Six springtime things to do in the Hamilton area this weekend
A cooler weekend is on the way for Hamilton after Friday's return to spring.
Environment Canada is calling for mostly showers on Saturday and a mix of sun and cloud on Sunday. The weekend highs are expected to be around 10 C.
Here are six Hamilton-area community events and activities that will add a spring to your step this weekend.
HPO
Watch A New Year's Celebration" until May 2. The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra concert is available to watch on the HPO online platform. Featuring the string quintet and woodwind quintet, this concert is a bright and cheerful celebration of music. A New Year's Celebration" is available to watch until May 2.
And, the HPO@Home performance features HPO oboe and English horn player, Nancy Nelson, performing three works by Lithuanian contemporary composer, Povilas Syrrist-Gelgota. Watch on YouTube. hpo.org.
FLOWER POWER
Thinking flowers for your garden? Try the online sale of dahlia tubers with the Hamilton District Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society. Sales start Friday at noon through to Sunday at midnight. Tubers are $5 each or four for $20. Visit hamilton-mum-dahlia.com/ and follow the link to Tuber Sale 2021. Pickup starts May 1.
- The Bach Elgar Choir Spring Flower Fundraiser deadline is April 27. Order plants such as begonias, petunias, geraniums, impatiens and hanging baskets on the Excel spreadsheet. Email the saved form and send it and an e-transfer to bachelgarflowers@gmail.com. Detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the form. Pickup time will be around mid-May. bachelgar.ca.
AROUND THE BAY
Hamilton's ATB Road Race comes to a close on Sunday. Registered runners have until April 25 to submit their results to Sportstats. Hamilton's historic event went virtual this year with different length options for the newcomer and hardcore enthusiast alike: 2K, 5K, 10K, 15K, 2x15K Relay, 3x10K Relay, 30K or The Hammer. bayrace.com.
RAIN BARRELS
Hamilton's annual rain barrel sale continues online until May 15 with deliveries taking place between April 30 and May 31. Because of COVID protocols, no in-person sales are available. Cost is $45 plus a one-time $10 delivery fee per location. Deliveries can only be made within the City of Hamilton (Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, Hamilton and Stoney Creek). There is no pickup option available. Order a rainbarrel at rainbarrel.ca/cityofhamilton.
PLOGGING
Following up on last week's Team Up to Clean Up initiative, here's more on a new trend called plogging in Ontario parks.
Plogging is just as it sounds, picking up while jogging. We've all noticed a little more litter on our trails then we are used to. To be a successful plogger, just simply stop and pick up any litter you see along your jogging (or walking) route. All this environmentally friendly workout trend requires is an empty bag (try using a reusable bag), gloves (again, reusable is best) and running shoes. Plogging (ontarioparks.com).
- Hamilton's Team Up to Clean Up initiative participants must register at least one week before their cleanup. Cleanups can be done by individuals or by up to five people from the same household. Masks are required and physical distancing must be followed. Supplies such as bags and gloves are provided. For more information, visit hamilton.ca/parks-recreation/community-environmental-initiatives/team-clean.
TRAILS AND HIKING
Hamilton Conservation Authority trails are open as an essential service for outdoor exercise. Any closures will be posted to the website and social media. You are reminded to only visit your local conservation area or trail and wear a mask in situations where physical distancing is difficult. conservationhamilton.ca.
Keep in mind, residents are welcome to enjoy park greenspaces with members of their own household while keeping appropriate physical distance from others.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com