Category Archives: Annual Events

Annual Events, Toronto Events

Tips on the 2012 Santa Claus Parade Route in Toronto

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The 2012 Santa Claus Parade is an incredibly popular annual winter tradition in Toronto. Here is what you need to know to make the most of this Toronto winter event: the date, time, route and extra tips.

(Added Nov. 9, 2013): After you’ve read the “Obvious and Subtle Tips…” section below, you will want to learn what’s new from my “Toronto Santa Claus Parade 2013 and Holly Jolly Fun Run“.

Quick Facts about the 2012 Santa Claus Parade in Toronto

"2009 Santa Claus Parade in Toronto" image by c'est la Viva
“2009 Santa Claus Parade in Toronto” image by c’est la Viva

Here are the bare minimum facts you need to find and enjoy the 2012 Toronto Santa Claus Parade.

Date and Time of the 2012 Santa Claus Parade

The date of the 2012 Toronto Santa Claus Parade is Sunday, November 18, 2012.

The start time for the parade is 12:30pm, just after noon. Be sure to claim your place along the parade route before that time.

The Route of the 2012 Toronto Santa Claus Parade

The Santa Claus parade route for 2012 begins at Christie Pits. They march east along Bloor, past Bathurst and Spadina.

The parade turns south from Bloor onto Queen’s Park Circle. (Avenue Road is to the north). They are slated to follow the eastern half of the circle, which would go against the usual flow of traffic.

The Santa Claus parade continues south on University Avenue, past College, Dundas and Queen. They turn east onto Wellington St.,  crossing Yonge and Church streets to finish on Front Street at the St. Lawrence Market.

The Toronto Santa Claus Parade and the 2012 Grey Cup

By special arrangement for 2012 only, the Santa Claus Parade in Toronto will include representatives from the 100th Grey Cup Festival. Those good folk should include “cheerleaders” and “alumni”. Read my quick introduction to all the “Free Events for the 2012 Grey Cup Festival in Toronto” if you want to make it a week of Grey Cup 2012 activities.

Obvious and Subtle Tips to Enjoy Toronto’s 2012 Santa Claus Parade

Let’s consider the obvious hints first.

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Wear comfortable shoes or boots; you should expect to stand for quite a while.

Don’t even think about driving downtown for Toronto’s Santa Claus parade. It’s obvious from the route that several major streets will be closed, and others will be cut due to the parade. In fact, don’t drive downtown for any other reason on that Sunday. If you absolutely must drive: skip church this Sunday morning; park in a “Green P” lot; have lunch early at a family restaurant in downtown Toronto; and plan to wait a while after the parade before driving home.

The obvious alternative to driving is to take the TTC subway to your destination. Almost all the intersections noted above, along the parade route, have subway stations. I wouldn’t count on the east-west streetcars, such as 506 Carlton (along Gerrard and College) or 501 Queen, to be able to stay on schedule from around the noon hour.

We’ve covered the blindingly obvious; now let’s be a bit more subtle.

The Toronto Santa Claus parade is always a major attraction. You want to find your curbside location early enough so your children can stand and watch. The alternative is to “take a row” farther back and hoist your youngster on your back.

Scout out the neighbourhood for a fast food restaurant or other location with a public washroom. Someone in your family will probably appreciate it. The Eaton Centre is one possibility; so are the many fast-food franchise restaurants on the main streets. Personally, I’d look down a cross-street. For example, while there is a Tim Horton’s on University near Edward St. (north of Dundas St.), the Druxy’s Deli is just a bit east along Edward St. If the Druxy’s is open Sunday afternoon, it would be less crowded than Tim’s.

The official Toronto Santa Claus Parade web site offers more hints, including “how to keep your children amused before the parade” and “where is a wheelchair accessible viewing location?”. (Activity books or, may I add, cell phone games provide amusement. Front Street’s Berczy Park is the location they recommend for the physically challenged).

Looking for More Annual Toronto Events?

If you miss the main downtown 2012 Santa Claus Parade in Toronto other areas may provide alternatives. I will let you know if I find some; or leave me a comment!

Check the “annual events” or “Toronto events” categories toward the end of the left-hand menu.

Disclaimer: DeHaan Services has no relationship to the organizer(s); I am not reimbursed for writing this article. However, DeHaan Services does write web site or advertising copy for clients. Our skills are demonstrated in online articles in Decoded Science, and other web sites. That’s why DeHaan Services highlight these online articles on this blog page.

Annual Events, Online Articles, Toronto Events

2012 Quilt Auction at the Black Creek Pioneer Village Relief Sale

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The annual MCC Relief Sale at Toronto’s Black Creek Pioneer Village always includes a quilt auction.

Are there other reasons to visit this MCC quilt auction on Sept. 15, 2012?

(Updated Aug. 11, 2014): Please see my 2014 article, “Two Quilt Events at Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto” for the updates, including an August quilt show and sale organized by a completely different organization. (Added this note on Sept. 1, 2013): In 2013, this annual autumn event in Toronto will add the title “Toronto Mennonite Festival” to its description. Visit us Sat. Sept. 21, 2013 at 10am.

What is an “MCC Relief Sale”?

Log Cabin with Heart Quilt (89 x 102 inches) for auction at the 2012 Black Creek Pioneer Village Relief Sale
Log Cabin with Heart Quilt (89 x 102 inches) for auction at the 2012 Black Creek Pioneer Village Relief Sale

Mennonite Central Committee, “MCC“, is a service organization whose primary aim is to help people in the developing world who need clean water, education about farming, and emergency relief after natural disasters. The original goal of MCC was to provide emergency “relief”, and one way for Mennonite farmers to raise funds was by selling farm produce. That is the origin of the term “Relief Sale”.

This “Relief Sale” at Black Creek Pioneer Village particularly supports MCC Ontario, which also works with Ontario’s aboriginal people as well as Canadians and immigrants living in poverty.

As a Mennonite organization with roots in the Anabaptist tradition of Christianity, MCC is committed to embodying the message of peace and non-violence.

Why Auction Quilts at the Black Creek Pioneer Village 2012 Relief Sale?

Mennonite women have a long heritage of making quilts by hand. Originally those quilts served practical needs: use scraps of material, and keep people warm through cold winter nights.

Now these quilts are modern heirlooms, decorating bedrooms or upstairs hallways with their beauty and artisanship.

One tradition is to “drop” one final stitch, so the quilt’s maker cannot boast of perfection…which she otherwise might have achieved!

Some quilts are made by a group of women from one church, who gather for a quilting bee as an act of charity…and a chance to visit with friends.

Why Visit the 2012 Relief Sale at Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto?

The reasons to visit are:

  1. Enjoy the ready-to-eat food as a picnic in the village square.
  2. Bring home a boxed fruit pie to enjoy later.
  3. Bid on a decorative hand-crafted quilt.
  4. Listen to live music, mainly gospel and country.
  5. Tour Toronto’s Black Creek Pioneer Village, exploring its buildings and gardens and learning about the lives of our early settlers.
  6. Support MCC’s charitable efforts in Toronto, in Ontario and around the world.

When and Where is the Black Creek Pioneer Village 2012 Relief Sale?

The Black Creek Pioneer Village 2012 Relief Sale will be held on Saturday Sept. 15, 2012.

  • Black Creek Pioneer Village opens its doors at 10am.
  • The 2012 MCC Relief Sale includes boxed fruit pies, apple fritters or rosettes for breakfast; Sloppy Joes (meat or vegetarian), sausage and sauerkraut or… Well, Mennonites like to eat and assume everyone else does, from the opening through the early afternoon.
  • The Quilt Auction starts at noon. You will want to preview and eat and register before the bidding begins.
  • Generally the sale winds down by 2pm or so. Some vendors run out of food by this time.

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Black Creek Pioneer Village itself is a working village based on the lives of early settlers in Ontario, or “Upper Canada” as it was then known. Admission to the Village allows you to wander about, exploring the homes, shops and workshops.

Black Creek Pioneer Village is in Toronto off Steeles Avenue, adjacent to the York University campus. Turn south one stop-light east of Jane Street. Take the TTC using the Steeles 60 West bus from the University subway line or the Jane 35 bus from the Bloor subway line.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.

Learn More about the MCC Black Creek Pioneer Village Relief Sale

I’d written about this MCC Relief Sale last year, in “The 2011 MCC Quilt Auction and Relief Sale Event at Black Creek Pioneer Village“, especially discussing MCC and how the money is used.

The official web site for Toronto Mennonite Festival, also known as the MCC Black Creek Pioneer Village has pictures of many of the quilts up for auction; lots more background information; and links to the official Black Creek Pioneer Village web site.

Black Creek Pioneer Village is owned and operated by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. It does charge admission to cover its costs which are separate from the MCC Relief Sale 2012.

Looking for More Annual Toronto Events?

Check the “annual events” or “Toronto events” categories toward the end of the left-hand menu.

Disclaimer: DeHaan Services is not reimbursed for writing this article. However, in 2012 I am serving on the board of the MCC Black Creek Pioneer Village Relief Sale charitable organization, and would be pleased to sell you a Sloppy Joe in the village square.

Annual Events, Toronto Events

Toronto Festivals and Events 1 Weekend After Labour Day 2012

Our autumn Toronto events begin one weekend after Labour Day.

It’s an amazingly busy time with dragon boat racing, a Celtic festival, the end of an exhibition by Hungarian-Canadian artists, vegetarian food and street festivals.

(Added this list on Sept. 5, 2013): So many of these events return for 2013 that your easiest bet is to check the 2013 dates in this list, and then check their official web sites, for up-to-date information. Many of these are free things to do in Toronto this weekend.

  • The 2013 Dragon Boat races return to Marilyn Bell Park on Sept. 7-8, in the Western Beaches of Toronto; watch for free.
  • Enjoy the 2013 Vegetarian Food Festival at Harbourfront Centre from Sept. 6-8. The times vary by date. Enter for free, but you will be tempted to buy and either eat or take home to cook.
  • The 2013 Beach Celtic Festival has returned to Kew Gardens in the Beaches for Sept 7-8. I’ve just written a separate article about it (noted below). Enter for free, but consider buying something from their crafts or food vendors. (Updated Aug. 28, 2014): My latest is “Find the Beach Celtic Festival 2014 in Toronto“.
  • The 2013 Taste of the Kingsway runs Sept. 6-8. The times depend on the day. I’d really like to see the Scotiabank Dog Show on Saturday (noon-3pm). Again, the entertainment is free, but plan to pay to taste some “medieval” food. (That’s what’s on their poster!) (Updated Aug. 30, 2014): My latest is “Savour the 2014 Taste of the Kingsway in Toronto“, with no mention of medieval food.
  • Sorry, but you missed the 2013 Chinatown Festival back on Aug. 24-25, unless you’d read it in my “Richard III, Afro Caribbean or Chinatown in Toronto for 2013“.
  • The first results for searching for the Tarantella Festival in Toronto point back to 2012, rather than to 2013. My apologies for not pursuing the matter further…but let me know if you find them this year!
  • The 2013 Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts extends its stay, from Thurs. Sept. 5 through Sun. Sept. 8. The best official Cabbagetown Festival link I could find provides a lot of detail. Some of the early events charge a nominal fee, but at least some of the Sat./Sun. festivities are free to attend. That includes the Kidz Korner with free activities for children.

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Dragon Boat Races at Marilyn Bell Park in Toronto

"Dragon Boat Racing at Wellington Waterfront" image by 4nitsirk (Kristina D.C. Hoeppner)
“Dragon Boat Racing at Wellington Waterfront” image by 4nitsirk (Kristina D.C. Hoeppner)

Dragon Boat racing is a great spectator sport even for the uninitiated, since the strength and determination are visible to landlubbers.

As well, dragonboat regattas are contested by divisions. This means that most races are hotly contested among crews of similar skills, so it’s usually a fight to the finish.

Details for the Sept. 2012 Dragon Boat Races

The venue is Marilyn Bell Park, just west of the CNE and Ontario Place, and south of Lake Shore Blvd West and the Gardiner Expressway. Jameson Avenue’s sidewalk is the safe way to walk or bike south.

The dates are Sept. 8-9, 2012. Races begin at 8:30am each day.

I’m sure that spectators may cheer politely at no cost or obligation.

The Great White North official web site offers more details, especially for the competitors.

2012 Vegetarian Food Festival at Harbourfront

Since you’re near Lake Ontario anyway, head to Harbourfront on Queen’s Quay for the Vegetarian Food Festival on Sept. 7-9, 2012. There will be cooking demonstrations as well as vendors. Admission is free.

Hungarian Visual Artists of Canada

"Map of Todmorden Mills, Toronto" image by Mike DeHaan
“Map of Todmorden Mills, Toronto” image by Mike DeHaan

An exhibition of works by “Hungarian Visual Artists of Canada” has been running from Aug. 29 but wraps Sept. 9 at Todmorden Mills Museum on Pottery Road, in the Papermill Art Gallery.

The exhibit is available on Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 10 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday & Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Parking is free and admission is well under $10/person including tax.

The 2012 Beach Celtic Festival in Toronto

(Updated Sept. 2, 2013): Please refer to my “The 2013 Beach Celtic Festival in Toronto” for up to date information on the dates and times.

I’d written about this event last year, in “Beach Celtic Festival 2012 (and 2011) in Kew Gardens of Toronto“. In brief, head to Kew Gardens on Queen Street East on Sept. 8-9, 2012 for Irish music and culture in the park.

Toronto’s “only outdoor ceildh” is free to enjoy from 9am through 7pm.

The official Toronto Beach Celtic Festival web site provides the most up-to-date list of performers.

Toronto’s Taste of the Kingsway Festival 2012

Centred at 3029 Bloor St. West from Sept. 7-9, the Taste of the Kingsway returns between Prince Edward Drive and Montgomery Road with staged entertainment, food and yet more entertainment.

Support the “Out of the Cold” charity by buying a pancake breakfast.

The 2012 Toronto Chinatown Festival

Spadina Avenue from Dundas to College is the street for the 2012 Toronto Chinatown Festival. Naturally it’s free to stroll down the street for the entertainment and cultural environment on Sept. 8-9. You also have the opportunity to buy food to maintain your strength.

The Fiera Street Festival, or Tarantella Toronto 2012

Little Italy hosts the 2012 Tarantella Festival on College Street between Shaw and Bathhurst on Sept. 8-9, 2012. Taranta bands are featured, along with street vendors, a singing festival and the Tarantella Dance competition.

The 2012 Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts in Toronto

Head for Parliament Street between Wellesley and Gerrard on Sept. 8-9, 2012 between 11am and 8:30pm for the 2012 Toronto Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts. (Updated Sept. 5, 2013: This link is not longer valid; please see their link in the top section of this article). Musicians, dancers and buskers will entertain; food will be on sale.

Expect to find vendors with wares or not-for-profits explaining their programs.

Looking for More Annual Toronto Events?

Check the “annual events” or “Toronto events” categories toward the end of the left-hand menu.

I really must give props to “Festivals Toronto” who cover this beat very well. I found a couple of Toronto street festivals there, and hope to goodness that we’ve covered the bases.

Disclaimer: DeHaan Services has no relationship to the organizer(s); I am not reimbursed for writing this article.