Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade Tonight

Ack! The anticipated freezing rain may scupper the much-loved, Winter-solstice Kensingston Market Parade this evening.
Still, sounds like a nasty storm coming, so better to stay warm and safe than freezing and slippy.
But should the weather Gods co-operate, it'd be a great night to head down for the participatory fun, which begins at 7 pm.
The organizers are updating people about the parade's status via Twitter.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Last Pedestrian Sunday of the season in Kensington Market

Put on your woolies and hoof down to Kensington Market for the last Pedestrian Sunday of the season! Not surprisingly, there is a Hallowe'en element to it. And I quote:
"Rain or Shine, the streets of Kensington Market are yours to enjoy from 12-7pm, and until 10pm on the top block of Augusta.
Halloween Parade at 6pm - starts at the foot of Kensington Ave. Costumes encouraged! Bring extra layers to keep warm!"

Cheers,
Vanessa
PS Methinks "Bring extra layers to keep warm" will be the theme of this Hallowe'en, based on the weather forecast.

Pedestrian Sunday in Kensington Market June 30th

It's the tenth year for PSKensington, a series of days devoid of cars and devoted to hoofers in fun and funky Kensington Market. If any public space is perfect for a car-free day, it's this one: I've never understood why a car would want to navigate the tiny, jam-packed streets, anyway.
June 30th is the second Pedestrian Sunday of the year and the roads will be home to music performances; street food vendors; a kid's pinata space; and more.
The fun runs from noon to 7 pm.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Winter Solstice Parade

For more than 20 years, the Winter Solstice Parade in Kensington Market has reminded us of the true origins of Christmas.
It's a free, celebratory, neighbourhood event and, as such, also reminds us of the true origins of Christmas.
So if you've had enough of crowded malls, last-minute baking and hanging out with annoying relatives, head down to Kensington Market Wednesday at 6:30 pm. Bring a noisemaker, grab a lantern and join the Kensington Market Winter Solstice Parade.
http://www.blogto.com/events/49952.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Lantern-Making Workshop Today

The Kensington Market Winter Solstice has been celebrating the shortest night of the year and the return of the light since 1987. In fact, it used to be called the Festival of Lights.

On Dec. 21st, the winter solstice, revelers take over Kensington Market and parade through it, some of them with homemade lanterns. (The market also is abuzz with all sorts of activities and a fun time is had by all.)

Lantern making is a perfect rainy Sunday activity, don't you think? You can mosey down to the Steelworkers Hall at 25 Cecil St. between 11 am to 6 pm today to create a lantern for the celebration on the 21st.

Enjoy!
Vanessa

Eye Candy: Steamed Lobster

The week continues to be dreary, weather-wise. Although it's been almost a snow-free winter, there's also been few glorious, sparkly sunny days when everything is covered in crisp white and the sun is beaming.
Can't have everything.
Given our dry but dreary winter, I thought this steamy pic from Kensington market might warm up your day.
Cheers,
Vanessa

Eye Candy Friday: Snowy Chairs

I thought the Blog looked a little grey lately and the weather seems to be matching it this a.m., so I decided to post an Eye Candy Friday pic.
I took this in Kensington Market during the Holidays.

Enjoy!
Vanessa

Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market

I love the idea of Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market. On the last Sunday of every month, which means this Sunday, cars are banned from the area and pedestrians rule the roads.
It begins at noon and goes til 7 pm, except for on North Augusta, when it extends til 10 pm.
This Sunday's theme is Water: Streams of Consciousness. (Seems appropriate right now, given the endless streams of rain.)

Here's the scoop from the website:
"Amid island music and a barrage of pirates, sailors, and fishermen, we’ll celebrate the magic of water, water conservation, and consciousness—write a message in a bottle, sing sea shanties, take the water challenge."
Go, have fun, enjoy. The last one this year is in October.

Cheers,

Vanessa

iTour of Spadina

Whether you call SpadIna or SpadEEna, there's no denying that the street is a fascinating slice of Hogtown.

Stretching from the Fashion District, through Chinatown, right into the heart of U of T and on up past Bloor -- where, BTW, SpadEEna is the more common pronunciation -- this road is rich in history and lore.

Perfect candidate as a subject for a walking tour.

Good thing, then, that there's a free iPod tour of the history of Spadina Avenue.

How's this for a smart idea: load it on to your iPod, strap on your walking shoes and tour Spadina with a commentary to guide you. There's even a little detour into Kensington Market.

Enjoy,

Vanessa