The Family Day long weekend is here. Make the most of the holiday with these no-cost (or low-cost) ways to have fun in the city. The Beacon Herald has these suggestions.
The Family Day long weekend is here. Make the most of the holiday with these no-cost (or low-cost) ways to have fun in the city. The Beacon Herald has these suggestions.
Stratford Winterfest returns to Upper Queen’s Park
A blizzard put an end to last year’s Winterfest earlier than organizers had planned, but the forecast for this Saturday is looking a lot better and the volunteers behind the annual event are excited about inviting people back to Upper Queen’s Park for buskers, ice sculptures, blacksmith demonstrations and more.
“This year I think for a lot of families it’s going to be easier for them to come because the weather is going to be far more conducive to them taking the kids out,” organizer MJ Thomson said Friday. “The lack of snow is not really an issue. We’ve got lots of games and activities that kids love, so it’ll be a great day.”
Stratford Public Library encourages reading outside of your comfort zone
The Stratford Public Library is closed Sunday and Monday but, if you’re in need of a good book to read, consider dropping by Saturday.
Librarians are preparing for Freedom to Read Week, a celebration of noteworthy books that have been banned or challenged because of their content. The annual event is meant to encourage Canadians to think about the importance of intellectual freedom and a wide selection of prominent books that fall into that category, including many stories for children, are being highlighted.
Although the majority of challenges that threaten the availability of books in Canadian public libraries are unsuccessful, “we can’t be complacent here,” said public service librarian Heather Lister. “Books are being challenged regularly, still.”
At the same time, the library in Stratford is running an event called Blind Date with a Book. Many books that are a part of this collection – including some overlapping with Freedom to Read Week – are being kept a secret from borrowers, so consider checking this out if you or your family is up for a surprise this weekend.
Lace’em up for a good cause
Stratford entrepreneurs Tyler MacIntosh and Peter Amo are launching a new mobile app that offers users quick and easy access to a wide range of recreational programs in the community, and they’re getting the word out at a public skate at Dufferin Arena on Monday.
The new app is called Drop-In. MacIntosh and Amo are interested in hearing what people think about their idea, but Monday’s event will support a good cause at the same time. Admission is free with a donation to the Stratford House of Blessing. Free coffee, hot chocolate and Timbits from Tim Hortons will also be available.
A popular family film is on the marquee at Stratford Cinemas
If you’re looking for a family-friendly movie to see this weekend, Stratford Cinemas is currently showing Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
In this sequel, the sixth installation of the Shrek franchise, Puss in Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas) sets out an adventure to find the mystical Wishing Star so that he can restore the first eight of his nine lives. Other characters from popular fairy tales and nursery rhymes make cameos in the animated movie, which has been getting great reviews from critics.
Stratford Cinemas is open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Stratford’s world-renowned theater is available at home, too
In case you’ve missed it, the Stratford Festival is gradually adding filmed performances from last year’s season onto its $10-per-month streaming platform, Stratfest@Home.
Most recently, Wole Soyinka’s Death and the King’s Horseman made its streaming debut, part of a collection of theater works the Festival has curated for Black History Month.
A performance of All’s Well That Ends Well, another production from the Festival’s 70th season, is also available on Stratfest@Home. Hamlet, The Miser, Richard III and 1939 are expected to be added in the coming weeks.
Out of ideas? Consider thinking like a tourist
If not of these catch your attention, Destination Stratford has come up with its own list of activities for family-friendly fun in Stratford, and you don’t need to be a tourist to enjoy them.
The tourism promoters suggest a hike on one of the area’s trails, ordering a board game or puzzle from a downtown shop, or cooking together using ingredients purchased from Stratford small businesses.
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