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Six events you have to check out in South Simcoe this weekend

You can tell the holiday spirit has arrived by the number of festive activities happening in the coming days, editor writes
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Friday Harbour Resort will hold its tree-lighting ceremony on Nov. 23 at 5 p.m.

It’s time to get festive.

This weekend’s event listing is mostly about bringing a little jingle into your life. From Light Up Night in Cookstown to Innisfil’s annual Santa Claus parade, the magic of the season is set to arrive. 

Here’s what’s happening in Bradford and Innisfil in the coming days:

Tree lighting, holiday market at Friday Harbour

On Saturday, Nov. 23, the Innisfil resort invites patrons to shop the market from noon to 8 p.m., hear live carollers and a disc jockey from 2 to 8 p.m., check out the activities at Santa's Workshop from 3 to 4 p.m., have a photo-op with Santa Claus and his elves from noon to 2:30 p.m. and again 6 to 8 p.m., indulge in festive treats and visit the themed warming lounges. The tree lighting happens at 5 p.m. Parking and admission are free. For more, visit fridayharbour.com.

Cookstown’s Light Up Night

Kick off the holiday season in the historic village Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. You can get free photos with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m., wander through Cookstown from 5 to 8 p.m. to discover a variety of artisan vendors and crafters in different shops and spaces, participate in the tree lighting at 6 p.m., and watch the beautifully lit Santa parade roll along Queen Street (between Home Hardware and the Cookstown Curling Club) at 6:30 p.m. For more, visit cookstownchamber.ca.

BWG Diversity Action Group Open Mic Café

The Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library (425 Holland St. W.) will host an afternoon of sharing stories and building connections on Saturday. Residents are invited to drop by the Zima Room and sample teas and desserts from around the world. The event runs from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. 

Eat with the Jolly Old Elf

The Innisfil Lions Club is hosting its annual Breakfast with Santa Sunday, Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will be held at the club's building at 982 Innisfil Beach Rd. For $8, you can get pancakes, sausages and scrambled eggs, along with a coffee, tea or juice. An arts-and-crafts table will be set up and kids can write letters to Santa and have their picture taken with him.  

Innisfil Santa parade returns

Innisfil Community Events is running its annual Santa Claus parade on Sunday. It starts at 1:30 p.m. at Innisfil Beach Park, then proceeds west to Jans Boulevard. There will be an all-inclusive and barrier-free sensory/quiet zone in place from the park exit to the Innisfil Beach Road fire station. Kids can give their letters to Santa, and donations of non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys will be collected along the route by Innisfil Food Bank and Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services representatives, respectively. This event happens rain or shine. 

BWG Music and Poetry Circle

What's a music and poetry circle? Come see for yourself at the Bradford library on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring a song, an instrument or a piece of poetry. You can also just sit, relax and enjoy as neighbours share something they're working on. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Further information can be found at calendar.townofbwg.com.

Got an upcoming event or news tip to share? Email it to [email protected].


Chris Simon

About the Author: Chris Simon

Chris Simon is an award-winning journalist who has written for publications throughout Simcoe County and York Region. He is the current Editor of BradfordToday and InnisfilToday and has about two decades of experience in the sector
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