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to pick up their Explore Keene bingo cards before setting out on foot and by car to discover what makes the area special.
After the adventure, refreshments were served back at the Keene Lions Den.
Prizes were generously provided by Elmhirst's Resort.
Canada Day Celebration - July 1, 2025
Keene's 200th Celebration on Canada Day
Food, Music, Games & Memories
Keene proudly marked its 200th anniversary on Canada Day with a celebration full of excitement following the parade and festivities at OSM Fire Station 1.
At the Lions Den, attendees enjoyed a bouncy castle, showed off their artistic flair with colouring sheets, met friendly animals at the petting zoo, tested their aim with cornhole, and took in some great live music.
Inside the Fire Department training room, visitors explored Keene’s rich history through a memorabilia display, captured moments at the photo booth, and signed the guest book to commemorate the occasion.
The day was a heartwarming opportunity to reconnect with old classmates and familiar faces—a celebration filled with joy, flavour, and entertainment that truly honored Keene’s 200 years.
One of the highlights of the year was a series of guided walking tours through the village of Keene.
Four tour dates took place between June and August:
June 14, July 12, August 9, August 23 and October 26, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Led by local history enthusiast Jim Glenn, the free tours offered a fascinating look at Keene’s rich history, architecture, notable buildings, schools, and the people who shaped the community.
|
|
Some interesting characters from Otonabee's past made an appearance! On Sunday, September 28, 2025, guests gathered at 1:00 p.m. at the Main Gate for a unique journey into Otonabee's history. This free event was open to all and offered a memorable encounter with figures from the past! |
A Taste of 1825: A Harvest Dinner Experience
This harvest dinner, nestled between towering stalks, brought early 19th-century staples back to life with a contemporary twist.
Guests were welcomed into a thoughtfully curated evening where history met hospitality. Hosted by Keener Nikki Nelson, the event paid homage to the foods that sustained the founding families of 1825—reimagined through a modern culinary lens. Her vision and dedication turned a simple meal into a rich, sensory journey through time.
"How well do you know Keene" Scavenger Hunt
Exploring Keene with the Community Scavenger Hunt – A Great Success!
Organized by the North Shore Women’s Institute, this fun and educational activity brought the community together to discover local landmarks and hidden gems.
Participants picked up their scavenger hunt sheets at the Keene General Store or Township Office and enjoyed a memorable family outing.
As part of the Keene 200 celebrations, the committee invited community members to contribute to a special Quilt Display at Keene United Church on November 22nd.
Every quilt told a story — of family, community, tradition, and creativity. The committee welcomed quilts of any age, style, or condition, as long as they carried a connection to the Keene area.
Thank you to everyone who shared a quilt and helped make this meaningful display possible.
Keene 200 - Holiday House Lighting Contest
In celebration of Keene 200, the Village of Keene hosted a Holiday House Lighting Contest, proudly sponsored by the OSM Historical Society.
Categories included:
• High Tech
• Traditional
• Children’s Appeal
The contest brought the community together and brightened the holiday season.
A tree lighting was held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, hosted by the Historical Society and Keene 200. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and make this beautiful event so special.
Keene Lions Santa Claus Parade
The Keene Lions hosted the annual Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This year’s theme, 200 Years of Christmas in Keene, celebrated the community’s rich holiday traditions.
Special Candle Light Mass to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Nine Ships
Contact Us
P.O. Box 70,
20 Third Street,
Keene, ON, K0L 2G0
Phone: 705-295-6852
Fax: 705-295-6405
info@osmtownship.ca