Six things to do this weekend in the Hamilton area
School's out and summer has officially begun.
Look for mostly sunny skies and highs of 25 C this weekend. Don't forget the sunscreen. UV index is sitting at 9 or very high.
Here are six things to do in the Hamilton area.
OPEN STREETS ON BARTON
Tourism Hamilton wants you to know Barton Street is open for pedestrians and closed to traffic. You can safely dine, shop, and play on the street three Saturdays this summer starting Saturday. Open Streets on Barton is closing traffic between Victoria to Wentworth from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 3, Aug. 7 and Sept. 10. The Barton Street BIA has planned outdoor dining and shopping areas open around 11 a.m.and some live music and other on-street activities to begin around 11:30 a.m. The event ends at 8 p.m. and the street re-opens to traffic at 9. bartonvillage.ca
RBG TURTLES
Turtle populations are in decline. If you're using the trails this weekend at the Royal Botanical Gardens, they need your help by reporting any turtle sightings during your visit. It's nesting season and turtles are at risk during this time. The RBG wants you to make a report and call it in to the RBG's front desk at 905-527-1158. Here's what you should include in your report: Your name and contact information, the species if known, the number of turtles you saw and what they were doing, where exactly you saw them (you can use your phone to pinpoint your exact location), and the date and time. Remember not to approach the turtle and do not post the location of any turtles online on social media. rbg.ca
RBG garden areas are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and trails are open dawn to dusk. Regular admission applies. rbg.ca
VIRTUAL IT'S YOUR FESTIVAL
It's Your Festival continues Canada Day celebrations with local bands and artists with celebrations and entertainment on Friday online. Visit itsyourfestival.ca/stream-online-2021/.
VERY BERRY
Strawberry season is quickly winding to a halt. If you haven't already picked your own, you need to get them before this weekend is over. Lindley's Farm, 900 Fiddler's Green Rd., Ancaster, starts raspberry picking the week of July 5. Call their hotline for updates at 905-648-4212.
More pick-your-own locations to check out include: G and C Produce, 451 Book Rd. E., Ancaster, hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tigchelaar Berry Farms, 4161 Jordan Rd., Jordan Station, 905-658-2265; Murphy's Country Produce, 2040 Guyatt Rd., Binbrook, hours are Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., on weekends they close at 5 p.m.
FREE FISHING
It's free fishing weekend once again. This is a provincewide opportunity for residents to fish Ontario waters without the otherwise mandatory fishing version outdoors card. From July 3 to 11, 12:01 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. the following Sunday, you can fish in Ontario. To guarantee access to 17 select popular provincial parks, book a daily vehicle permit in advance of your visit. Please visit ontarioparks.com/dayuse for more information and a list of participating parks. ontariofamilyfishing.com
DRIVE IN
Pull up to the Starlite Drive In in Stoney Creek for an evening out of the house. Box office opens at 7:15 p.m. daily. On the bill this weekend are: Friday triple-headers - The Boss Baby: Family Business, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Fast Times at Ridgemont High; F9: The Fast Saga, The Forever Purge and Nobody; A Quiet Place Part II, The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It; Saturday - The Boss Baby: Family Business, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Fast Times at Ridgemont High; F9: The Fast Saga, The Forever Purge and Nobody; A Quiet Place Part II, The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. Sunday - The Boss Baby: Family Business and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982); F9: The Fast Saga and The Forever Purge; and A Quiet Place Part II and The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard. Visit premiertheatres.ca/starlite for ticket information and more.
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
Conservation Halton has opened some programming beginning June 30. In adherence with provincial guidelines, groups of 25 are now permitted to take part in activities outside in Conservation Halton parks. Residents can now have a picnic at the park (up to 25 people are allowed on a site), sign up for programming, or enjoy the beach. Kelso reservations are available at parkvisit.ca during Step 2. Washrooms will remain open, and visitors centres and gift shops will open at reduced capacity.
Hamilton Conservation Authority trails are open. conservationhamilton.ca/conservation-areas/
Remember provincial COVID regulations are still in effect in Stage 2. Continue to social distance and wear a mask in areas where you can't.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator in Hamilton. Reach her via email: jmoore@thespec.com