Win tickets to the new Boat Show 2024

For photos of the show keep an eye on my post here.

We are lucky in the big smoke that one of the best Great Lakes is outside our doors and Lake Ontario, while a little cool now, is perfect for jaunting around on yachts, or slightly smaller craft during the upcoming new Boat Show at the International Centre from 11-24, 2024.

Contest is closed and all tickets have been awarded. Thanks to the winners.

Contact me by comment, email jmhcet@gmail.com or on other social media posts (twitter and threads) for your chance to win two tickets to the new Boat Show 2024 at the International Centre.  First come, first won and good luck. 

Motorcycle Shows in Toronto 2024

The thrill of the ride, the force of the wind on your body, the excitement of the open road, all missing now as we head into winter in Toronto. But you can begin your motorcycle journey by going to the motorcycle shows first and wait for Spring to come knowing your new bike could be found at one of the shows.

Check out my post here for a contest to win a pair of tickets to the 2024 show

North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW will be at the Toronto International Centre Jan 5-7. "Check out all the Newest items in Motorcycling in massive displays with New Bikes, Huge Manufacturer and Dealer Displays, walk the Century of Motorcycles Exhibition, discover the hottest Shopping Bargains, check out the Enormous Used Bike Markets and find all of your Parts & Accessories for sale in hundreds of Exhibitor booths. Meet over 100 Clubs, Rides & Rallies, and Purchase your Bike right at the Show. LIVE Motocross Freestyle shows, LIVE music. Meet industry celebrities and watch some of the biggest names in bike builders compete to win $50,000 in Cash and Prizes at The Canada Cup Championship Custom Bike Competition on the AMSOIL stage in hall 5."

Check out my post here for a contest to win a pair of tickets to the 2024 show

For those that like their motorcycles on water - the Toronto International Boat Show comes early as well; January 19-28, 2024. Besides the boats and yachts inside Enercare Centre there will be a few personal watercraft that make it seem like you are riding a motorcycle on water. "North America’s largest indoor boat show was indeed abuzz with top boat dealers and marine manufacturers from across Canada and internationally as they debuted new models, fleets, accessories, and the latest trends – with electric boats making big waves among consumer and media interest. Debuting at the 2023 Toronto Boat Show was the world’s first mass produced all-electric personal watercraft, along with electric boats, electric-powered jet boards and jet surfs, and plenty of solar powered accessories. It’s clear that the electric vehicle (EV) movement has crossed over to other forms of transportation, and the boating industry is riding the wave. Significant for the show, especially after a two-year hiatus, was the return of the world’s largest indoor lake for boaters. Canada’s top athletes converged on the first weekend to compete in the Indoor Wakeboard Canadian Championship, culminating with Riley Dillon (Men) and Kelsey Chiappa (Women) taking home top honours. And throughout the Show, attendees came to watch new product demonstrations, enjoy SUP races, wakeboarding and waterskiing shows; and to try watercraft activities and go wakeboarding."

The Toronto Motorcycle and Powersport Show at the Enercare Centre in Exhibition Place this February 16-18, 2024. "Canada’s premier powersports events, The Motorcycle and Powersport Shows are back and set to deliver plenty of excitement, fun, information, and new discoveries for riders of all styles, ages, and experience levels. On road and off-road riders, future riders, and lovers of the motorcycle and quad lifestyle will be able to check out some of the most anticipated models for 2024 including the latest electric vehicles. There is no other show in the country with this level of brand representation."

CLOSED DOWN (SEE MY POST HERE) The Toronto Motorcycle Spring Show kicks off the riding season at the International Centre in April (Sat to Sun, April TBD). 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.

The Spring Toronto Motorcycle Supershow April 6-7

There are two Port Dover motorcycle Friday the 13th rallys in 2024 - You can hit the road and join thousands of bikers on September 13 or a few hundred on December 13.

Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Powersports Show (Fri to Sun, October TBD) at the International Centre. "If you’re into snowmobiles, ATVS and an all around Powersports enthusiast, this is the show for you! As soon as you step foot on the show floor, you’ll be blown away with the incredible roster of exhibitors and the feature events taking place around the show. The enormous Outdoors Event Centre with Live test drives and Freestyle Shows featuring snowmobiles, ATVs, motocross and street bikes. You’ll find huge Manufacturer Displays showcasing all of the new snowmobile and ATV line-ups. This show has more corporate manufacturer displays than any other snowmobile and/or ATV show across North America. All of the new machines under one roof, over one weekend, you can’t miss it! We guarantee it will be worth the drive to get here."

Check out the 2025 Motorcycle Shows in Toronto in my post here.

Win tickets to the International Motorcycle Supershow Toronto 2024

Contest closed, thanks to the winners. PS the show was excellent

Contact me by comment, email jmhcet@gmail.com or on other social media posts (twitter and threads) for your chance to win two tickets to the North American International Motorcycle Supershow 2024. The show is January 5-7, 2024 at the International Centre. First come, first won and good luck.

From the Supershow, "EVERYTHING FOR MOTORCYCLISTS! If you’re into motorcycles and the lifestyle, then this is the show for you! As soon as you step foot on the show floor, you’ll be blown away with the incredible roster of exhibitors and the feature events taking place around the show. Browse this enormous show and you’ll find new and used motorcycles, Aftermarket Parts and Accessories, Rider Apparel and Helmets, Performance Equipment, Trailers, Travel Destinations, Custom Bike Builders, and a full range of Fashions.. You can also enjoy live bands, special guests, custom bikes, and much more!"

Yonge-Dundas becomes Sankofa Square

UPDATE: The square has released the following statement (Feb 7): "On December 14, 2023, the City of Toronto announced that Toronto City Council adopted a motion to change the name of Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square. The Square will continue to operate as Yonge-Dundas Square as we work through the change over process that's expected to continue to mid-2024. Stay tuned for more information."

The City of Toronto has approved the renaming of Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square as they proceed with plans to replace the Dundas name on City assets concentrating on the Square, the Dundas and Dundas West subway Stations and the Jane/Dundas Public Library. After the Square renaming the other three will be completed in 2024/2025 while the renaming of Dundas Street is on hold until Council gives the go ahead to proceed.

Henry Dundas was a Viscount who was involved in delaying the end of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the late 1700s and had his last name used for City assets. Racial justice awareness brought the matter to a head in 2021 and the City decided it had to act to remove the stained legacy of Viscount Dundas. In addition to the renaming the City will also conduct a public education campaign on the slave trade and increase awareness of racial justice.

From the City's media release, "Following two years of consultation, research and discussion, the City’s Recognition Review Community Advisory Committee (CAC) unanimously selected the name “Sankofa Square” for Yonge-Dundas Square. The concept of Sankofa, originating in Ghana, refers to the act of reflecting on and reclaiming teachings from the past, which enables people to move forward together. This new name reflects the City’s commitment to taking steps to right wrongs, confront anti-Black racism and build a more inclusive Toronto for all. The Yonge-Dundas Square Board will report to City Council on details related to the adoption of the new name by the end of Q2 2024."

Meet dinosaurs on the Jurassic Quest tour

Not just one dinosaur, a herd of dinosaurs are at the International Centre December 8 to 10, 2023 as part of the Jurassic Quest tour. I hope there are electric fences fully charged so that we can wander the centre while observing the dinosaurs - from the meatiosauras to the vegiosauras, in complete safety - I mean what could go wrong? Actually it should be all good, these dinosaurs are photorealistic and provide an interactive dinosaur experience. This show only has three scheduled stops in Canada and the only one in Ontario is in the Toronto area this for this weekend and it is "back, bigger and better than ever!" The dino trainers, pictured at top, showed us the cute but toothy baby.

It's the Christmas Raptors. Photo supplied

The exhibit is in Hall 5 which is around the back of the centre. Groups of dinosaurs are kept behind small fences which seems a little scary, those dinosaurs can easily break out from these barriers. 

Handlers will show baby dinosaurs and bigger units around the special enclosures and the baby is darn cute. There are bouncy castles, dinosaur rides, discovery and excavation areas along with a retail shop and a food court area.

There is a dinosaur head or some eggs you can pose inside

From the tour, "New for 2023! Jurassic Quest is on its biggest Canadian tour yet and is bringing more hands-on activities, education and fun for the whole family including our expanded herd of life-like moving and roaring dinosaurs, themed rides and attractions, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities including a giant fossil dig, real fossils, a “Triceratots” soft play area for our littlest explorers, photo opportunities, a newly launched video tour featuring our star dinosaur trainers, and more!"

Ann almost lost her fingers!

Millions have seen the impressive dinosaurs, including baby dinosaurs, since 2013 and I great time seeing the most realistic dinosaur exhibition in North America during their Canadian leg of the tour.

See more info on the quest after the jump.

Andy Kim Christmas at Toronto’s Massey Hall

The historic hall, renovated and renewed, welcomes back the Andy Kim Christmas show on December 6, 2023 beginning at 8pm. Juno award winning artist Andy Kim comes well prepared with host Sean Cullen along with a number of famous musical artists and groups joining him during the special 19th annual Christmas celebration in support of CAMH's Gifts of Light. Andy explained that he gets melancholy during the holiday season and to lighten his depression he decided to create the Christmas concert with the help of his talented friends who come from far and wide to support him and the cause. To raise the most money possible everyone performs for free which makes the charity concert even more special. The show is light on Christmas songs but it is just as well as the the artists sang their hits to the crowd during the holiday season.

Andy speaks on screen during pretaped introduction 

It's beautiful in the historic hall, all fresh from the renovations

New Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow welcomes Andy and congratulates him on his 19th show in support of CAMH and mental health

Toronto appreciated the singer so much that in 2021 the Mayor presented Andy Kim with a Key to the City and he had his own day acknowledged on December 8 as Andy Kim Day in Toronto. From the City "Kim is also known for his charitable giving. His annual Andy Kim Christmas Show, now in its 17th year, has raised more than $2 million in support of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and many children’s charities. Kim, who has called Toronto home for more than 20 years, created a Toronto tradition that celebrates togetherness, charity and the spirit of the holiday season."

“I can’t believe it’s the 19th Annual Andy Kim Christmas supporting CAMH Gifts of Light. I’m so thankful to Toronto’s community of talented artists, each year they come together & donate their time for such a worthy cause,” said Andy Kim. “The heart of this great city continues to inspire as we come together, as one, for an evening of music and love.” Mr. Kim began his musical career very early at 16 and has won two JUNO awards along with many honours including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Canada's Walk of Fame as well as an appointment to the Order of Canada. He also has nine Billboard Top 40 hits which include two gold records for Sugar, Sugar and Rock Me Gently.

It became one giant supergroup and the crowd gets to its feet

The Andy Kim Christmas provides a variety musical showcase featuring Christmas holiday performances by "The Damn Truth, Beverley Mahood, Erica Ehm, Tommy Brunett of Modern English join previously announced Alex Lifeson, Maestro Fresh Wes, Men Without Hats, Ron Sexsmith, Tom Wilson, The Good Brothers, The Sadies and more." In a venue just a stones throw from the Toronto Eaton Centre at 178 Victoria Street the annual event brings some of the top musical acts to the 6ix just in time for the Christmas season.

Men Without Hats lead singer Ivan Doroschuk belts out his pop hits on stage - Safety Dance and Pop Goes the World

Part of the supergroup's guitar players

Hip Hop pioneer Maestro Fresh Wes 

Host and comedian Sean Cullen points to members in the crowd

The Dam Truth band

Ron Sexsmith did sing a Christmas song

Andy Kim looks back to his friends on stage

We had a lot of fun at this concert, music was fantastic and Massey Hall itself is pretty spectacular as well. See more photos of the concert after the jump.

The Vegan Fashion Show Toronto 2023

Fashion and compassion return to the 6ix with the Vegan Fashion Show through Producer/Director Vikki Lenola and her amazing team. Doors open at 4pm on Sunday, December 3rd at Daniel's Spectrum on Dundas Street East for the night of fun in support of Animal Justice. Ms. Lenola is an accomplished business person, model, activist and much more who embodies the belief in protecting animals from exploitation in food and fashion and who promotes alternatives with plant based, animal-free products - out of her and her team's compassion the Vegan Fashion Show was created. You can see photos from last year's fashion show on my post here.

Event show schedule

Host Angela Bell with Producer/Director Vikki Lenola

Camille Labchuk - Lawyer and Executive Director of Animal Justice. Discusses animal free fashion along with presenting "Ending Real Fur" trailer

From the fashion show's website, "Food, fashion shows, holiday market, burlesque and musical performances, auction, grand prize, 360 photo wall, and more! Join us for a night of fashion and compassion at The Vegan Fashion Show! Experience the latest in ethical elegance featuring 10 designers from across Canada and beyond. Enjoy creative designs from faith-based clothing to travelwear to Indigenous culture. Discover groundbreaking plant-based materials, including luxurious plastic-free innovation."

Some of the designers and fashion for round one.

Segan designs

QZ Chen designs

Jummobi designs

The fashion show provided some beautiful and interesting pieces while the production ran very well. The styles ranged from ready to wear to more flashy, haute couture type outfits. Moving from the Great Hall on Queen Street West to the Daniel's Spectrum on Dundas Street East was an upgrade for the show - more room, better lighting and an improved platform for photographers. 

See more of the Vegan Fashion Show after the jump.

Remembrance Day warplane flyover

Hundreds of people took in the 2023 Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton on November 11th. As part of the event the Lancaster flew over the museum near the ceremony's two minutes of silence to help us remember those that served our country. There was a little bit of blue sky in the overall grey clouds in the heavens above in the photo at top.

The original Lancaster type Mk. X was built in Mississauga (Malton) in 1945 and later transitioned to a 10MR configuration, had a wing section replaced in 1952 and was finally retired from the military in 1963. Then in 1977 the Royal Canadian Legion in Goderich sold the plane to the museum where it took 11 years to get the Lancaster ready for flight. It is one of many warplanes, flight ready or on static display at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.

Returning to the museum

Today was the last scheduled 2023 flight of the Lancaster and the museum's airplanes were joined by a J-type Hercules from the Canadian Armed Forces out of Trenton air force base, arriving just for the ceremony.

Hercules prepares for the flight home

See more photos after the jump.

The best are back for the Royal Horse Show Toronto 2023

The equine world comes back to Toronto during the Royal Horse Show which takes place as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Exhibition Place from November 3 to 12, 2023. The excitement features hundreds of show jumpers and many other competitors looking to take home part of the over $1 million dollars in prizes. Your Royal Horse Show ticket even includes entry into the 101 year old Winter Fair - the World's largest combined Agricultural and Equestrian Fair.

Six Horse Hitch competitors

The Highlanders band

From the Horse Show's website; "The Royal boasts a huge variety of equestrian competitions open to all ages. Along with Hunters and Show Jumpers, you will be amazed at the many different breeds of horses that pull carts, coaches, wagons and big hitches. Cheer for your favorite high stepping Hackney, shout when the announcer calls “drive on!” in the Road Horse classes or clap and whoop it up when the judge approaches your favorite heavy horse hitch for inspection! The Royal Horse Show is world-class equestrian competition at its finest."

Some of the interesting competitions are the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge (took place Saturday, November 4 and won by Phillip Dutton a two-time Olympic gold medalist), the Belgian Six Horse Hitch, Polo at the Royal, Hackney & Harness Pony Championships, Royal Heavy Horse Team Championship, Royal Horse Show Tack Room Competition, the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping World Cup and the Royal Rodeo. The World Cup happens Saturday night (November 11) while the Rodeo takes place on Sunday, November 12 beginning at 1 PM and closes out the Royal Horse Show.

Riders do a course walk for the McKee International Jumper Challenge

The 2022 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup was won by Daniel Coyle of Ireland riding Legacy, a Canadian horse owned by Ariel Grange of Cheltenham, Ontario. Daniel will return in 2023 to defend his title. “Winning the World Cup class with Legacy at The Royal last year was a special victory to check off my bucket list,” said Coyle, who is currently ranked number 11 in the Longines World Rider Rankings. “The Royal is a very important part of our fall schedule, and the atmosphere was electric last year. Toronto feels like home for the Lothlorien Farm team – it is Ariel Grange's hometown – and the Canadian crowds have always felt like my own crowds; they are so supportive.

The winner was announced by Jump Media; "Kent Farrington of the United States opened international show jumping competition at the CSI4*-W Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, in Toronto, ON, by scoring victory in the $38,500 Strength and Speed Challenge on Wednesday, November 8."

You can see why they are celebrating over a century of champions as Olympians along with Canadian and International teams of top horses and amazing riders take to the ring in the Coca-Cola Coliseum, adjacent to the Winter Fair held in the Enercare Centre. The Winter Fair takes in agricultural experiences, farm animals, food, beverages and lots of vendors.

Royal Winter Fair Hours: Sun. 9 AM - 6 PM, Mon. 9 AM - 6 PM, Tues. 9 AM - 8PM, Wed. 9 AM - 8 PM, Thur. 9 AM - 8 PM, Fri. 9 AM - 8 PM and Sat. 9 AM - 8 PM. The Royal Horse Show starts at 7 PM with weekend matinees starting at 1 PM. Note there is no 7 PM show on the last day of the Fair.

The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup at Royal Horse Show finished off with Israel's Daniel Bluman on Gemma W winning the $250,000 competition. From the media release "British course designer Kelvin Bywater set the challenging track for the star-studded field of 20 riders representing seven countries. In his Royal Horse Show debut, Rene Dittmer of Germany delivered the first clear with Corsica X. Just a few rides later, Canadian talent Vanessa Mannix of Calgary, AB, thrilled the home crowd with a fault-free effort aboard Carmela Z. Then it was Kent Farrington of the United States, currently third on the Longines World Rankings, who added his name to the jump-off list with Greya, a nine-year-old Oldenburg mare (Colestus x Contender) owned by Kent Farrington LLC. Bluman with Gemma W, and young British star Jessica Mendoza, 27, with I-Cap CL Z, also managed to find the clear path, bringing the count to five to contest the all-deciding jump-off."