Monday, November 30, 2015

FanExpo Holiday Show this weekend

A special Fan Day Comicon is coming to Toronto Saturday, December 5, 2015 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building Hall F.
Photos by Joe Hamilton.





Thursday, November 26, 2015

Unifor Toronto Rally Fight for $15

The Ontario Federation of Labour held a rally for fairness on November 25, 2015 and marched from the Sheraton Centre Hotel to Queen's Park. The rally banners demanded a minimum wage of $15 as well as pay equity, banning scabs, stopping contract flipping "and labour law reform so that every job is a pathway out of poverty!"

Signs of Christmas

The holiday season in Toronto brings out many festive displays of trees and lights along with non-stop Christmas music. My favourite decorations are the giant deer in the Eaton Centre. For a big, beautiful tree you don't have to look farther than Nathan Phillips Square where Toronto's official Christmas Tree is being decorated for the annual Cavalcade of Lights.

For those that like fireworks, lights, concerts and crowds, the Cavalcade celebration is on Saturday, November 28, 2015.
"Interesting facts about Toronto's Official Christmas tree:
The tree is selected a year in advance from the Bancroft, Ontario area.
The tree is usually a white spruce.
The tree arrives on a flatbed truck and is lifted into place with cranes.
It takes a crew of eight people three to four hours to put the tree into place.
The tree needs three days to settle before it can be decorated.
It takes two weeks to decorate and string lights on the tree.
Countless pieces of large machinery, including a cherry picker, are used to assist the decorating crew in placing each ornament onto the tree.
Unlike an indoor tree, Toronto's Christmas tree does not need watering.
Usually the tree is 15 to 18 metres tall (55 to 65 feet).
The tree remains on display throughout the holiday season and is then recycled."

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Almonte, Ontario

A series of waterfalls along the Mississippi River brought power and industry to the scenic mill town, located just under an hour west of the Nation's Capital City of Ottawa. It seems to be a small town full of giant buildings built in the 1800s. Plus I didn't know that Canada had its own Mississippi River.
"Our 19th century main street offers galleries, boutiques and antique shops. We have several first-class restaurants and a variety of inns and B&Bs, most located in historic structures along the river. We’re also home to some fascinating museums, and we host excellent summer festivals."
Eastern Ontario along Highway 7, or the Trans Canada Highway is gorgeous. Small lakes and tree covered hills would be spectacular in the fall.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

The Big Apple

Heading out to the famous City that never sleeps, I took a wrong turn and ended up in Colborne, Ontario. The slightly large, round tourist attraction sits forever red beside Highway 401, tempting people zooming by on the provincial controlled access road to come into the pie factory that has churned out a mind blowing half million baked products.

The little apple is a little creepy though

Located just south of exit #497 the apple is the largest in the world, so big in fact that it would be hard to miss, even at highway speeds.
"Welcome to the world's biggest apple where our homemade apple pies and apple bread are made and baked right in front of you! Under the new ownership there has been significant renovations done throughout the entire establishment to create a warm country welcome. Watch us making your favourite apple pie, enjoy lunch in our cafeteria-style restaurant or pick up that special souvenir for home. There is something for everyone! The Big Apple hosts more than 500,000 people each year, offering fun all! All outdoor activities are complementary such as Mini putt, Shuffleboard, Bocce ball, Ping Pong and our popular kid's train ride."
Christmas decorations are up for the holiday season

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Acton Santa Claus Parade now with more horses

There were two groups of cowpokes in the annual holiday procession through the small town famous for leather. And they delighted many when they went in the drive thru at the local Tim Hortons. Horses have to get their double doubles like every one else, ya know. Santa was even pulled by horses as the sleigh couldn't run without the snow (which fell later in the day).
Even puppies like parades
Firefighters did a boot drive to raise funds for a family that survived a house fire

See more of the Saturday, November 21st, 2015 parade after the jump.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 2016 schedule

Major racing events are racked and stacked at the premier road course and camping venue, waiting for the 2016 Victoria Day SpeedFest! The variety of road racing coming to the Clarington facility next year features motorcycles, sports cars, stock cars and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in September. Youths under 16 are now free when accompanied by an adult admission.

"We will continue to provide fans of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park with an unmatched range of events with a variety of series' to suit everyone's interest," said Myles Brandt, president and general manager at CTMP" "We've got everything from open-wheel, prototypes, sports cars, vintage race cars to motorcycles."
The Victoria Day SpeedFest planned for the holiday long weekend on May 20-22 includes the NASCAR Canadian Tires Series, the Pirelli World Challenge Championship and the Canadian Touring Car Championship. Mid-summer racing will see the Canadian Historic Grand Prix with their restored race cars of the past 50 plus years as well as the Mobil 1 SportsCar Grandprix and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Motorcycle fans can check out the August Canadian Superbike Doubleheader Weekend as the country's biggest motorcycle race of the year rips up the track.

The major events end in early September with a NASCAR Canadian Tire Series race and the Canadian Tire Touring Car Championship on the Labour Day long weekend.
See the 2016 Major Event Schedule after the jump.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Upcoming Toronto Comicon Fan Holiday Show

Christmas comes early on Dec 5, 2015 with comics and costumes at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The one day only Saturday show runs from 11 am to 5 pm and will also include contests and holiday giveaways.
Its a good thing that the event is being held on the 18th of December because the South Building Hall F would be empty as everyone heads to the STAR WARS: The Force Awakens opens in theatres worldwide.


Sunday, November 15, 2015

Motorcycle Shows in Toronto 2016


You can buy winter tires for motorcycles, but an even better idea would be to put the bikes away and hit the winter motorcycle shows. First out of the gate is the SUPERSHOW!
North American International Motorcycle Supershow Jan 8-10 at the International Centre

Three stages, live bands, special guests and a full weekend of entertainment complements the custom bike displays, rallies and rides at the 40th Annual show presented by Dalton Timmis Insurance. The thousands of motorcycles are new, used, vintage, racing, custom build, choppers and so much more. So you can even register your bike for sale and pick up a new ride for the 2016 season.
Buy your tickets early to the 'big one by the airport' and you can save $3 off the admission price. Parking is free.
Motorcycle Show Toronto Feb 19-21 at the Enercare Centre in Exhibition Place

Coming back to the renamed Direct Energy Centre, the February motorycle show is part of the national, seven-city tour of Canada featuring the 2016 lineup of new motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and scooters. 'In addition to new bikes, riders can check out the latest in apparel, accessories, touring destinations, and many other exciting exhibits, all under one roof.' Ontario's biggest manufacturers' motorcycle show turns 29 in 2016.
International Spring Motorcycle Show April 9-10 at the International Centre
All new dates for 2016 as the International Centre once again becomes home to all things motorcycle with dealer displays, superstores and Bikes of the Century display.
Port Dover Friday the 13th Motorcycle Rallies 2016 #61: Friday, May 13

We just passed the third and final Friday the 13th of 2015 and sadly 2016 only has one lonely date of destiny. Much like a November date, May has a slim chance of snow.
Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Powersports Show October 2016 TBD at the International Centre
For when you can't ride on two wheels in winter, it is time to check out the sleds!

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Remembrance Day 2015

Ceremonies across Toronto will be held on November 11 to honour those that served their country during war, military conflict and peace. The locations of the City of Toronto services are at the East York, North York, York and Etobicoke Civic Centres along with the Old City Hall Cenotaph and at Fort York. The services start at 10:45 am.
Photos above by Joe Hamilton

Cenotaph
November 5 to 11 was proclaimed as Remembrance Week in the City of Toronto by Mayor John Tory. Read the proclamation after the jump.

Saturday, November 07, 2015

Toronto's Royal Winter Fair

Butter carvings and cute bunnies helped bring the country to the big city as the 93rd annual agricultural fair returns to Exhibition Place from November 6-15, 2015. Known as the Royal, the 10-day event is the world's largest combined equestrian and indoor agricultural show and gets over 300,000 visitors per year. Toronto Mayor John Tory and Turbo the goat opened the 2015 show on Friday by unveiling a welcome banner.
Turbo the goat

Located in the Canada's largest exhibition and convention setting, the Enercare Centre was divided into several areas including the Royal Horse Show, barns, exhibition and shopping and the Animal Theatre. We found out that the hefty $25 entry fee only gets you into certain areas, if you want to see the horse jumping and mini-chuckwagon racing you need to upgrade your ticket.
"The President's Choice Animal Theatre showcases and celebrates working animals in a dynamic theatre setting. Animals at work and play are the stars of the show. You will be inspired by the skills of both horse and riders in the new Spirit of the Horse presentations. You will be impressed by the talent of the border collie who will be herding sheep at his masters command. You will be amazed at the talents of Goats on the Go. This along with so much more including 4H rabbit jumping and President's Choice Superdogs means you could stay at the President's Choice Animal Theatre all day, but there's so much more to see at The Royal!"
"Highlights for The Royal's 2015 season follow after the jump.

Doors Open

Scarborough Bluffs

Pride

Redball

Beaches

Graffiti

Lake Ontario

Nathan Phillips Square

Transportation