Toronto Polar Bear Dip 2017 coming New Year's Day

Sunnyside Beach remains the place to be on the first day of the year - if you like your water frigid and your friends beside you also freezing their asses off! The annual swim into Lake Ontario water sometimes requires ice to be broken so the swimmers can make it into the rocky waters that lie between the sandy beach and the concrete break-wall protecting the inner harbour.

The Polar Bear Dip is in support of Habitat for Humanity and has continued since 2005. People start gathering early to register for the event, grab some free hot chocolate and wonder why they signed up for this punishment. The dip starts at noon and everyone lines up and with a rush they all head into the cold water. Some don't make it far before they return to shore and start to dry off, others seem to revel in the water and dive headfirst and spend some time hanging out in the deeper waters offshore.

Usually there are several news outlets on hand, however it is rare that any of the journalists actually dive into the water. There will be lots of photographers in and around the water taking photos, you can see some of the ones I took posted here and they also used mine on the Polar Dip's photo page.

Update: see photos of the 2017 dip on my post here.

Some tips: Don't use flip flops as they tend to come out as soon as you hit the water, try sandals that will stay on your feet. At the water's edge the sand turns into round beach stone which is hard to keep your footing on and the water quickly deepens to your waist so a fast run usually doesn't last too long before you are falling into the water. It stays waist deep for some distance so you really don't have to worry about swimming - it is really more of a dip. Not everyone dives into the water, some don't get wet above the waist. Don't try to knock any photographers down (I will be in the water) - there is a lot of expensive equipment trying to capture the event for everyone's enjoyment. And the crowd - and the news, love individual and group costumes.

Sad news though - Sears Great Canadian Chill which took place in the Beaches and moved to Family Day in Yonge-Dundas Square has been cancelled for 2017.

Toronto Beer and Spirit Festivals 2017

I am glad these shows happen on a regular basis because if they get cancelled I will really, really miss them. Really miss them. Some of the events are all about the booze and others devote a large section of their shows to alcohol. Many feature entertainment like live bands, DJs and food fit for a king.

Attend these shows in moderation please and please, no drinking and driving.

Society of Beer Drinking Ladies various Bevies starting in Jan.
Winter Craft Beer Festival at the Roundhouse Sat, Feb 11.
Toronto Food and Drink Market Fri to Sun, Mar 31- Apr 2
Spirit of Toronto Sat, May 6.
Toronto Festival of Beer Spring Session Sat to Sun, May 20-21. Enter my contest to win tickets to the Spring Session, contest ends Wednesday night, May 17, 2017 - see my post here.
Wine and Spirit Festival Fri to Sat, June 16-17.
Toronto Craft Beer Festival Fri to Sat, June 23-24.
Beach BBQ and Brews Festival June TBD.
Toronto Festival of Beer Fri to Sun, July 28-30 - see photos from 2016 here.
Summer Craft Beer Fest July TBD.
Toronto Cider Festival Sat, Aug 26.
CNE Craft Beer Festival Aug 18 - Sep 4.
Toronto Beer Week Sep TBD.
Toronto Oktoberfest Sep - Oct TBD.
Torontoberfest Oct TBD.
Cask Days 3rd Weekend of Every October.
Gourmet Wine and Food Expo Thurs to Sun, Nov 16-19
The Gentlemen's Expo Nov TBD - see photos from 2016 here.

Holiday #FanExpo #comicon 2016

The south building of the Metro #Toronto Convention Centre is the place to be for comics and cosplay for the one day only winter fan event. Santa Claus joined some Stormtroopers and the ultimate naughty guy - Darth Vader, for a little holiday joy. Actually, because it was a Christmas show there were a lot of Xmas hats and reindeer antlers. Take a look at my cosplay photo megapost.

Taking place from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, December 10 with celebrity artists and superheroes.

Black Cat and Symbiote Spidey

Duff Girl

Business Spidey Man with Spiderwoman

Members of the Rebel Fleet were on hand to take on the Imperial Fleet

See more photos of the show after the jump.

Fun things to do in Toronto March & April 2017

Will winter never end? If it weren't for the exciting expositions, no one would go outside in the cold, frigid north.

International Bicycle Show Fri to Sun, Mar 3-5.
Sexapalooza Fri to Sun, Mar 3-5.

Toronto Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival Sat to Sun, Mar 4 - April 2.
2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Sat, Mar 4.
National Home Show and Canada Blooms Fri to Sun, Mar 10-19.
Toronto Roller Derby League.
Toronto Rock Lacrosse

Toronto Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo Fri to Sun, Mar 10-12.
Toronto Sportsmen's Show Wed to Sun, Mar 15-19

St Patricks Day Parade Sun Mar 19.

Toronto ComicCON Fri to Sun, Mar 17-19. Come for the costumes, read a few comics and meet some stars.

Earth Hour Sat, Mar 25 at 8:30 pm.

International Spring Motorcycle Show Sat to Sun, Mar 25-26.
Toronto FC Note, their home opener is Friday, March 31.

Toronto Pillow Fight 2017 and World Pillow Fight Day Sat, Apr 1, starting at 3 pm at City Hall. To be confirmed.

Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Roller Derby League
Green Living Show Fri to Sun, Apr 7-9.
Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade Sun, Apr 16.
Canadian Music Fest Tue to Sat, April 18-22.
Fashion Art Toronto Tue to Sat, Apr 18-22.
Toronto 420 Comedy Festival Thurs, Apr 20. 10am to 7pm in the square.
Toronto International Porn Festival Thurs to Sun, Apr 20-23.
Future of Innovation, Technology and Creativity FITC 2017 Sun to Tue, Apr 23-25.

Hopefully the fruit blossoms will come out to play, along with the warm weather.

To be determined: The Toronto Hooters Bikini Contest 2017
See previous bikini contestants after the jump.

Toronto Charity Runs 2017

When you want to feel the punishment of a long distance runner and help other people at the same time, then I would suggest you sign up for a charity run. Toronto always has several runs going on throughout the year, some short and some that probably seem like they go on forever. You can check some of my favourite events to photograph with Walk a Mile In Her Shoes and Colour Me Rad events.

Hair of the Dog Fun Run - promoting canoe and kayak sports (January - New Years Day)
MEC Toronto First Run 5/10K The Winter Run - (January)

St Patricks Day 5K Run - (March)

Beaches Spring Sprint - (April)
MEC Toronto Race Two 5/10/15k Waterfront Flyer - (April)
Bum Run - (April)
CF Run Walk - SickKids and POGO (April)

Goodlife Toronto Marathon - Princess Margaret Hospital (May)
Sporting Life 10k - Run for kids with cancer (May)
Toronto Women's Half Marathon - (May)
Walk of Life Walk/Run/Cycle - Cardiac Health (May)
Colour Me Rad - (May)

Becel Heart and Stroke Ride for Heart - (June), get your bicycles ready
Ride to Conquer Cancer - (June)
Gutsy Walk formerly Heel 'n' Wheel-a-thon - Crohn's and Colitis (June)
Scotiabank Rat Race - for United Way (June)
Walk Now for Autism - (June)
Mud Run - Canada's dirtiest trail run (June)
City Chase - (#1 June)
Toronto Yonge Street Waterfront 10k - (June)
Pride and Remembrance Run - LGBTQ charities (June)

Spartan Race Toronto - Obstacle course racing (July), actually in Clarington
Toronto Triathlon - With a Festival (July)
The Beaches Jazz Tune-Up Run/Walk - (July)

City Chase - (#2 August)
Mud Hero - get down, get dirty 6km adventure featuring outrageous obstacles - (August)
Toronto Women's 10k  and 5k - (August)
Tough Mudder - (August)
A Midsummers Night's Run - for Sick Kids (August). They took off 2016 so hopefully they come back for 2017.

Tweed Ride - (fall) Hopefully they return to the streets of Toronto as well!

Sears Great Canadian Run - Toronto to Blue Mountain for kids cancers (September). On hold for 2016 - will they return?
Terry Fox Run - Cancer (September)
Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes - Juvenile Diabetes (September)
Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend to End Women's Cancer (September)
Longboat Toronto Island Run - Toronto's oldest (September)
Yorkville Run - YWCA Women's Shelters (September)
Toronto 5k - SickKids (September)
Oasis Zoo Run - Come run with the animals (September)
Island Girl Half Marathon - run with a tropical twist (September)

CIBC Run for the Cure - Breast Cancer (October)
Toronto Women's 8k and 5k - Women set the pace (October)
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon - various charities (October)

Downsview Airport 8k/5k - On the runway (November)

Toronto Santa Speedo Run (December) Was cancelled in 2016, Santa better come back in 2017.
The Santa Shuffle - Salvation Army (December)

And one of my favorites the Burlington Santa 5K Run (December)

There is also Polo for Heart - Heart and Stroke (June) and many golf tournaments around the city for charity so there are plenty of ways to get active or help others financially.  Run Guides provides an excellent listing of Toronto area runs.

Dog the Bounty Hunter is coming to @MC_SuperShowTO 2017

Capturing fugitives is on hold while Dog and Beth Chapman attend the North American International Motorcycle Show. The celebrity duo will make their first appearance in Toronto on Friday and Saturday, January 6-7 at the International Centre where they will sign autographs for fans of their reality shows 'Dog the Bounty Hunter' and 'Dog and Beth on the Hunt'. The SUPERSHOW lasts until Sunday, January 8. Photo at top provided.

"We are really excited to have celebrities like Dog and Beth come to the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW! Their involvement in the SUPERSHOW proves the size and momentum of the show. We continue to head in the right direction giving the motorcycle community everything the want in a motorcycle show. We're proud to welcome Dog and Beth, who have dedicated their lives to their cause, changing lives and making a difference around the globe. They'll be at the show Friday and Saturday to sign autographs, take pictures and meet their fans right here in Toronto.." Commented Richard Kehoe, President of NAIMS."

Shania on her motorcycle, photo provided

Shania Twain's Venon Softail custom built motorcycle will be on display over the weekend. Her bike was featured in her show 'Still The One' at teh Colosseum at Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas. "Built by Big Bear Choppers, of Big Bear Lake, CA. the 2004 Venom was customized by ShowFX - handcrafted decorative horse details from metal work to upholstery, and stylized by world renown set designer, Michael Cotton - (Disney, Heidi Klum, Michael Jackson, Bette Midler, Carrie Underwood and of course Shania Twain)."

The first motorcycle show of the year brings a one-stop-shop for motorcycle enthusiasts with over 500 exhibitors and over 1,000 motorcycles. There will also be three stages with a full schedule of entertainment featuring bands, special guests, fashion shows and custom bike displays.

"A true shopping extravaganza, the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW hosts hundreds of exhibits. In addition to the unveiling of the new Motorcycles the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW has the largest display of Motorcycles, Non-current and Pre-owned Bikes, Aftermarket Parts and Accessories, Rider Apparel and Helmets, Performance Equipment, Trailers, Travel Destinations, Custom Bike Builders, and a full range of Leather Fashions. The Motorcycle SUPERSHOW offers the largest marketplace in North America for Everything in Motorcycling." You can take advantage of advance ticket sales and save $3.

Toronto Car Shows and Races 2017

Held down by the congestion of rush hour, which seems to be 24/7 now, and those pesky traffic laws that keep the muscle cars from flexing, you can get your car mojo at several automobile shows in Toronto or watch the professionals take their cars to the extreme.

Toronto Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo Fri to Sun, March 10-12 at the International Centre. The third annual show is the biggest of its kind in Canada and includes custom cars, hot rods, racing cars, tuners, vendors, discussion panels, celebrity guests and much more. “The quality of the cars the past two years has been incredible,” said show director Gary Challice. “The show’s reputation for featuring the best ‘killer’ cars is growing and we’re getting applications from all over from people who know that Motorama is THE place to show off their new vehicles. We already have several cars committed to appear in Hall 1. I know people are going to be impressed.”

Miss MegaSpeed contest

There is no separate MegaSpeed Car Custom Car and Truck Show anymore. I do miss the abundance of entertainment that they used to have such as a bikini contest and a best bottom contest.

Megaspeed Bikini contest

Honda Indy Toronto puts on a massive weekend event in Exhibition Place that spills out onto Lake Shore Boulevard West. Verizon IndyCar comes to town July 14-16 with Thunder Alley, Pinty's Beer Garden, Paddock and Garage, Honda Town and a twisty track that fills with vehicles so fast that every smart car in 100km whimpers in fear. In addition to the IndyCar race series the Mazda Road to Indy, NASCAR Pinty's Series, Porche GT3 Cup and the high jumping Stadium Super Trucks hitting those ramps hard.

Importfest, Canada's largest modified car show, is still being planned for 2017. It usually takes place in late July or August when the weather is hot and the show is even hotter. Cars and competitions take place with the help of some gorgeous models at "Canada's Biggest and Baddest."

Wheels on the Danforth takes place on the streets of Toronto in August with a date to be determined. The street festival features a large collection of antique, classic and tuner automobiles at the crossroads of the Danforth.

NASCAR Pinty's Series stock car races are Canada's only national racing series with about a dozen races starting from the Victoria Day Speedfest to the last race at Kawartha Speedway in September. Canada's premier racing series also headlines Saturday's card at the Honda Indy Toronto. Sixteen year old rookie Cayden Lapcevich finished the 2016 season as the youngest champion in Canadian auto racing history. See the 2017 race schedule on my post here.

Canadian Tire Motorsports Park

If you want to watch some more racing you can travel to a number of tracks around Ontario, some just hundreds of minutes away from Toronto. For bang for your buck value, the journey to the tracks provide a day or weekend of excitement and entertainment that is hard to beat. Here are the tracks with the approximate distance and direction from Toronto City Hall.

North

Sunset Speedway (1.25 hours north)
Full Throttle Varney Speedway (2 hours northwest)
Sauble Speedway (2.75 hours northwest)

Southwest

Oshweken Speedway (1.25 hours southwest)
Cayuga Speedway (1.5 hours southwest)
Merrittville Speedway (1.5 hours southwest)
The New Humberstone Speedway (1.75 hours southwest)
Canadian Motor Speedway (under construction, 2.75 hours southwest)

West

Flamboro Speedway (1 hour west)
Delaware Speedway (2.25 hours west)
Grand Bend Motorplex (2.5 hours west)

East

Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (1.25 hours east)
Kawartha Downs and Speedway (1.5 hours east)
Peterborough Speedway (1.5 hours east)
Brighton Speedway Park (1.75 hours east)
Shannonville Motorsport Park (2 hours east)
Brockville Ontario Speedway (3.25 hours east)
Cornwall Motor Speedway (4 hours east)
Calabogie Motorsports Park (4 hours east)

For those that like racing but enjoy the two wheeled variety more, you can check out my motorcycle show post here or hit Canadian Tire Motorsports Park for the Canadian Superbike Doubleheader Weekend August 18-20, 2017. "Canada’s top motorcycle riders compete in a doubleheader points race for the national Mopar Canadian Superbike Championship. This is the premier stop of the season for the Superbikes, along with other national classes including Pro Sport Bike, Amateur Superbike, Amateur Sport Bike and the Ninja 300 Racing Series."

See more models at the car shows after the jump.

Motorcycle Shows in Toronto 2017

Never forget your ride. Winter is here and I know it is hard to believe but, one day the big, white north will be green, summer heat will warm our hearts and two wheels will once again hit the pavement. Motorcycle shows start early in the calendar, just slightly after the year's New Year's Eve hangover, so head over to the International Centre for the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW January 6-8.

The 'big one by the airport' is selling advance tickets for $3 off regular prices and owners and builders will be preparing for the custom bike competitions. "This is a staple feature of the show, and we're thrilled to again host such an amazing competition. The coming 2017 Canada Cup Championship will bring truly talented motorcycle builders together over one weekend at the International Center, and will once again create an amazing display of unique Custom Motorcycles. We're ecstatic on what's to come, the displays that are entering the 2017 Canada Cup Championship in the Custom Bike Competition are going to thrill industry enthusiasts." Commented Mike Blakoe, Show Manager, NAIMS. In addition to the bikes, celebrities Dog the Bounty Hunter Dog and his wife Beth will attend the show Friday and Saturday to meet fans.

The famous motorcycle rally that takes over the entire Lake Erie town of Port Dover every Friday the 13th begins with an icycle edition on Friday, January 13, 2017. The second event will take place in a slightly warmer time on Friday, October 13, 2017.

Next up is the Motorcycle Show Toronto Feb 17-19 at the Enercare Centre in Exhibition Place with "the ultimate get-together for riders and future riders. See all the NEW 2017 motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides, all under one roof. Meet tons of experts, check out the latest gear and apparel, and get all-revved up for your next adventure! Whether you’re a hardcore rider or a recreational enthusiats, a curious fan or just tired of the cold winter weather, The Motorcycle Show has got you covered! Because PASSION DOESN'T STOP. Not for winter, not for anything!" Also on the schedule is the motorcycle stunt show featuring Latimer Stunts.

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross event is at Rogers Centre on Saturday, March 4. Man-made track and off-road motorcycles make this an adrenaline filled race.

The Toronto Motorcycle Spring Show is on at the International Centre from March 25-26. Presented by Riders Plus Insurance the show delivers an incredible weekend of new and used bikes, motorcycle gear and accessories with attractions and exhibits that appeal to everyone from beginners to hardcore bikers.

Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Powersports Show October 20-22 at the International Centre. "Now before you go running to look for a comfortable couch to hibernate those winter months away, why not come to the Toronto International Snowmobile ATV & Powersports Show. We will make you fall in love with WINTER! Never been snowmobiling, dirt biking or ATVing, not to worry, we have loads of great tourism exhibitors happy to assist with where to go, what to do and how to have fun during these upcoming months. Heck, even if you only want to sit inside a beautiful chalet and watch the snowflakes gently fall (notice I did not say anything about blizzards)… back to the gently falling flakes, we can assist with that too. We have everything under one large 375,000 square foot roof of fabulous fall & winter fun."

You can check out Toronto Car Shows and Races 2017 on my post here.