Town workers putting the finishing touches on a replica of the base guard house. Things are coming together for the Friendly Invasion 2016.

Take a stroll with familiar characters as they share their stories of Stephenville in the making. Tickets available at Dreamcatcher Lodge, Arlims and ShAmrok Crafts, Stephenville. 

The Stephenville Cultural Development Board’s purpose is to build a sense of place for locals and visitors alike by embracing the cultural diversity of the region. The Board’s immediate goals are to provide economic opportunity for the town and to preserve Stephenville’s heritage.

Before the start of WWII, Stephenville was largely a French-speaking farming village with approximately 1,000 people. By the end of WWII it quickly transformed into a booming, largely English-speaking garrison town with more than 7,000. It later was referred to as “The Friendly Invasion”. The Board drew their inspiration for a modern day tourism theme from the impact that the Americans had on the area and aptly named the project The Friendly Invasion.

UPDATED NOV 22 2022