Top Five Things to See and Do in Spring 2013
This time last year, Kingstonians were frolicking about sporting flip flops and sleeve/pant-less attire as we hopped from one sun-kissed patio to the next. This year, thanks to the faulty predictions made by an out of work groundhog, we’re begrudgingly still trying to coax Old Man Winter out the door. While Spring may be taking its sweet time to get here, our community events calendar promises warmer days and a well-deserved break from this bone-chilling mess in the weeks to come. Today’s seasonal Top Five highlights the best of the best of what the Limestone City has to offer. Challenging as it may be, we’ve once again lovingly handpicked the most accessible, affordable and anticipated events from this coming quarter. Here’s to warmer days!
Public Market(s), May to September 2013: reaching back to 1801, the public market at Market Square remains a focal point for supporters of local agriculture, antique hunters and those who are simply out for a leisurely stroll. Tempting even the most discerning customer with everything from locally-sourced produce to maple syrup, baked goods and even fresh flowers, our bustling public market is one of the truest signs of Spring. And for those who object to contending with downtown parking and the like, we now have an solid alternative offered by the public market located at the Memorial Centre, which is packed with just as many luring goodies, energy and friendly people from all over the city.
Kingston Derby Girls’ Season Opener, 4 May 2013: when we canvassed our readers regarding which Spring events they were looking forward to the most this year, we had no idea that supporters would come out en masse to show just how much they adore our beloved derby girls. Skating to the top spot with a huge margin between it and the first runner up, many Kingstonians have saved the date for the dazzling return of the Kingston Derby Girls to the Memorial Centre’s flat track. Blocking, jamming and whipping their way towards their third season of action-packed and entertaining roller derby, we’re eagerly anticipating seeing how this year’s crop of fresh meat fares against the vivacious fishnet-clad veterans.
Homegrown Live, 11 May 2013: the Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library (Joe’s M.I.L.L.) is unique gem when it comes to accessible community resources, thanks to the tireless efforts of energetic volunteers and supporters. Celebrating its 5th anniversary, the Homegrown Live music festival exists to raise much needed funds and awareness for Joe’s M.I.L.L., as well as donations for the Partners in Mission Foodbank. With 11 participating venues featuring dozens of talented performers, Kingstonist is once again a proud supporter of this tremendous celebration of local music.
Art After Dark, 24 May 2013: a bi-annual event that commenced in the Fall of ’08, Art After Dark showcases local and imported talent in over a dozen of our downtown’s finest galleries and community art spaces. Stroll from one gallery to the next, from dusk until 10pm, and enjoy visual art, poetry, drama, dance and more. Art After Dark is a fantastic way to acquaint yourself with local galleries and artists, and stimulate conversation regarding the works that are presented and the local art scene.
Kingston Pride, 1 to 16 June 2013: two weeks of inclusive events geared towards celebrating and bringing together members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. Hallmarks of this huge festival include lively dance parties, art displays, picnics and of course, the increasingly popular Pride Parade, which makes it’s way down Princess Street and other parts of the downtown.
Images in the composition displayed above were provided by Koopyont, Thomas_Combs and the respective event organizers.
