Editor: I am writing this letter on behalf of the ones who cannot – Chatham-Kent’s crow population.
I understand that Crowfest commenced in October 2022. It has partnered with local charities.
Entertainment was offered every day and night. Live concerts featured “crow-themed bands and hits” from the likes of Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow, Black Crows.
There were daily activities, vendors and performers. There was a costume contest.
The Crowfest website states that Crowfest is focused on celebrating the C-K crows.
The website – in October 2022 – stated “The crow, in most cultures, represents luck or wisdom.”
One member of our community publicly stated that “crows are insensitive pests.” Crows are actually very intelligent and they are sensitive to those who are cruel toward them and recognize those who are kind toward them. Educate, please.
Crows actually help farmers by eating harmful pests, scaring away predators and cleaning up decaying matter. While many people think crows only damage fields, they offer several natural benefits to agriculture and gardens. A single crow family can consume tens of thousands of destructive bugs in a single nesting. They hunt mice and voles that damage the roots of vegetables and crops, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. They make loud warning calls to alert other animals, i.e. livestock and poultry, when they spot a threat.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac blamed the wrong bird.
I attended the 2024 and 2025 Crowfest. I searched high and low for something to purchase that depicted Crowfest. There was one shop on a corner selling little except T-shirts. I purchased a small wood magnet from a street crafter and was glad to get it – it had white background with a crow in a circle BUT it was captioned “Chatham, ON” at the top and with “Murder capital of Canada” on the bottom. I hadn’t lived in Chatham very long and was puzzled how this was “celebrating crows” or Chatham-Kent for that matter.
Chatham has loads of talented crafters! What’s the excuse for a lack of flattering crow souvenirs? I’ve heard many folks make derogatory remarks. Isn’t Crowfest supposed to be a celebration of all things crows (along with a fundraiser)?
Chatham-Kent’s Crowfest has been officially named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events by Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) for its unique celebration of Chatham’s status as the “Crow Capital of Canada.” The event previously won “Best New Festival or Event” in its budget category during earlier developmental years.
Since Crowfest partners with charity for humans; why not take some of the funds from this very successful festival to provide the crows with a designated feeding area and provide food for them? They are smart enough to go there. Give them something from the Crowfest monies that they would truly appreciate. They are hungry.
Do the right thing. It’s only fair that those being celebrated should receive something besides criticism.
Please, let us be kind to birds and animals. Unlike humans, they cannot help themselves.
Bonnie Laderoute
Chatham
