Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Hometown Happenings is your go-to list of markets, music, festivals, fundraisers, and good old-fashioned community fun happening in Smiths Falls, Perth, Carleton Place, Almonte, Montague, Merrickville, North Grenville, Rideau Lakes, Westport, and points in between.
Got an event to share? Send the details to ljweir@pdgmedia.ca and we’ll do our best to include it in the next roundup. Published every Thursday, alphabetically by region, just in time to tee up your weekend plans.
Hometown Happenings Dec. 5 – 7
Almonte Events
Light Up the Night
Friday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Wintry open-air concert featuring fabulous guests and a breathtaking display of fireworks. Thousands of people from the Mississippi Mills area and beyond fill the main street of Almonte for one of the largest and most magical outdoor Christmas shows in Canada. Vendors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.
Almonte Christmas Parade
Sunday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m. bring your family and friends to watch the heartwarming Christmas parade filled with lights and music as it travels across town. Starts at the Rexall parking lot.
Carleton Place Events
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus
Saturday, Dec. 6, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Moore House in downtown Carleton Place, 170 Bridge St. Don’t forget your camera.
Meet the Author – Michael Dupuis
Saturday, Dec. 6, 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Carleton Place Public Library. Dupuis is the author of “The Woman Reporter and The Halifax Explosion” and he’ll get into the history of the event and focus on the reporters who covered the incident at that time.
Merrickville Events
Christmas in Merrickville
Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Breakfast with Santa starts at 8 a.m., cookie walk, artisan market, face painting, reindeer visit, Santa Claus parade at 11 a.m., fire barrels, ice princess meet and greet. Lots to see and do for everyone in the family.
Build a Mountain of Food
Saturday, Dec. 6, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Merrickville Food Market. In support of the Merrickville Lions Club Christmas Food Hamper Campaign.
Montague Events
Christmas Parade and photos with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m. The parade leaves Rosedale Hall at 4 p.m. and goes through the area, ending back at the hall for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Hot dogs, hot chocolate, apple cider and S’mores by the bonfire, hosted by the Montague Recreation and Culture Committee and the Montague Fire Department.
Pankenham Events
Pakenham Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 6, 1 p.m. Pakenham hosts its festive afternoon parade with floats, farm horses and a cheerful loop through the village, followed by free hot dogs, hot chocolate and public skating from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Stewart Community Centre, where the Civitan Club will also collect donations for the Lanark County Food Bank.
Perth Events
Festival of Lights
Friday, Dec. 5, starting at 5:30 p.m. beside the bonfire at the Crystal Palace, with Rubies in the Rough. Donations will be accepted by The Table Community Food Bank, in exchange for treats! At 6:15 p.m. sharp, the drone show will light the sky. Finish with a tour through the Crystal Palace to view the beautiful Community Christmas Trees.
National Day of Remembrance
Saturday, Dec. 6, 1 p.m. Perth marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women with a vigil on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. beside Crystal Palace, where community members will gather to honour the 14 women killed at École Polytechnique and all those affected by gender-based violence across Lanark County and beyond.
Nick of Time craft show
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crystal Palace. There will be many local crafters and artisans on hand offering high quality hand-made goods. What a great way to spend the day in Perth and get a jump on your Christmas shopping!
Children’s Santa Claus Parade of Lights
Saturday, Dec. 6, starting at 5pm. The parade starts in the former Brown Shoe parking lot at 40 Sunset Blvd., making its way to Wilson Street, to Foster, to Gore and down to Cockburn, where it turns west and will disassemble on Wilson St. East.
Christmas Market
Sunday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come on out and do your Christmas shopping with local vendors and crafters. Those in attendance include Pampered Chef, Castaways Bath & Body, Crochet and more.
Portland Events
Build a Mountain of Food
Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to noon at the Portland LCBO and RBC in support of the Portland Food Bank.
Three Sisters Market
Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out the local makers and enjoy some Christmas charm. Emmanuel Heritage Centre, 2767 Hwy. 15 at Portland.
Smiths Falls Events
Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale
Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Smiths Falls site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital – in the cafeteria. Free parking in the hospital lot.
Christmas Craft/Artisan Market
Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 7 Main St. Santa makes a visit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
North Pole Express
Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario. The 1912 station museum is transformed into a festive Christmas wonderland featuring train rides on the North Pole Express, tractor rides, Santa-grams sent from our Telegraph Office, carolers, artisan vendors, hot cocoa, a visit from the Grinch and so much more. Explore our holiday station and the Museum grounds, featuring crackling fire-pits, carollers, warm refreshments, face-painting, reindeer games, vendors and more! Check Eventbrite for ticket prices.
Toledo Events
Kids’ Christmas Party
Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 320 County Rd. 8 in Toledo. Hot dogs, hot chocolate and wagon rides, visit with Santa and the Grinch. Donations to the foodbank appreciated.
Sunday Country Dance
Sunday, Dec.7, 1 p.m. featuring Harry and Cheryl Adrain. Doors open at 1 p.m., dancing 2 to 5 p.m.; full course dinner at 5 p.m. Tickets $25 per person. At the Royal Canadian Legion, Toledo.
Keep up to date with all Hometown Happenings. Have an event to submit? Send it to ljweir@pdgmedia.ca
