Ways to keep busy during the Labour Day long weekend in Hamilton
You can practically hear the school bell ringing.
It's the most wonderful time of the year for some, while others may not be such fans.
Let's hope Saturday and Sunday's potential precipitation doesn't rain on your parade one way or the other.
The Labour Day long weekend is here and with it a slew of ways to keep busy, during what might feel like the last few days of summer.
Labour Day Classic
It's the game you've been waiting for all year. The Tiger-Cats faceoff against their highway rivals, the Argos, at Tim Hortons Field Monday afternoon for the annual Labour Day Classic. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. and tickets start at $50.
Headed to the game? Free express shuttles are running from Lime Ridge Mall, Eastgate Square and University Plaza to Tim Hortons Field. The HSR is also free two hours prior to kickoff for those with a valid game ticket.
This year, the halftime audience will be treated to the country stylings of Tim Hicks and 500 season-ticket holders will be given field-level access to take in the show. The Ticats lost 3-8 to the Argos last weekend, so let's hope the boys pull it out in front of the hometown crowd. Oskee Wee Wee!
Ribfest
Canada's Largest Ribfest is back home at Burlington's Spencer Smith Park this weekend. Find over a dozen BBQ joints serving up meaty treats, a midway, marketplace and live music - like Hamilton's Freedom Train and Tragically Hip cover band Practically Hip - rocking the crowds from Friday afternoon until Monday evening. There's something for everyone. Ribfest is a fundraising initiative of Rotary Burlington Lakeshore with all proceeds going to charity.
Paris Fair
The Paris Fair is back! The five-day event, opening Thursday, always has plenty to take in and enjoy. Check out livestock, agricultural exhibits, vendors, the midway and grab a classic fair treat from one of the food vendors. There's live entertainment, a motocross show, circus and the always-popular demolition derby. Find the daily schedule at parisfairgrounds.com. Tickets are $15 for ages 16 and up, $8 for youth (11 to 15), $5 for kids six to 10 and free for little ones five and under. Tickets are valid for each day of the fair and parking is free at the fairgrounds, 139 Silver St., Paris.
Parade
Hamilton & District Labour Council has returned to a full in-person parade and picnic on Labour Day. The parade starts at the corner of Bay Street North and Stuart Street at 10:30 a.m. Folks will meet at Bayfront Park for a picnic around 11:30 a.m. with brief speeches just after noon. The party continues until 2 p.m. There will be a BBQ, children's activities, water refill station, porta-potties and live music. Come out and support your local.
Fireworks
Enjoy fireworks at Dundas Driving Park this Sunday; this is a rescheduled Victoria Day event. Admission is free with donations accepted at the gate. Live music and food trucks will be at the park by 5 p.m. Fireworks will begin by 8:30 p.m., weather permitting (Monday is the rain date). No personal fireworks, sparklers or pets are allowed. There will be limited on-site parking available, but Dundas municipal lots will be free to park in, or consider taking the HSR instead. Check for the schedule at hamilton.ca.
5K
For the runners among us, on Sunday take part in a five-kilometre course at Bayfront Park. The race starts at 11 a.m. with a 10:30 a.m. start time for those interested in a slower pace. Race day registration is available at the gazebo by the waterfront trail for anyone interested, $45 plus tax. All finishers get a custom medal and there will be pizza and drinks.
Derby
There's no crying in derby! Come meet the Hammer City Roller Derby squad at Pier 8 on Sunday for a summer social skate. From 12 to 4 p.m. there will be a casual skate session. Show off Hammer City pride by wearing black and gold. 47 Discovery Dr.
Garden tour
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, stop by Dundurn Castle from 2 to 3 p.m. for a free historic garden tour. Learn about the historic gardening process by costumed staff and hear stories from the past. Family and mobility-device friendly. Register and learn more hamilton.ca.
Donkey day
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is opening its doors to the public every Sunday until the end of October. Meet some donkeys and become engrossed with their gentle stillness and unique personalities. Learn about the sanctuary and their efforts to rescue the vulnerable. Tickets must be bought online, $21.53 for adults or $19.13 for seniors and kids, at Eventbrite. 6982 Concession 4, Puslinch.
Walking tours
Join Bill King Sunday for a free 90-minute walking tour of downtown Hamilton. This weekend, search out people, places and things you've probably never heard of on the Oddities tour. Meet at King and John streets at 10 a.m.
Hamilton's Stories in the Stones, a free two-hour walking tour at Hamilton Cemetery, 777 York Blvd., runs most Saturdays. Join Robin McKee at 11 a.m. at the gatehouse. This week is the Women's Tour.
Superhero Day
Join the Brantford Fire Department for Superhero Day, Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring the whole family and grab an autograph from your real life superheroes. The free event is in support of Kids Can Fly, which promotes early childhood development in Brant County.
Looking ahead
Supercrawl is creeping closer. Find everything you need to know about the free three-day music and arts festival, happening Sept. 9 to 11 on James Street North, here.
The municipal election is Oct. 24. Are you on the voter list? Check here and make the trip to the ballot box even smoother this fall.
Delaney Caulfield is a Hamilton-based web editor at The Spectator. Reach her via email: dcaulfield@thespec.com