Lots of Socks 2026 - Registration is OPEN!

World Down Syndrome Day takes place on March 21, 2026. On this day, we encourage the community to celebrate by wearing their loudest, brightest, patterned, and even mismatched socks to raise awareness and spark conversations about Down Syndrome.

Now in its 11th year, Community Living Kincardine & District (CLKD) is once again bringing our community together through the Annual Lots of Socks Window Display Competition. Businesses, schools, and organizations are invited to decorate their windows with brightly coloured socks for a chance to WIN the coveted Golden Sock Award!

A Community Tradition

CLKD started the Lots of Socks Window Display event back in 2015 with just a handful of participating businesses. Over the past decade, it has grown to include over 100 local businesses, schools, and organizations, all coming together to raise awareness, celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, and proudly showcase our inclusive community.

Participating businesses decorate their windows using colourful socks, and community members are encouraged to vote for their favourite display. Individuals can also take part by rocking their brightest socks on March 21 and joining in the celebration.

Why Socks?

The Lots of Socks movement was started by Down Syndrome International, who chose socks as a campaign symbol because when placed heel-to-heel, they resemble a chromosome. Down Syndrome occurs when a person is born with an extra 21st chromosome (three instead of two), making socks a fun and meaningful way to start conversations and spread awareness.

On March 21, everyone is encouraged to wear their socks boldly — even over top of your pants — to really get people asking, “What’s this all about?”

Why we Celebrate and Why Portraits?

Everyone deserves a sense of belonging and to see themselves reflected in their community. Displaying portraits of community members living with Down Syndrome helps normalize disability while celebrating each individual for who they are.

The stunning portraits, captured by Jamie Edwards of JME Photography Studio, feature everyday people in everyday moments — and sometimes in seriously cool, imaginative scenes inspired by their interests. These portraits reinforce the powerful message that we are more alike than different.

We are incredibly grateful to Jamie Edwards for volunteering his talent, and to our partner Bruce Power for printing all posters and portraits for this event.

Want to Participate?

Registration is now open! Businesses, schools, and organizations can participate by emailing cmc@clkd.ca by February 13 with your business name and address. A poster and portrait will be delivered for your window display.

Important Dates:

March 2^nd – 6^th 

·        Posters and portraits will be delivered to businesses who have registered to participate

March 15^th

·        Participating businesses to have their windows decorated and begin sending in your photos/video for judging. Files can be emailed to cmc@clkd.ca

March 18^th

·        Deadline for photos from participating businesses. You MUST submit a photo to compete for the Golden Sock Award. Files can be emailed to cmc@clkd.ca.

March 20^th

·        Voting for your favourite business window is OPEN until 3pm on our website – everyone is encouraged to vote!

March 21^st - World Down Syndrome Day!

·        Golden Sock Award winner will be announced!

·        Wear your most colourful, patterned and even mismatched socks in support of World Down Syndrome Day.

·        Take your "Sock Selfies", post them to social media and email them to cmc@clkd.ca so we can include them on our social channels.

·        Use #WorldDownSyndromeDay #LotsofSocks and join the global conversation!

Questions? email cmc@clkd.ca or call our office 519-396-9434