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.

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.

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.

Motorcycle Shows in Toronto 2016

Update: Check out the 2017 Motorcycle Shows on my post here

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!

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.

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.

Fresh Joe at the airshow

Speed on the ground or in the air were favourite photo subjects for Joe. He went to airshows in Ontario, Quebec and Michigan and went on a few rides in WWII era planes.

Our dad worked with the Canadian International Airshow (CIAS) for many years and we attended quite a few of them when he was on the job. I think this time really made an impact on Joe and he really enjoyed the planes, both on the ground and in the air.

Adrenaline accepts Walkens

@AdrenalineTat2 Tattoos and Piercings has a funny sign on the sidewalk outside their Toronto establishment. Pedestrians passing by the Queen Street West address are greeted by a large photo of actor Christopher Walken with the phrase "We accept Walkens".

Apparently the distinctive face of the famous Christopher, known for his acting chops and his unique voice, wants people to walk-in for a tattoo, or possibly a body piercing. Made me want to walk right in and get inked, damn, good advertising works!

"Adrenaline Professional Body Piercing and Tattoos is one of Canada’s premier body modification studios, with locations in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. Adrenaline Toronto is home to many experienced tattoo artists and body piercers. We are more than happy to help out the first timer, or accommodate the avid collector. With such a diverse group of artists, you will be sure to find an artist that perfectly suits the style of tattooing that you are looking for."

7 Days of Garbage at Union Station

Photographer Gregg Segal photographed subjects laying on a week of their garbage and recyclables. The exhibit stands in the great hall of Toronto's Union Station and was co-sponsored by GLAD. Raising awareness of the astounding amount of refuse we produce in very short time periods, the photographs will stay at the transportation hub until November 21, 2015 when they will probably be thrown in the garbage.

The City of Toronto opened the exhibition on Tuesday, or for us: garbage day, to engage people in the important issue and challenges of a long-term waste management strategy. GLAD Canad, owned by Clorox, is helping to promote responsible waste disposal and diversion. The people in the photographs include families, prominent Torontonians and some Argo football players.

“We wanted to bring awareness to the amount of garbage that Canadians are producing on a yearly basis,” said Mike Pilato, General Manager of Clorox Canada. “As a company, we have led a number of sustainability initiatives from coast-to-coast, from city-wide community cleanup days to awareness campaigns around proper composting and recycling practices. Now, GLAD is honoured to partner with the City through its Live Green Toronto program, and acclaimed photographer Gregg Segal, to spread the message of sustainability and waste reduction through art.”

Gregg said that he has long wondered about garbage, especially what happens when we run out of space to put it. He asked the people to collect the recycling because a lot of it either doesn't get recycled, or the environmental cost of recycling can be quite high.

Cavalcade of Lights Nov 28

Crews are already busy installing the thousands of LED lights in Nathan Phillips Square for the upcoming 49th annual Holiday celebration presented by Great Gulf. The kick off happens Saturday, November 8, 2015 at 6 pm with skating, concerts, lighting ceremony and fireworks (fireworks scheduled for 8:15 pm). The musical group Sloan will perform a concert while DJ Serious will host a skating party at the end of the the night.

The reflective pond was drained so manlifts could be used

In addition to the lights an 18 metre (60') Christmas tree will be set up with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of metres of lights. The tree is expected to arrive on site this Saturday, November 7 at 9am.

"The Cavalcade of Lights celebration will kick off at 6 p.m. with a skating party featuring Disney® Frozen music and an audience sing-a-long of "Let It Go" with the impressive Toronto Children's Chorus. Following will be concert performances sponsored by Great Gulf, including internationally-renowned Afrocentric ensemble Nathaniel Dett Chorale; JUNO Award winning country, roots and blues artist Crystal Shawanda; popular country singer-songwriter Beverley Mahood; and Toronto's own soulful Sean Jones."

Stars are hanging and the tree arrived November 7

The Fire Guy and the Zero Gravity Circus will also be performing at the celebration.

Fresh Joe's Atmosphere

Racing brings out lovers of speed as well as many beautiful women who help promote the sport, or highlight some of the many sponsors who make racing possible. Joe Hamilton always had time for on-track action photos and he kept a few pixels ready for atmosphere.