UPCOMING EVENTS 2026

THE YARN BOMB TURTLES ARE BACK

You may remember them.

Back in 2018, hundreds of knitted and crocheted turtles quietly appeared across Bancroft, on trees, signposts, and spaces throughout town. The volunteers of Knittervention, a knitting and crochet group brought together by North Hastings Hospice during the years before COVID, teamed up with the Think Turtle Conservation Initiative to celebrate World Turtle Day in a way no one could ignore. Together, we yarn bombed the town. Not with chaos, but with knitted and crocheted turtles. Hundreds of them.

Turtles showed up everywhere. Wrapped around signposts. Clinging to trees. Decorating the Bancroft signs as you drove into and out of town. You could not miss them. And that was exactly the point.

Then they disappeared.

After years out of sight, a hidden stash of these original yarn bomb turtles was recently rediscovered and donated to Think Turtle, giving them a whole new purpose.  

Now, more than 80 of these well traveled, well rested, and slightly legendary turtles are ready for their next chapter.

You can find them on display and available to purchase at the Bancroft Farmers’ Market opening day.

Bancroft Farmers’ Market
Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Riverside Park, 26 Station Street

Each turtle is $5, with proceeds supporting turtle conservation and North Hastings Hospice.

The market is always worth a visit, bringing together local produce, baking, handmade goods, local vendors, designers, community groups, and live music, and this time there is an extra reason to stop by.

To read one of the original articles about the yarn bomb featured on KawarthaNow.com, May 17, 2018, check out Bancroft's yarn bomb raises awareness for the local turtle population https://kawarthanow.com/2018/05/17/bancroft-turtle-yarn-bomb/

Come find a turtle with a story!

BANCROFT FARMERS’ MARKET

 Join us to shop local and celebrate our shared care for the land and wildlife. 

Bancroft Farmers’ Market

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Address: 26 Station Street, Bancroft

Location: Riverside Park (behind the post office)

Hosted By: Bancroft Township

About the Market

Think Turtle will be joining an eclectic and talented group of local growers, artists, designers, craftspeople, and vendors. The market offers a welcoming space filled with fresh produce, homemade baking, and thoughtfully crafted goods, all grounded in a shared appreciation for community and the natural world. It is a chance to connect, learn, and support those who are working close to the land.

Please note that Think Turtle will not be set up every week. Our confirmed dates are May 16 and 30. We will share additional dates for July through October as they are confirmed.

Think Turtle Merchandise

Our merchandise is purpose-driven, designed to raise awareness and spark conversations for turtle conservation. Items such as t-shirts, signs, magnets, stickers, jewelry, and more highlight the message that small choices can make a meaningful difference.

When you visit, take a moment to learn about turtle conservation in our region and how small, simple actions can make a real difference as turtles begin to emerge this spring. You can also browse conservation-themed items that help support ongoing education and protection efforts.

These items are not just products, but reminders of our shared responsibility to care for the landscapes and waterways that turtles call home.

Supporting Conservation

Proceeds from Think Turtle merchandise, after costs, directly support ongoing education initiatives, community outreach, and species recovery efforts led by the Think Turtle Conservation Initiative. Each purchase helps strengthen local stewardship and contributes to real, on-the-ground conservation work here in Ontario.

Crafting 4 Turtles Items

We will also have a selection of “Crafting 4 Turtles” handmade items available, including crocheted and knitted animal stuffies, greeting cards, beaded bracelets, sewn goods, and more. These pieces are created with care and generosity, and all proceeds support the treatment and rehabilitation of injured turtles at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre during the busy turtle season.

We look forward to seeing you at the market.

Note: Think Turtle will be set up at the Bancroft Farmers' Market on select dates from July to October, with dates to be announced. 

MAYNOOTH MORNING MARKET

We will be set up at the Maynooth Morning Market on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Event Details

Maynooth Morning Market
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Address: 33090 Highway 62 North, Maynooth
Location: Former site of the Maynooth Community Centre
Hosted By: Dave & Kelley Hunt

About the Market

The Maynooth Morning Market offers a welcoming space to explore and support local makers and small businesses. Visitors can expect a wide variety of handmade and locally produced goods, including jams, jellies, pickles, hand-sewn items, crochet and knitted apparel, household accessories, jewelry, pottery, glasswork, bath and body products, candles, original fine art, wood products, maple syrup, and more. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.

Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

We invite you to stop by the Think Turtle Conservation Initiative booth to learn more about turtle conservation in our region. As turtles begin to emerge in the spring, simple actions can make a meaningful difference in helping protect them.

You will also find a selection of conservation-themed items that support ongoing education and protection efforts, along with handcrafted pieces from our Crafting 4 Turtles initiative. These turtle and nature-inspired items are created by talented artisans, with proceeds helping to support the treatment and care of injured turtles at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, home of Ontario’s turtle hospital.

Join Us

Come out, shop local, and enjoy a morning connected to community, creativity, and care for the natural spaces we all share.

Note: Think Turtle will be set up at the Maynooth Morning Market on select dates from July to October, with dates to be announced. On July 18, Dave and Kelley will also be kindly hosting a BBQ, with a percentage of food sales going toward supporting the turtle conservation work Think Turtle is engaged in.

COMMUNITY BBQ IN THE PARK (Bancroft)

Join the community on Saturday, May 30, 2026, for a special day in support of Hospice North Hastings at Millennium Park in Bancroft. This event brings people together for a meaningful cause while offering a welcoming space for families, friends, and neighbours to connect.

Event Details

Community BBQ In The Park

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026

Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Address: 166 Hastings Street North, Bancroft

Location: Millennium Park
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

About the Event

This community BBQ is all about supporting Hospice North Hastings and the important care and services they provide. It is a chance to come together, show support, and enjoy a day filled with activities for all ages.

Families can look forward to interactive miniature ponies, face painting, a BBQ, music, bouncy castles, and plenty of opportunities to spend time together in the park.

Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

Think Turtle Conservation Initiative will be present at the event in support of Hospice North Hastings. If you are visiting, feel free to stop by and say hello. We are always happy to chat about Ontario turtles, share information, and connect with others who care about wildlife and the natural spaces we all value.

As the season begins, turtle nesting typically runs from mid May through mid July, with June being the peak time. It is a time when awareness and simple actions can make a real difference.

Crafting 4 Turtles

You will also find a selection of handcrafted items created by talented members of the community and surrounding areas. These pieces celebrate turtles through creativity and care, with proceeds helping to support the treatment of injured turtles at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

Join Us

This day is about community, connection, and supporting Hospice North Hastings. We hope you will come out, take part, and enjoy everything the event has to offer while supporting a cause that means so much to so many.

Come out and enjoy a fun-filled time at this event for a great cause. There's something for everyone.