I know it’s hard to give up the lazy days of summer, but don’t worry. Autumn can be beautiful here in Newfoundland, and we’ve got some great events lined up in our communities to make for a great season. Please let me know if you plan to attend any of these events, of if there’s any I’ve left out.
September 8 – 11th Annual Walk for Paws
Bring your pooch and your family to Bowering Park to enjoy a day of walking, dog costume contests and more. Help raise money for Beagle Paws, too.
September 14 – Paradise Running Club Five and Dime 5km and 10 km Road Race
Starting at 8am, volunteer, cheer on runners, or be one yourself for this race through Paradise.
September 14 – ARTFUSiON Family Festival
From 12:00-6:00pm in the Kenmount Park Community Centre in Mount Pearl, enjoy free admission to a day of dancers, hula hoopers, jugglers and musicians, plus displays from local artists. There will also be crafts and activities for children, and easy community art projects for everyone.
September 14 – 21 – Arts Week 2013
Why not try something new? Jedi training, crafts, story telling, a creative art project and more await in Mount Pearl this week. All is free, except for a Murder Mystery. Registration recommended.
September 15 – Terry Fox Run
Starting this year at the Rotary Paradise and Community Centre and possible with help from the Paradise Running Club, this inspiring and fun event helps the fight against cancer. Sign up to run or volunteer, and don’t forget to come out and show your support.
September 24 – Municipal Elections
You’ve surely seen the ads. In Newfoundland and Labrador, general municipal elections are held once every 4 years on the last Tuesday in September. For when and how to vote (including Advance Polls and to see the Candidates) in the following cities, please follow the links below:
CBS
Logy Bay – Middle Cove – Outer Cove
Mount Pearl
Paradise
Portugal Cove – St. Phillips
St. John’s
Torbay
September 26 – 28 – Ireland Newfoundland Festival 2013
Learn ancient games, enjoy dinner and dancing, and some of the greatest Irish entertainment around.
September 28 – Bike the Rock
Support MS while getting in shape and seeing the community.
September 28 – 29 – Bluegrass Jamboree
At the Comfort Inn on 106 Airport Road, enjoy several sessions of bluegrass and old time country music, with headlining act Blue Time Affair from Nova Scotia, and free Sunday morning workshops for instruments and vocals.
September 29 – Rennies River Duck Race
Celebrating its 25th year, this day of family fun includes games, a bouncy castle and treats. Ducks are $10, with all proceeds going to education and stewardship programs at the Fluvarium.
September 29 – October 5 – Ocean Week
Fun and informative events throughout the city of St. John’s to highlight the importance of the ocean and ocean industries to this province.
October 8 – 23rd Annual Festival of New Dance
Enjoy workshops, performances, meet and greets and more, at the LSPU Hall and off-sites venues, presented by the Neighbourhood Dance Works.
October 20 – Paradise Guides Haunted House
Prepare to be scared from 5-8:00pm at the Dianne Whalen Soccer Hut. $3 a person or $5 for a family, with free hot chocolate included.
October 21 – Bright Business Luncheon
A great networking event in the business community. Celebrate Small Business Week in CBS.
October 22 – 26 – St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival
Held in different locations throughout the city, enjoy week long screenings from dozens of women writers, directors and producers.
October 26 – PCSP’s Children’s Halloween Party
Games, crafts and sweet treats from 12:00-2:00pm at the Recreation Centre in Portugal Cove-St. Phillips. Don’t forget your costumes!
October 26 – Adult Halloween Dance at Legion
Put on your costumes and enjoy an evening out in Portugal Cove-St. Phillips
November 2 – Community Market
Held at the Jack Byrne Arena in Torbay and free to the public between 10am-4pm, browse local businesses, crafts, artwork and fresh produce, plus experience live entertainment and interactive sessions. Get some early Christmas shopping done while you support local businesses.
November 3 – International Food & Craft Expo
Held at the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre in Paradise, bring family and friends to enjoy displays and sales of unique and authentic local and international food and crafts from around the world, with an opening ceremony at 10am and international music. Admission is $3 at the door, and children 12 and under get in free.
November 5 – Guy Fawkes Night
Comes out at 6:30pm to Octagon Pond in Paradise to enjoy small roasting fires, and free wieners, marshmallows and beverages. Will be postponed to Nov. 6 in case of bad weather.
November 11 – Remembrance Day
Most communities have events to memorialize this important day. Paradise will be hosting a parade at 10:45am and ceremony after at the War Memorial at Town Hall. If you would like to lay a wreath please call the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services at 782-6290.
Please take time to show respect for all the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for their countries.
November 23 – KIN Club Christmas with Santa
Santa comes at 1:30 to this annual Christmas party at the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre at 68 McNamara Drive. Photos with Santa are free, and refreshments will be provided.
November 24 – Tree Lighting & KIN Club Raffle
From 4-6:00pm, enjoy free hot chocolate and treats and local entertainment, plus a raffle, visit from Santa and tree lighting, at this fun, family event at the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre.
November 24 – Downtown Christmas Parade
With crowds of 40,000, this is the largest parade in the province. Starting at 12pm, please remember a food drive is included in the festivities, which benefits the Community Food Sharing Association.
December 1 – Brunch with Santa
10am at the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre, the Paradise Guides host this great family event with face painting, games, baked goods table and of course, photos with Santa. $5 admission for adults and $3 for children.
December 8 – Christmas Parade in Paradise
All are welcome to this 4th Annual Christmas Parade, starting at 1:00pm at Paradise Elementary on Karwood Drive and finishing at the Town Hall on McNamara Drive.
December 31 – North America’s First New Year
Spectacular fireworks and a great party at Quidi Vidi Lake. Be the first on this continent to ring in the new year.