Stratfords of the world meet up for exclusive gathering in Stratford, Ont.
The City of Stratford is holding a reunion for cities from around the world. There’s just one catch – to get the invite, the municipality must also be named Stratford.
Ambassadors from Stratfords across the globe are in the festival city for the unique cultural exchange, including a grand welcome for the Stratfordians of the world.
Established in 1984, Mayor Martin Ritsma said this is a tradition worth holding on to.
“A big part of history is having traditions, and for us to celebrate a tradition with the Stratfords of the world it means a lot,” said Ritsma.
Held every two years with a rotating order of host cities, the Stratfords of the world get together through the work of volunteers.
From Stratford, New Zealand, Stratford, Australia, Stratford, U.K. and a little closer to home with Stratford, P.E.I, the name sharing cities will be in Stratford, Ont. until Aug. 9.
“I do like organizing, and all the challenges are working themselves out,” said Stratfords of the World event organizer Joan Ayton.
The week-long event promotes tourism and connections between Stratfordians.
The world’s Stratfords, while sharing a name, do share a few key differences.
For example, Dixon, the representative for Stratford, New Zealand, said their home doesn’t have an Avon River, but a Pātea River that runs through it and it’s known as Stratford upon the Pātea.
Stratford, P.E.I’s representative Daphene said it does not have a prominent swan population, but it does have a prominent Canada Goose population.
One of the common themes was that the Stratfords all have William Shakespeare as a major presence in their town.
Jillian from Stratford, Australia, said every year the town has a Shakespeare festival.
Jennifer from Stratford, Connecticut, U.S., said the Shakespearian influence is very prominent in the town, and it also has a Shakespearean festival.
Meanwhile, Clive, a representative of Stratford-upon-Avon, U.K. joked that his Stratford was the first, and possibly best, but he dared not say that to the other Stratfords.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario pitches energy partnership amid Trump's threats of tariffs, Canada acquisition
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of the province's energy supply to generate revenue and jobs on both sides of the border.
LIVE UPDATES Tracking the L.A. wildfires: 2 dead as major fires at 0% containment, locals describe 'terrifying' escape
A series of wildfires are searing through the Los Angeles area, forcing many to evacuate their homes. Follow along here for the latest updates. Numerous buildings were destroyed and nearly 3,000 acres burned in the Pacific Palisades. Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate further through today.
How does Canada rank among the world's most powerful passports?
A new global ranking may raise doubts about Canada's reputation of being open to other countries.
Minister LeBlanc not running for Liberal leadership, as caucus meets for first time since Trudeau resignation
Longtime cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc will not be running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberals. He announced his decision in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday.
Is Donald Trump kidding? Americans in Canada react to tariff, annexation threats
While Donald Trump's comments on tariffs and Canada becoming 'the 51st state' have drawn anger and fear among Canadians, reaction from Americans who live, study or work in Canada has been mixed, and is largely influenced by how they voted in the presidential election.
Hollywood stars forced to flee amid devastating Los Angeles wildfires
Large parts of Los Angeles County are under evacuation orders Wednesday as massive wildfires spread through the megacity's hilltop suburbs. Here is what some of the stars are seeing from their backyards.
B.C. doctors comparing avian flu that infected teen with that of Louisiana patient
The BC Centre for Disease Control says it is comparing the genetic features of a local teenager's avian flu case with that of a Louisiana patient who died earlier this week.
4 generations on 1 lot: One family's creative response to B.C.'s housing crisis
A single lot in Delta, B.C., that used to be home to a single rancher built in the 80s is the site of four separate homes, housing four generations of the same family.
Israeli military recovers body of a hostage in Gaza and is examining the identity of a second body
The Israeli military said Wednesday that troops have recovered the body of a hostage held in Gaza and were examining whether another body recovered was also that of a captive.