Parades, bazaars, and holiday festivities—Hometown Happenings brings the season to life

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 and 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 Nov. 21 – 23

Almonte events

Christmas in Almonte
Saturday, Nov. 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Centre, 182 Bridge St. Free admission.

Carleton Place events

Waterside Christmas Craft Bazaar
Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Waterside Retirement Community, 105 McNeely Ave.

Parrot Partners Visits the Library
Saturday, Nov. 22, 2 to 3 p.m. at the Carleton Place Library. Discover how Judy Tennant and her team are revolutionizing the lives of parrots both in the wild and in our homes. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the vibrant world of parrots and those who champion their cause. Note: This event is requires registration, and spots are limited! Scan the QR code to register now or click the link below to go to our website to register.

Children’s Holiday Market
Saturday, Nov. 22, 3 to 7 p.m. at the Zion Church. This one is for the kids. Bring your shopping lists, as there are lots of elves to assist in selecting, wrapping and personalizing their gifts.

Winterfest
Saturday, Nov. 22, 4 to 8 p.m. at Market Square, 7 Beckwith St. Winterfest is a free, family-friendly event for all ages to kick off the Holiday season. Get together and mingle in our beautiful downtown dining and shopping district and embrace the wintry weather and holiday spirit. Enjoy live entertainers, free horse-drawn wagon rides, and a Night Market with sidewalk sales and a local vendor market.

Elgin events

The Opinicon Winter Market
Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23. The Opinicon is hosting its Winter Market in Elgin with more than 30 local creatives offering handmade goods and festive favourites. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, and visitors are encouraged to bring donations for Christmas Dinner Food Baskets to support families in the community this holiday season.

Perth Ontario events

Once Upon a Christmas
Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From festive streets, to local shops, there is something for everyone to see and do during the day in beautiful downtown Perth. Check out the link in this listing for a jam-packed day of holiday excitement for the entire family. While on a stroll of local shops, vote for the best dressed windows!

Smiths Falls events

Build a Mountain of Food
Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jonsson’s Your Independent Grocer, Giant Tiger, Food Basics and Garden Market. In support of the Smiths Falls Community Food Bank. 

Christmas Bazaar, Bakesale and Lunch
Saturday, Nov. 22, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  at Hanley Hall, 30 McGill St.

Westport events

Westport Holiday Shop and Hop
Friday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 23, Downtown Westport. It’s a Gingerbread themed weekend. Get into the holiday spirit. Enjoy the Westport Lions Parade on Saturday at 2 p.m. Visit www.whatsonwestport.ca for details.  

Visit with Santa and the Grinch
Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to noon, at the North Crosby Hall, Shillington Park, 875 Con. Rd. 8, Rideau Lakes (just outside Westport off Highway 43). Everyone welcome. Cookies, drinks and holiday crafts. 

Live at the Cove
* Saturday, Nov. 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. Henry Norwood and Shawn McCullough Band play the Santa Claus Parkade Hoedown. Warm up after the parade and treat yourself to dinner at The Cove and enjoy the after party. 
* Sunday, Nov. 23, 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays with Eric and Meghan

Keep up to date with all Hometown Happenings. Have an event to submit? Send it to ljweir@pdgmedia.ca