A dozen things to do around Hamilton this Easter weekend
Weekends are for family, food, friends, fun - and hopefully, some sun.
Environment Canada is calling for showers Saturday, followed by a sunny Sunday. So ditch your umbrella, don that new bonnet and take some time this Easter weekend to do something that will spark joy, whether that's attending a local sporting event or shopping at a craft market.
Here are a dozen things you could do around Hamilton.
Happy Easter.
Brott remembered
It's been one week since the world lost legendary Canadian conductor Boris Brott. Visit the third floor of Hamilton's public library on York Boulevard to learn more about his musical and community contributions. See hpl.ca for information.
Easter luncheon
The Racalmutese Italian Club at 72 Murray St. W. hopes to feed 100 people in need a free lunch around noon Saturday - first come, first served. Five seatings of 40 people are expected. The buffet style meal will feature turkey, ham, potatoes, vegetables, buns and gravy. Call 905-527-0740 for details.
Calling all crafters
The Ancaster Lions Spring Craft Show is Friday inside Marritt Hall at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd. S. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults with proceeds going to local charities. Visit ancasterlions.com for more information.
The Dundas Lions annual craft and used book sale, with up to 40 vendors, is Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 10 Market St. S. Admission is $2, and free for children under 12.
Enjoy the Craftadian Spring Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at McMaster Innovation Park, 175 Longwood Dr. Admission is $5, and parking is free. Craftadian is a lively, curated, handmade market with over 80 vendors, including live music and gourmet food. Vendors include Canadian designers, creators, makers and artisans. Masks are required. Timed arrival tickets are available at craftadian.ca/spring-market.
Art auction
Art Feeds is an annual online art auction in support of Hamilton's Welcome Inn Community Centre food bank. The auction runs from April 18 at 8 a.m. to April 24 at 8 p.m. Forty-one local artists donated over 158 original art works to the cause. Check them out and place a bid at https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/art-feeds-Welcome-Inn-2022-29944.
Big garage sale
The Aldershot Lions Indoor Garage Sale is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Dollar Tree plaza at 484 Plains Rd. E. All proceeds go toward community projects supported by the Aldershot Lions Club.
Rain barrels
Hamilton's annual rain barrel sale is in full swing. Barrels start at $50, plus a one-time $10 delivery fee per location. Deliveries can be made within Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, Hamilton and Stoney Creek, and there is no pickup option available. Order a barrel at rainbarrel.ca/cityofhamilton.
Ontario Parks
Did you know that Hamilton and Burlington public libraries lend Ontario Parks access passes? The permit provides complimentary day-use access for one vehicle and its occupants at more than 100 provincial parks where fees are normally charged. The popular passes can be borrowed for one week and book up fast - in fact, there is often a waiting list for online reservations. Visit hpl.ca or bpl.on.ca and search Ontario Parks" to reserve. Hamilton Conservation Authority and Conservation Halton passes are also available.
Climbing trees
Treetop Trekking at the Binbrook Conservation Area is open this weekend. Costs vary, with individual and family rates offered, and there are a range of packages to suit most age groups. Visit treetoptrekking.com for details.
Game day
The Hamilton Bulldogs play their second-last regular season game at 7 p.m. Friday at FirstOntario Centre. They hosts take on the Niagara IceDogs and tickets are available at ticketmaster.ca
Hamilton's Forge FC play at Tim Hortons Field Saturday at 4 p.m. Visit ticketmaster.ca for tickets.
It's Indigenous Heritage Night Saturday, when Rock lacrosse hosts the Halifax Thunderbirds at 7 p.m. at FirstOntario Centre. Again, tickets can be found at ticketmaster.ca.
Hamilton Kilty B's are off to Round 2 of the GOJHL playoffs, where they'll face the Fort Erie Meteors. The schedule will be posted soon at gojhl.ca.
Home show in TO
The National Home Show in Toronto starts Friday and continues to April 24 at the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place.
Looking ahead
The annual AGH Art Sale features over 350 artworks from more than 100 artists and runs from April 28 to May 1. Visit https://www.artgalleryofhamilton.com/ for details.
Earth Day
In preparation of Earth Day on April 22, the City of Burlington is giving away 200 trees. To receive a free four- to five-foot tree, you must register in advance and have a vehicle in which the tree can be safely transported. Registration is open at getinvolvedburlington.ca/forestry.
Jennifer Moore is an editorial assistant at The Spectator. jmoore@thespec.com