Kitchener Celebrate Erick Traplin Day
The City of Kitchener is recognizing 35 years of music and memories the first Erick Traplin Day on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The free event at Carl Zehr Square in downtown Kitchener celebrates the contributions of one of Waterloo Region’s favourite children’s entertainers, featuring live performances, special guests and games.
Having a day named after him was not something Traplin ever expected when he began his musical career 35 years ago. Originally from Owen Sound, Traplin and his family moved to Kitchener in 1961. Traplin grew up in a musical family and played guitar and sang from an early age.
After graduating from school, Traplin worked as a sewing machine mechanic at the La-Z-Boy factory in Waterloo. He said while it was a good job, he knew his life had more purpose.
“I worked in construction and factory work for many years, but then I finally took a Tony Robbins course and realized what I really wanted to do was be an entertainer. It was a very deep epiphany. That’s what I wanted to do, and, by golly, within three months, I was doing it,” he said.
While a career as a musician was the goal, Traplin said he had not planned on becoming a children’s and family entertainer.
“I was gonna do the pub set. I joined the musician’s union, and when they called me, they said, ‘We got you a Christmas show for kids.’ You don’t get anywhere by saying no. So, I said yes and did the show, and I loved it,” Traplin said.
With a career spanning over 35 years, Traplin said he sees familiar faces in the crowd.
“I see more moms and dads getting up and dancing with their kids now because I played for them when they were kids,” he said.
One of those kids who has grown into an adult fan is Merrin Manser, an event coordinator with the City of Kitchener.
“My mom used to bring me to events like KidsPark and out to the Blue Moon. I’d sit there and eat my chicken fingers and wait for him to pay ‘Bubbles.’ Erick even played at one of my birthday parties,” Manser said.
The opportunity to help plan out the day is something Manser is excited about taking on.
“Erick is the first person that comes up every single time we start talking about family entertainment. He is a staple of the community, and this is a chance to celebrate the legacy of everything he’s done over the last 36 years,” she said.
Manser planned the event with Traplin’s wife, Ruth, as a surprise for the musician.
“I was overwhelmed. I’ve been playing for almost 36 years in the community and didn’t expect it,” Traplin said.
In addition to planning the event with Ruth Traplin, Manser noted that the event also received assistance from other municipalities in the Waterloo Region. The partners include City of Cambridge, City of Waterloo, Kitchener Blues Festival, Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, Sherwood Systems and the Township of Wilmot.
“This is one of the first events where we’re coming together with all these groups that have worked with Erick over the years. From a planning perspective, it’s been great to work together with all our partners to make this day possible,” Manser said.
Erick Traplin Day may be a celebration of music, but, for Traplin, the magic is in the lives that his music has changed.
“I always take joy in watching the kids. I say I’ve got the best seat in the house because I get to see the kids’ faces, and I see them jumping up and down and having a good time. It’s joyful,” Traplin said.
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