WATERDOWN
Cover photo by Ruby Thiessen
October 2024
© Best Version Media
hello Waterdown
Welcome to October, Waterdown! It’s no secret that autumn is my very favourite season, bringing with it shorter days, earlier evenings, and no humidity! Who can resist?
Whether its picking apples, attending numerous festivals or taking part in local happenings, October provides a variety of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy events that are sure to make the month one to remember.
October is also all about Canadian Thanksgiving and, of course, Halloween! There are also outdoor nature hikes, apple picking and hay rides, day trips, changing leaves, bright blue skies and enjoying everything this great time of year has to offer. Just be sure to get outside and enjoy it all.
This month you can also learn about a local business owner, Cat McCrimmon, who — along with her two trusty canines — runs Rustic Daisy’s, and provides many incredible products available for every season, including October events, and a revamped store to check out as soon as possible.
Thank you to everyone for being a wonderful part of the Neighbours of Waterdown community. Say a big hello to autumn, and I’ll meet you back here in November.
ADVERTISING
Chad Quates | cquates@bestversionmedia.com | 414-930-5477
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS
Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to adempsey@bestversionmedia.com.
Deadlines for submissions are the 1st of each month, two months before publication.
HOA SUBMISSION INFO
Are you on the board for your condo/townhome association? Contact us for information on how you can submit articles, updates, reminders, events and more to your residents. We create customized homeowners/ratepayers association sections at no cost to HOA/ RPA or the residents.
THIS MONTH'S CONTRIBUTORS
Amanda Froment, Stella T., Ruby T., Nico Correa, Allison Dempsey, Content Coordinator.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency: 911
Police Department: 905-546-4772
Fire Department: 905-546-3346
Town Hall: 905-546-2489
Library: 905-689-6269
Parks and Recreation: 905-546-2489
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board: 905-527-2544
Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board: 905-525-2930
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, ratepayers or homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2024 Best Version Media Canada. All rights reserved.
© Best Version Media
CITY OF HAMILTON ROUNDUP
By Allison Dempsey, with information gathered from the City of Hamilton
CUSTOMER SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS AND OPERATIONAL PROGRESS
The City continues to make steady progress and build on customer service improvements as part of recovery and restoration efforts from the cyber incident. The City has now restored 61% of its total applications and 70% of its critical applications. This is up from 45% and 60%, respectively, as the City disclosed in a June 2024 report.
BURKHOLDER PARK PLAYGROUND CLOSURE
Until the week of October 7 (weather permitting) the main playground area at Burkholder Park will be closed for the installation of new play equipment. All other park assets will remain accessible
HOUSING
NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY
A healthy housing continuum should provide a broad range of housing options enabling households with different sizes, compositions, and incomes to access affordable and appropriate housing as needed. Housing need is linked to adequacy, availability, and affordability.
AngelLittle
Submitted by Amanda Froment, Manager of Foster Care, HBSPCA
Hi, I'm Angel! I may be shy when I first meet you, but I’ll gain your trust in no time and become your best friend. I'm a gentle soul who loves to bask in the sun and snuggle up on a comfy bed or couch. I've recently started a weight loss journey and would love to find a family who can help me keep on track to becoming the healthy cat I'm destined to be. Adopting me means gaining a loyal, loving, and independent friend. I promise to bring joy to your life with my sweet and mellow personality.
Angel would do well in a quiet home, He needs a family that will help him on his weight loss journey and a home with room to roam. Angel is five years old.
To realize a healthy housing continuum, precise information about existing housing stock, demographics, household formation, household size, income levels, population growth, and housing demand and supply is needed to create a data baseline. With this information, an assessment can be made to understand the extent to which the supply, built form, and tenure of housing meet current and future needs and where there may be existing or future gaps in the provision of a healthy housing continuum.
The 2024 Housing Needs Assessment will incorporate feedback gathered through a public survey on housing needs, five ward-based community pop-ups, and several focus groups with key stakeholders.
To learn more about the Housing Accelerator Fund and the City's seven initiatives accelerating housing supply in Hamilton, visit www. Hamilton/ca/HAF
Pet Corner
Expert CONTRIBUTOR
GIFT SHOP EXPERT
Cat McCrimmon, Rustic Daisy’s 289-260-7414 | 25 Main St S, Waterdown rusticdaisys.ca
GOLF EXPERT
Jason Faubert, The Golfer’s Academy 905-335-5858 | info@thegolfersacademy.ca thegolfersacademy.ca
BVM EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Stand out from the competition and become an Expert Contributor for your industry!
JeffScharf jscharf@bestversionmedia.com 705-207-1700
CONTACT: Visit www.bestversionmedia.com to learn more about our advertising opportunities.
The Great Pumpkin Patches of Hamilton
By Allison Dempsey • Art by Shelley Szczucki
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, everyone! Not only is the air crisper and the leaves brighter, the fields are filled with pumpkins and the orchards with apples. It’s a perfect time to get out with your family and friends to gather some of nature’s best bounty. If you’re looking for some farms to visit close to home, we’ve compiled a handy list so you don’t miss a single one.
Hanes Sunflower & Corn Maze
Visit the famous pie shop, Sunflower Maze, the Hanes Corn Maze, and Farmland. #1001 HWY #5 West, Dundas www.thehanescornmaze.com
Dyment’s Glen Drummond Farm
On this scenic 120-acre farm you'll find the Market & Bakery, Pumpkin Patch and the Glen Drummond Farm which hosts weddings and events. 416 Fallsview Rd E, Dundas www.dyments.com
Lindley’s Farm & Market
Pumpkin hayrides & a fall harvest season in the market with an abundance of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. 900 Fiddler's Green Rd, Ancaster www.lindleyfarm.com
Puddicombe Farms
Activities include live music, a campfire with marshmallow roasting, Children’s’ Fun Zone, fresh fall baked goods, estate rides, fresh-pressed apple cider, pick-your-own pumpkins and more. 1468 #8 Highway Winona, Hamilton www.puddicombefarms.com
Howell Family Pumpkin Farm
Fall festival features over 20 attractions, games and shows. 2878 Holland Rd, Fonthill www.howells.ca
Bry-Anne Farms
Home of the Great Pumpkin Patch where you can purchase pumpkins, take a wagon ride, get lost in the straw or corn maze, visit the farm animals, or explore the Pumpkin Discovery Centre. 471 Foss Rd., Fenwick www.bry-annefarms.ca
Warner Ranch & Pumpkin Farm
Pumpkins of every shape and size! Thousands of colourful gourds, corn stalks, straw, hay bales, apples, squash, Indian corn and more.
7705 Schisler Rd, Welland www.warnerranchandpumpkinfarm.com
© Best Version Media
VOLUNTEERING FOR GOOD: Notes from Merrill Carmichael
By Allison Dempsey • Photos supplied by Merrill Charmichael
Merrill Carmichael — a local Ancaster resident who has volunteered at the Dzikwa Trust Learning Centre in a very poor township outside Harare called Dzivarasekwa — has not only visited all seven continents and 97 countries, but was asked to teach world geography to Grade 8 and 9 students there. She made a commitment to go every two years, and in June 2024, the Canadian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Adler Aristilde, heard about her volunteer work there and wanted to meet her, taking her out to lunch.
Merrill’s work and volunteerism has expanded — in 2018 she was financially supporting only one little girl, but since then, her financial support has increased greatly.
She was particularly touched by the plight of senior students who had worked so very hard to achieve the marks for university or college entrance. Several of them had received acceptances, but had no hope of ever attending university/college without a benefactor. Their families live in a very poor suburb of Harare where families subsist on $3 USD per day so of course, there is no funding from families. There is no such thing as a student loan and unemployment of young people is very high so they have no hope of working and saving up money. Many of them simply give up hope and go into the military or take a minimum wage job.
Merrill decided to do something about it. She financially supported Tendai Mikioni and helped put him through four years of law school at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa. She is also financially supporting other Zimbabwen university students: Livingstone Mazovere (studying at the India Institute of Technology); and Tatenda Nyamangoda (studying at the University of Zimbabwe). She continues to financially support Tendai Mikioni as well, as he pursues a PhD in Intellectual Property law at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. She has financially supported all of these students without benefit of a charitable tax deduction.
Merrill decided to do something about it. For the past several months she has worked with Myriad Canada to set up a Donor Advised Fund,
to provide funding for worthy Zimbabwen senior level students who have been accepted into university/college but are not able to go without funding. Myriad Canada is a registered Canadian charity with a number of projects, with each project providing a CRA tax receipt for donors. Merrill has endowed the Myriad Canada Educational Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Zimbabwe project with $100,000 of her own money to get it started. The project has been vetted by Revenue Canada and all donations of $10 or more will receive a charitable donation receipt from Myriad Canada.
Myriad Canada and Children of Zimbabwe Society are pleased to be working together. You can support this project here: www. myriadcanada.org/en/project/educational-support-orphansvulnerable-children-zimbabwe/ where you will receive a donation receipt from Myriad Canada.
Merrill with Canadian Ambassador to Zimbabwe
LIVE, LOVE, WORK, AND BE KIND!
Meet Cat McCrimmon
By Allison Dempsey • Photo by Ruby Thiessen
If you happen to stop in at Cat McCrimmon’s local store Rustic Daisy’s you’ll not only find a plethora of unique and beautiful Canadian-made items but also her two shop greeters and lovely, animated miniature Pinschers Dixie and Koda, who are both regular fixtures and loyal companions.
“Dixie is nine years old and loves to be with her human at all times,” says Cat. “Whether it’s on a porch outside or on the sofa watching TV, she is on my lap when it comes to being chill. Koda is five and a spitfire,” she adds. “He loves leaping through long grass and chasing chipmunks. He’s the store toddler as he is constantly on the wrong side of a door and loves to supervise anyone doing work outside.”
While she grew up in Flamborough, Cat truly embodies the work/ live philosophy, residing above her store in the downtown core of Waterdown.
“It has its perks for sure!” she says. “From living in the country and not seeing many people to living in the downtown has definitely changed. It’s nice to see so many smiling faces and hellos when we pass familiar faces even if it’s a quick chat — no one feels pressured for long conversations every time, but acknowledgment and a smile can make anyone’s day a little brighter I’m sure.”
While she started off not knowing what she wanted to do, Cat graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University where she majored in communications with a psychology minor and childhood development, before attending Nipissing University for Teachers College and becoming a primary teacher.
“A few years later, I decided teaching wasn’t for me so I went to Sheridan College for business,” she says.
She then worked various jobs in retail throughout university from a cashier at African Lion Safari, Rona, Banana Republic and a few small local businesses.
Embracing a drive to help residents shop local and support community businesses is a huge goal for Cat, who, when not busy with her work, makes time for giving back to charity and doing her part to keep Waterdown thriving.
Rustic Daisy’s, a boutique shop located in the heart of Waterdown, offers home décor, handmade gifts, and original art pieces supporting Canadian artists and makers, while its sister business, Canada in a Box, provides a variety of limited edition themes filled with a rotating roster of products also sourced from small Canadian businesses.
Cat strives to make a difference in Waterdown, whether it’s raising funds for local charities or participating in yearly events.
“AsIownastoreinthedowntowncore,I’mabletodomorecommunity activities than many,” she says. “Any time Waterdown Village puts on an activity I support it and join in the fun. From the annual Scarecrow Walk to the numerous holiday festivities, we’re a lively bunch down in the core.”
This year Cat also had a booth at the Waterdown Farmers Market and got to meet lots of new neighbours and create strong bonds, she says.
“We also make a point to volunteer each year at Ribfest to help out with such a large community-wide festival,” she says. “It’s so much fun to be active in this town!”
Whether it’s the Easter Egg Hunt or Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Cat strives to always donate to the draws and partake in any way possible, she says.
“I’ve made more friends and relationships that really make it feel like home than ever before,” Cat adds. “I love living in the old part of Waterdown where everything is within walking distance from parks and activities to restaurants and shops.”
With her store being located downtown, this also means continuing to use her platform as a business owner to participate in neighbourhood activities such as Christmas in July, Shop ‘n’ Play and others.
And when she’s not busy with her work, Cat loves to travel and hang out with friends.
© Best Version Media
“My favourite time of year is summer and fall when I can get some good hikes in with the dogs,” she says. “Whether it’s exploring new small towns in British Columbia or lake life in cottage country Ontario, 2024 has been about finding small-town charm in Canada this year.”
In fact, she’s travelled to four different continents and many different places, but her favourite will always be nature tours, whether it’s the jungle of Costa Rica or the vast lands of Kenya.
“I try to get away at least once a year for either work, exploring new areas of Canada and finding small talented makers, or for pleasure,” she says. “Whether it’s up to a friend’s cottage or exploring a new country, sometimes you just need to get away from ‘life’ to come back refreshed, regrouped, and rejuvenated!”
While Cat doesn’t have a single motto she lives by, she rather tries to embrace daily reminders instead.
“We love promoting positivity and kindness to yourself and to others,” she says. Sharing words of encouragement to share stories through Instagram posts. “I always remind people that in a world where you can be anything be kind.”
Her latest saying is “Let Them…” she says.
“This rings true in life with everyone you meet. Sadly you can’t control how others behave, but you can control your actions, reactions, and comments. Let them do them and let you do you. It’s ok not to be everyone’s favourite. Those who are in your world want to be there and want to support you and that’s ok.”
Beautiful hand-made mugs by Christine from Flamborough, studiocceramics,ca, and lots of local, yummy
for autumn.
She’s also not scared to make mistakes.
“I’ve owned my business for seven years, and in that time we’ve moved location and done several pivots to continue growing and improving the business,” she says. “As a business owner, I’d love to share that it’s so important to shop and support local for our small town to continue having coffee shops, gift stores, and restaurants that aren’t big box store chain names that you can walk to and meet actual individuals.”
As a community member, she also wants to share this:
“Treat people as you would like to be treated. Smile at each other, help out when you can, be forgiving to those who make mistakes, and accept those who live differently than you.”
Birdhouses, fairy houses and critters created by Ian from Burlington, 3dcreationsonline.com
treats perfect
PumpkinC漀昀feeCake
Submitted by Ruby T.
Tis the season for all things pumpkin! Whether it’s costumes or decorations or – recipes! — the “Ber” (September, October, November, December) months inspire a variety of crafts, recipes and so much more.
Pumpkin Coffee Cake
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup milk
Icing
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3¼ cups confectioners' sugar
Crumb Topping
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned & levelled)
• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 11/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a nine-inch square or nine-inch springform baking pan(or any 2.5-quart baking dish) with nonstick spray. Set aside.
MAKE THE CRUMB TOPPING FIRST: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or a fork. Mix to create clumps and crumbs. Set aside.
MAKE THE CAKE: Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger together in a large bowl until combined. In a medium bowl, whisk the pumpkin, brown sugar, oil, maple syrup, and milk together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until *just* combined. Avoid over-mixing the batter. The batter will be very thick. Spoon/ pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread to make an even surface. Pour the crumb topping evenly on top and gently press them down into the batter.
Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes. Check the cake’s doneness at the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean or with a couple moist crumbs, the cake is done. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake the cake for five more minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean.
MAKE THE ICING: Whisk the icing ingredients together. Add an extra splash of creamer/milk to thin out if desired. Drizzle over warm or cooled cake.
Cover leftover cake tightly and store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Happy Halloween!
How to Motivate Yourself for a Run
By Emily Snider
“You will feel better after,” “just do it,” “the first step is the most difficult”…the list of phrases we use to get motivated to take off on a run go on and on. We’ve all experienced the feeling after a good workout where we feel accomplished, motivated, confident, and refreshed, but it’s so difficult to get ourselves to take that initial step. What are ways that we can motivate ourselves to go out on that run?
The first step is to buy clothes you like and will feel comfortable running outside in. Proper running gear keeps you warm on those chilly days, and you may find yourself more likely to use clothes you made an investment in for their intended purpose.
Next, pick some upbeat songs with motivating lyrics and play them while you get ready and warm up. These can become part of your routine to get your energy up and propel you into a successful run.
Accountability is another powerful tool, whether this is a running buddy or someone who checks in regularly to see how you’re doing. When choosing a running partner, look for
someone who will run a similar distance and pace as you. If you choose someone significantly slower than you, your workout may not feel as fulfilling. Meanwhile, running with someone much faster than you can make you miserable as you struggle to keep up the entire time. The perfect person has similar running abilities but is committed to challenging and pushing you to get better and faster.
Some cities have running clubs that are easy to join. These provide accountability as well as a variety of workout or circuit ideas that can change up your running routine. Sometimes they may take you on a long run with a consistent pace, or they may have workouts where you do a mixture of running, walking, and sprinting throughout. Workouts with variety keep things fun and decrease the time of your workout while maintaining the intensity.
Running is such a good habit to get in both for physical and mental health. It’s a great way to start the day or take a brain break in the middle of the day. It can be tough to get in the habit but can truly change your life for the better.
© Best Version Media
FORGE FC: The Heart of Hamilton's Soccer Revolution
Submitted by Nico Correa
On September 7th, we experienced a powerful display of community spirit when the Hamilton-Wentworth chapters of 100 Women Who Care and 100 Men Who Care joined forces with Forge FC to host a social while cheering on our rivals the Calvary FC. This gathering was not just about soccer; it was about unity, camaraderie, a shared passion for our club and supporting the local community.
Forge FC has much in common with 100 Women and 100 Men. Forge has 4 full-time workers supporting our community through endeavours like Fit with Forge which encourages a healthy lifestyle, run coach clinics, youth soccer skill clinics, and community practices. 100 Women and 100 Men both work to bring together like-minded people to support the charitable organizations that make this community great, and since their inception, they have collectively raised nearly half a million dollars, with all funds going directly to charities serving Hamilton-Wentworth.
Forge FC isn't just another soccer club; it is the beating heart of Hamilton's sports culture, and we make it a priority to continue strengthening these bonds with our members and supporters. Since our inception, we have been a reflection of Hamilton's grit, resilience, and innovation, qualities that are vividly captured in our iconic Spark Orange and Steel Grey colours.
As four-time Canadian Premier League (CPL) champions, we stand at the forefront of Canadian soccer, leading a league built by Canadians for Canadians. We are committed to fostering homegrown talent, providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills on the biggest stages, setting a standard of excellence, and giving back to our community.
Our success is not just measured in trophies but in the unwavering support of our incredible fans and our commitment to HamiltonWentworth. The supporters of Forge FC are the lifeblood of our club, filling Tim Hortons Field with a sea of orange that creates an atmosphere unlike any other.
Forge FC represents the nation on the intercontinental stage through the Concacaf Champions Cup, where they have faced some of the top-tier teams in the Americas, including Mexico's Cruz Azul. We are not just playing for Hamilton; we are playing for Canada and setting new standards for what Canadian soccer clubs can achieve.
Our squad, featuring Canadian stars like Kyle Bekker and David Choinière, embodies the heart and soul of Forge FC. These players, along with their teammates, inspire the next generation of Canadian soccer talent, proving that the CPL is the cornerstone of the sport's growth in Canada.
We are Forge FC, and we are proud to lead the charge for Hamilton and for Canada.
Gratitude & Giving Back: Share in the Spirit of Thanksgiving
By Allison Dempsey
While October means the advent of autumn and the celebration of Halloween and Thanksgiving, it's important to remember that food and other vital items remain an ongoing issue for many residents and families around the region. From now until after the holiday season, the collection of essentials can help to combat potential shortages.
If you’re able to donate, Waterdown's Food With Grace can always use your help. The organization can use the following items in particular:
Canned fruit, canned tuna and salmon, canned meat, cereal, sugar, salt, ground pepper, condiments, granola bars, crackers, fruit cups, juice, flour, rice, vegetable
oil, Instant and ground coffee, tea, liquid dish soap and laundry soap, toiletries, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels.
Donations of non-perishable items can be dropped off in the Food with Grace boxes at Sobey's, Fortino's, or No Frill's stores in Waterdown, or at Grace Church Tuesdays 11am to 5 pm, and Saturdays 10am to noon.
Please call the church office at 905689-6715 X80 to arrange delivery outside of those hours.
Saturdays until Oct 19
WATERDOWN FARMERS’ MARKET
@Royal Canadian Legion
© Best Version Media
Our local and lively outdoor Saturday morning Market returns for its 11th season with special opening day activities including the Flamborough Horticultural Society’s Annual Spring Plant Sale and performances by local acts.
Time: 8am-1pm • www.waterdownfarmersmarket.ca
Wed, Oct 2
UROSPOT ANCASTER OPEN HOUSE
@UROSPOT Ancaster
Come visit the business located at 1280 Mohawk Road where they’re having a draw for a free treatment valued at $2,000. If you book a consultation that evening you will receive one free maintenence valued at $300. Light refreshments will be provided.
Time: 5:30-8pm • www.urospot.com/ancaster
Sat, Oct 5 to Sun Oct, 6
ANCASTER MINERAL, BEAD & JEWELLERY SHOW
@Ancaster Fairgrounds
Ancaster Gem, Mineral, Bead and Jewellery Show is perfect for rock hounds and rock collectors with a wide range of minerals and lapidary equipment. Check out original hand crafted jewellery. Visit the demonstrations and seminars. Free parking.
Time: 10am-5pm • www.ancastergemshow.com
Sat, Oct 5 & Sun, Oct 6
DUNDAS STUDIO TOUR
@Dundas Studio
This year’s theme of community explores how we, as artists, acknowledge, experience and celebrate community. As artists our ongoing associations with groups, guilds and schools ignites the creative process as art is a living thing that grows and changes over time, constantly evolving and changing through community inspiration.
Time: 10am-5pm • Cost: FREE • www.dundasstudiotour.com
Wed, Oct 9
LITTLE WIGGLER’S FALL PUMPKINS
@Battle昀椀eld House Museum & Park
Join Hamilton Children’s Museum sta昀昀 at Battle昀椀eld House Museum to explore pumpkins. Connect, learn and create through adult-facilitated and child-led activities. This themed program provides hands-on experiences to support expression, exploration, and social development for children including story time, songs, movement and discovery centres.
Time: 10-11am • www.hamilton.ca
Thurs, Oct 10 to Mon, Oct 14
ROCKTON WORLD’S FAIR
@Rockton Fairgrounds
Get the family together for a good old-fashioned time at the fair when the Rockton World's Fair returns this Thanksgiving weekend. With everything from amusement rides, fair food, livestock shows, craft sales, and a demolition derby, there is fun to be had throughout the entire weekend. Make Thanksgiving memories to last a lifetime at the Rockton Fair this year.
Time/Cost: See website for details • www.rocktonworldsfair.com
Fri, Oct 11 to Thurs, Oct 31
8TH ANNUAL SCARECROW WALK
@Throughout Waterdown Village
Getonthehuntforferociouslyfunfallfriendsthroughoutthevillage!Discoverwild creations,andtryto昀椀ndallthecluestoentertowinprizeswhenthescarecrowsreturn.
Time: Daily • www.waterdownvillage.ca
Sat, Oct 12 to Sun, Oct 13
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING HERB GIVEAWAY
@Dundurn National Historic Site
Don’t miss your last chance to visit the Historic Kitchen Garden before it closes for the year. Drop by to enjoy the fall colours and pick up a free savoury herb bundle to use for your Thanksgiving celebrations (while supplies last).
Time: 12-4pm • www.hamilton.ca/dundurn
Thurs, Oct 17
A LIFE IN MUSIC: VALERIE TRYON AT 90
@Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Join Daniel Vnukowski as he engages in conversation with Valerie Tryon, renowned international concert pianist. Experience Tryon’s memories and musical selections from her illustrious career as we celebrate her 90th birthday!
Time: 7pm • www.memorialarts.ca
Wed, Oct 23
LITTLE WIGGLER’S HALLOWEEN
@Battle昀椀eld House Museum & Park
Join Hamilton Children’s Museum sta昀昀 at Battle昀椀eld House Museum to explore the imagination of Halloween. Connect, learn and create through adult-facilitated and child-led activities. This themed program provides hands-on experiences to support expression, exploration, and social development for children including story time, songs, movement and discovery centres.
Time: 10-11am • www.hamilton.ca
Sat, Oct 26
TREAT AND PET WALK
@Throughout Waterdown Village
This is the day Waterdown Streets come alive with music, magic, games and treats. Visit participating businesses for Halloween giveaways or collect a goodie bag from a designated treat station. Save the date!
Time: 11am-2pm • www.waterdownvillage.ca
Sun, Oct 27
SOUPREME! AN INDIGENOUS COOKING WORKSHOP
@Dundurn National Historic Site
Mohawk Chef Tawnya Brant returns to take us on a journey preparing traditional and inspired Indigenous soups! Recipes include a traditional white corn soup (gluten free/contains pork), Pickerel and Wild Rice Chowder (contains dairy/ gluten) and her own “Haudenosaunee Minestrone” (vegan/gluten free).
Time: 10am-12:30pm • Cost: $75 • www.hamilton.ca/dundurn
GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Maximize your reach with local customers by sponsoring this magazine and exploring our digital advertising opportunities on Google, Facebook and Instagram
JeffScharf jscharf@bestversionmedia.com 705-207-1700
CONTACT: Visit www.bestversionmedia.com to learn more about our advertising solutions.
SPOOKY HA䰀䰀OWEEN EYES
Submitted by Stella T.
It's almost Ha氀氀oween! If you’re looking for an easy — and affordable — craft to do on your own or with your kids, we have you covered.
We’ve personally done this craft every year for the past four years and it always garners attention and admiration. Just collect your paper towel/toilet paper rolls and you’re good to go.
Take those paper towel/toilet paper rolls and carve “eyes” into them with scissors or a sharp knife. Insert glow sticks — shaken or cracked — and position in bushes.
Enjoy while scaring trick’er treaters!
© Best Version Media
Tricks and Treats for a Halloween Bash
Submitted by Erin Vander Weele
Hosting a Halloween party can seem daunting, but with creativity and careful planning, you can create a memorable evening. This guide will walk you through the steps for organizing a frighteningly fun Halloween get-together.
Set the Tone with a Theme
The first step in planning your Halloween party is selecting a theme. While a classic horror night is always a hit, there are many themes to explore based on your interests. Ideas include a theme based on well-known movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, Hocus Pocus, or Beetlejuice. Other ideas include a haunted mansion, a murder mystery, or a glow-in-the-dark theme. A chosen theme helps streamline your decoration and costume ideas and makes the preparation process much more manageable.
Decorate to Fright and Delight
Once your theme is set, it's time to decorate. For a truly immersive experience, consider decorations that engage all senses, such as dim lighting, fog machines, and creepy soundtracks to add a mysterious ambiance. Let your chosen theme guide you with tableware and decoration selections. Other ideas include DIY graveyards, faux cobwebs, and projection lighting to create ghostly figures or ominous scenes on the walls. Thrift stores can be gold mines for unique and budget-friendly finds suitable for any Halloween theme.
Create a Spooky Menu
Your party menu can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the planning process. Tailor your menu to fit your theme and include a mix of savoury and sweet dishes. Brain-shaped Jell-O molds, mummified hot dogs wrapped in pastry, pumpkin-themed treats, and witches' hat cookies are always a hit. Remember, presentation is vital for a Halloween party, so even simple dishes can be made eerily appealing with creativity.
Brew Bewitching Beverages
Create a signature cocktail for the event, like a "Vampire's Kiss" (a red fruity drink) or a "Witch's Brew" (a green, bubbly punch). For nonalcoholic options, consider serving creepy crawly punch made with gummy worms and dry ice for that smoking cauldron effect.
Curate a Spine-Chilling Playlist
Music is pivotal in setting the mood for your Halloween party. Mix classic hits like Michael
Jackson's "Thriller" and Bobby Pickett's "Monster Mash" with themes from famous horror movies and atmospheric sounds like creaking doors, chilling howls, and ghostly whispers. Playlists are readily available on music streaming platforms, or you can create your own for a personalized touch.
Craft a Night of Fun
Lastly, plan for entertainment to keep your guests engaged. Classic Halloween games, horror movie trivia, pumpkin carving, bobbing for apples, a costume contest, or a scare-themed scavenger hunt can provide fun and laughter for everyone.
Overall, planning a Halloween party requires some creativity, organization, and a touch of eeriness. It’s a chance to create an unforgettable experience where the planning process is just as enjoyable as the celebration.
