February is roaring in like a lion.
This weekend is packed full of events that almost anyone can enjoy. Whether you take pleasure in watching youngsters develop their hockey skills on the outdoor ice, eating a good breakfast, getting some affordable books or puzzles, or listening to amazing live music, the calendar is calling.
My advice: Bundle up and embrace what Bradford and Innisfil have to offer.
Here’s what’s happening in South Simcoe over the next few days:
A little help from some Friends
The Bradford West Gwillimbury Friends of the Library will host its annual winter book sale at the BWG library (425 Holland St. W.) Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. Discover a wide selection of books, puzzles and DVDs at great prices. Cash, debit and credit are accepted, and remember to bring a bag to carry your haul. Every purchase supports library programming and projects. The sale runs Friday from 4 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.
Hockey Day is here again
The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury is hosting its 16th annual Hockey Day celebration featuring BWG Minor Hockey Association U7 teams in a fun mini-tournament on the outdoor rink at Bud Brown Park (7 Dixon Rd.) in Bond Head. The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Participants will receive a medal. Inside the Bond Head Hall there will be face painting and hockey-themed games, and the Bradford Lions Club will serve coffee, hot chocolate and pancakes as a cash-only fundraiser. For more details, visit townofbwg.com.
Winter Weekends kicks off
Meanwhile, the Town of Innisfil will celebrate the season in a different way, with the kickoff of its month-long Winter Weekends celebration Saturday. Start with Breakfast with Council at the Innisfil Recreational Complex (7315 Yonge St.) from 9 to 11 a.m., then burn off the calories with free open swimming at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka (noon to 2:30 p.m.) and public skating (12:30 to 1:50 p.m.). Later in the day, Teen Winter Fun Night, featuring glow-in-the-dark outdoor skating, hot chocolate, music and games, happens at Innisfil Town Square (971 Innisfil Beach Rd.) from 5 to 8 p.m. The full lineup of Winter Weekends activities can be found at innisfil.ca.
Enjoy the February Blues
Visit the Innisfil ideaLAB and Library’s Lakeshore branch (967 Innisfil Beach Rd.) on Saturday for the February Blues Festival showcase of pianist Doug Balfour. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and it is also linked to Winter Weekends. Admission is free for all ages. For more, visit innisfil.bibliocommons.com.
Take a journey through Blues history
Musician Jack de Keyzer returns to the BWG library for Builders of the Blues on Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m. Let de Keyzer take you on a trip through the history of the music genre. This, too, is part of the February Blues Festival. Get more details at calendar.townofbwg.com.
Got an upcoming event or news tip to share? Send it to [email protected].