Ontario Community Events’ is gearing up for a busy sunny season, with the upcoming Senior Citizen Prom, 4th of July Festival, and Concerts in the Park.
Since 1998, OCE has played a pivotal role in bringing the Ontario community together. What started as Ontario Youth Sports—a unified effort to coordinate fragmented football and baseball programs—has grown into a key organization that shapes many of the experiences families treasure today.
Rick Timmer, who serves as the co-chair of the Fourth of July Festival, has deep roots in Ontario. A member of the community since 1976 and a 1981 graduate of Ontario High School, Timmer raised his two sons here, volunteered with the Ontario Music Club for a decade, and continues to put work into events for the community.
He works alongside Kenn Spencer, Director of Ontario Community Events.
A full-circle moment, Timmer served in the marching band as a high schooler during the 4th of July Festival. Up until three years ago, the festival’s original location was behind the high school, in and around the football stadium.
“It kept growing in size and we soon realized in order to grow the festival, a new location would be needed. With the improvements that had been made at Marshall Park, the decision was made to move to the community park,” Timmer said.
“This move gave us the space to keep growing and offering new experiences, while maintaining that hometown feel,” Timmer said.
Ontario Community Events aims to bridge the gap between generations through these events – bonding them through the one thing they all have in common: their hometown.
For example, on May 10th, the Senior Citizen Prom returns! This is a free, semi-formal dance put on by the Ontario sixth graders for the senior citizens of the City of Ontario.
Organized by Superintendent Keith Strickler, also an Ontario native and graduate, the event provides an opportunity for the middle schoolers to serve, engage, and learn from their elders.
Held at the Ontario Middle School, the prom is adorned with the same beautiful decor used at the high school prom—recycled and repurposed to create an immersive experience. This year’s theme: under the sea. Students act as hosts, serving meals, waiting tables, and most importantly, connecting one-on-one with their senior guests.
“There’s this incredible moment when the kids sit down and just start talking to the seniors. Then someone pulls a sixth grader onto the dance floor to teach them swing dancing—and the whole place comes alive,” Strickler said.
“It’s one of my favorite nights of the entire year.”
Lots of middle schoolers ask to return the next year, and they are welcomed with open arms.
“Senior citizens are such a vital part of our community. Even if they don’t have kids or grandkids in the schools anymore, we want them to feel connected and celebrated,” Strickler said.
At its heart, Ontario Community Events is about more than just planning sports seasons or hosting festivals. It’s about creating opportunities for connection—between teammates, neighbors, students, and seniors.
To learn more, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OntarioYouthSports/
RSVP for the Senior Citizen Prom by April 25th, 2025. Contact Kenn Spencer: kenn@oysports.org | 419-566-8072
