News release from Downtown Barrie BIA
The holiday season kicks off in Downtown Barrie, this Saturday November 19th. There’s a full day of fun planned and we even arranged a festive falling of snow just in time to make things merry.
-Bundle up and head downtown at 10am for our Maple Avenue Mural celebration. There will be live music with folk musician Zack Elliot. Enjoy some snacks from nearby spots. You can create a strawberry out of clay with Art with Purpose. And bring home a free craft kit to make a felt heart ornament from the Stitch Haus at 54 Maple Avenue. The celebration will be followed by a tour of other projects in the area and highlight some of the great businesses in Downtown Barrie.
-Enjoy free wagon rides departing from Meridian Place between 10am and 3pm.
-Grab a hot cocoa and check out the festive window displays. You get a chance to win one of two $250 Downtown Barrie Prize Packs. Each vote is an entry and you can vote once every 24 hours.
-Join local Indigenous artist Samantha Loney from Metis and Me to learn about Metis dot art and fill in your own floral beadwork inspired design! Find her on Dunlop St West, by Mexhico Restaurant from 11pm till 3pm with colouring pages and markers ready. All ages and abilities are welcome.
-Nearby, at the same time, you can make an ornament card with artist Monika Matus. Decorate the front, write a message to the recipient on the back, and tie a ribbon at the top.
-Warm up by stopping into local shops and stock up on stocking stuffers and unique gifts
-The Simcoe Contemporary Dancers will be doing pop-up performances of the Nutcracker between 12pm and 4pm.
-Head to Chantal + Michael Realty Brokerage at 16 Dunlop St East for their Christmas Market from 12pm till 4pm.
-Stop by the pink building and play with paint with Affa Studios from 12pm till 4pm. While you're there check out the new art installation 'The Land Knows You' by artist Alanah Jewell.
-Carollers from the Nostalgia Express quartet - Barrie Chordsmen and the Barrie Soundwaves will be wandering and spreading holiday cheer starting at 1pm.
-Music on the Meridian Stage, hosted by 107.5 Kool FM's Dale and Charlie, starts at 3pm with local musicians Kat Chabot and Tkaia Green, followed by Carleigh Aikins at 4pm.
-The Santa Claus Parade starts from Tiffin Street and Brett Caswell and the Northern Pipes Choir will keep us entertained while we wait for Saint Nick to arrive downtown. (The parade begins at 5 p.m. at Tiffin and Bradford Street, then heads north on Bradford to Dunlop Street, then through downtown ending at Poyntz and Dunlop Street East)
-You can also catch a viewing of the classic holiday film ‘A Christmas Story (1983)’ at Meridian Place, starting at dusk. And cozy up with a hot chocolate, free with the donation of a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy. Courtesy of Tim Hortons.
-After the parade head back to Meridian Place for the tree lighting, thanks to our presenting tree sponsor Farm Boy. And fireworks from the City of Barrie. Followed by a free concert with The Strumbellas starting around 7pm. It’s going to be lit! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
As well, the Barrie Public Library is hosting Storytime:
Saturday, November 19: 10:00am - 11:00am
Downtown Branch - Gathering Place
AGE GROUP: UNDER 5 SCHOOL-AGED KIDS
EVENT TYPE: STORYTIMES, READING, & LITERACY, SPECIAL EVENTS
He's making a list and checking it twice. Join us for storytime, we guarantee it will be nice!
