Holiday season kicks into gear this weekend with numerous East Toronto events including Leslieville Wanderlust and Beaches Santa Claus Parade
The holiday season kicks into high gear this weekend in East Toronto with a number of sales, shows, and the Beaches Santa Claus Parade among the scheduled events.
Beach Guild of Fine Art Fall Show and Sale
This Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 15 and 16) will see the Beach Guild of Fine Art Fall Show and Sale taking place at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave.
Show hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission to the show is free, and attendees can fill out a ballot for a chance to win a painting by a BGFA member.
Along with highlighting local artists, the BGFA fall show is a holiday tradition in the Beach community and a place where many residents look to buy the “perfect” Christmas gifts.
For more information about the Beach Guild of Fine Art and this month’s fall show, please visit online at https://www.beachguildoffineart.com/
Artists and Artisans Christmas Market at Beaches Presbyterian Church
Today (Saturday, Nov. 15) the annual Artists and Artisans Christmas Market is on at Beaches Presbyterian Church, 65 Glen Manor Dr.
The market’s hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and there will be a wide variety of items available along with a café featuring treats.
Leslieville Wanderlust
This Saturday is also the day for the annual Leslieville Wanderlust celebrations.
From noon to 6 p.m. along Queen Street East from Jimmie Simpson Park to the west to Vancouver Avenue to the east, Leslieville residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the start of the holiday season.
This year’s event will be the 19th annual Leslieville Wanderlust presented by the Leslieville BIA. Along with numerous special promotions from local businesses, there will be a Santa’s Village at Leslie Grove Park (northwest corner of Queen Street East and Jones Avenue). Not only will Santa be there, but there will also be a kids train, hot chocolate and marshmallows and a Santa’s Storytime event in the park at 3 p.m.
At 5:30 p.m., Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher will be at Leslie Grove Park for the annual tree lighting ceremony.
For more information on Leslieville Wanderlust, please go to https://visitleslieville.ca/events/wanderlust/
Peppermint Fair at St. Clair O’Connor Community
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, the St. Clair O’Connor Community Project’s Peppermint Fair is set for in building’s meeting room.
Admission is free and open to all, with proceeds from the annual fundraiser supporting projects sponsored by the SCOC Residents Council.
The fundraising event will showcase a variety of Christmas gifts, toys, cards, ornaments, knitted and crocheted pieces as well as baked goods, all prepared by the residents and select vendors.
For more information on the peppermint fair, please visit https://scoc.ca/scoc-peppermint-fair/ or call reception at (416) 757-8757.
The St. Clair O Connor Community is located at2701 St. Clair Ave. E.
Black Umfolosi in concert tonight at Acoustic Harvest
Tonight, Acoustic Harvest presents Black Umfolosi in concert at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., in southwest Scarborough.
Black Umfolosi is a world-renowned vocal and dance ensemble originally from Zimbabwe who have captivated audiences around the world. The group’s performances blend traditional African song, dance, and storytelling.
They are a self-taught a cappella group that was founded in 1982 by then-school-age members who wanted to develop themselves and contribute to the community.
Black Umfolosi specializes in imbube music, gumboot dance, and Zulu dance. Imbube music is a traditional style of vocal music featuring rich harmonies.
They have toured extensively both nationally and internationally.
Acoustic Harvest has hosted Black Umfolosi a number of times throughout the past 28 years, and it’s always been a can’t-miss event.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.
To learn more about Black Umfolosi and Acoustic Harvest, and to get tickets, please visit: https://ticketscene.ca/events/53314/
Kingston Road United Church Holiday Jewelry Sale
Today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kingston Road United Church hosts a Holiday Jewelry Sale.
The sale will feature a wide selection of pre-loved jewelry along with scarves, hats and purses. There will also be homemade baked goods, knitting and other crafts featured at the sale. All proceed go towards the church.
Kingston Road United Church is located at 975 Kingston Rd.
Beaches Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, Nov. 16
And capping of the holiday theme for this weekend will be Sunday, Nov. 16, afternoon’s Beaches Santa Claus Parade along Kingston Road.
Presented by Centre 55, the parade not only welcomes Santa Claus to the community but also serves as the kickoff to fundraising for the annual Share A Christmas campaign which supports families in need during the upcoming holiday season.
First held in 2006, the Beaches Santa Claus parade has become a community tradition enjoyed by generations of residents.
As in past years, this year’s parade will start at Kingston Road and Victoria Park Avenue at 1 p.m. on Nov. 16.
The parade route will then head west along Kingston Road, before turning north at Walter Street, just before Main Street, and finishing at Centre 55 at Swanwick Avenue and Main Street.
For more information on this year’s parade, please visit Centre 55’s website at https://www.centre55.com/beaches-santa-claus-parade/
