Keene's 200th

🎄 Village Holiday Decorating Contest

In celebration of Keene 200, the Village of Keene is hosting a Holiday House Lighting Contest, proudly sponsored by the OSM Historical Society!

Show off your holiday spirit and light up the village for a chance to win $100 in one of the following categories:

• High Tech

• Traditional

• Children’s Appeal

Important Dates:

• All displays must be ready for viewing by December 1st.

• Registration forms are available on the OSM website and can be dropped off at the OSM Township Office.

Let’s make Keene shine brighter than ever this holiday season! 🌟

Holiday House Lighting Contest

Mayor's Levee - January 1, 2025

In celebration of Keene's 200th anniversary, the Keene Curling Club hosted an intergenerational bonspiel.

View the event on Facebook

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.

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.

Schedule of Events

Celebrate Canada Day & Keene's 200th

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.

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.

Keene 200 - Scavenger Hunt

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.