The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is trying to make a big community event even bigger this summer.
The municipality is trying to score the FIFA26 Canada Caravan fan event to enhance the Taste of Chatham-Kent event in 2026.
The caravan will be part of World Cup 26 celebrations, travelling to select cities across Canada, including 15 in Ontario, and municipal officials believe landing the caravan will be a unique one-time opportunity.
FIFA26 Canada, the group managing all aspects of Canada's involvement as a co-host for the World Cup in June and July, has confirmed its intent to collaborate with the municipality to explore bringing the caravan, a nationwide touring fan experience celebrating World Cup 26, to Chatham-Kent.
"The Taste of Chatham-Kent committee will soon be planning next year’s event and the prospect of celebrating different cultures and a unifying sport by leveraging the World Cup, potentially through a FIFA Canada Caravan event, is of interest," staff wrote in a report going to Council on Monday night.
According to staff, each FIFA Canada Caravan fan experience will include:
Corporate Activations with FIFA Canada partners
Soccer-themed activities that can showcase local soccer communities
On-stage entertainment
Screening of a FIFA World Cup 26 soccer game
Food and Beverage Opportunities
Media moments
If the event comes to CK, it will be held at Tecumseh Park in Chatham.
"While there is still much detail to be worked out and Chatham-Kent is not guaranteed to be selected as a stop, there is an excellent opportunity to bring the FIFA Canada Caravan to Chatham-Kent and to integrate it as a highlight within the Taste of Chatham-Kent celebrations," noted staff.
The Taste of Chatham-Kent event celebrates the many cultures that contribute towards making Chatham-Kent a vibrant community through customs, food, and sports, including soccer.
Chatham-Kent has minor soccer leagues in Chatham, Wallaceburg, Ridgetown, and Wheatley, with over 2,000 children and many adults participating in a sport that develops skills, promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, and builds community culture and connections.
If Chatham-Kent is selected to host FIFA Canada’s Caravan, a $50,000 activation fee will be payable to FIFA26 Canada, and up to $25,000 in municipal event delivery expenses will be spent. Both would come from the TogetherCK Reserve.
