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The Exchange Niagara Falls: A Hub of Arts and Culture

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Open House: Saturday, February 17, 2024 – 10 am to 4 pm

The city of Niagara Falls is brimming with excitement as it prepares for the highly-anticipated unveiling of the Niagara Falls Exchange on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Located at 5943 Sylvia Place, this dynamic event space is poised to become the epicenter of arts and culture in Niagara Falls.

During the Open House event, which will run from 10 am to 4 pm, visitors can expect a day filled with exciting activities including guided tours, captivating art installations, live musical performances, engaging vendor booths, and much more! This free and open event offers everyone a chance to get a sneak peek into the vibrant world of arts and culture that The Exchange will encompass.

Here are some of the highlights that await at The Exchange:

  • Creative Spaces: Immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere of The Exchange by exploring its Artist & Woodworking Studios. These spaces are designed to inspire creativity and provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talents.
  • Market Vendors: Delight your taste buds and support local businesses by visiting the various market vendors at The Exchange. From the delectable treats of Niagara Samosa Factory and Shriners Creek Kettle Popcorn to the mouthwatering delights of Fiesta Empanada and The Funghi Guy Gourmet Mushrooms, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the baked goods from Moodies Bakery, fresh produce from Bry-Anne Farms, the natural sweetness of Harvey’s Honey, or the juicy fruits from DeVries Fruit Farm.
  • Live Music/DJ Performances: Experience the power of music as you indulge in a day filled with live performances and DJ sets at The Exchange. From local talents to renowned artists, the lineup promises to captivate audiences of all ages and musical preferences.
    • Artists include:
      • Rita Visser
      • Dave Mathews
      • Zach Bury
      • Chantal Barrette
      • Cd Onofrio
      • Amanda Lyn Parker
      • Eric James
      • Joe Lapinski
      • DJ Marinko
      • DJ Chance Mutuku
  • Art Exhibits: Delight in the Niagara Falls In Focus photography exhibit and temporary and permanent installations by various artists.
  • On-Site Activities: Engage in fun activities and games, including a collage party by Paper Bananas, screen printing by NAC, and magic shows by Matt Anthony and Robert Chan.
  • Free Admission: Take advantage of free admission to the Niagara Falls History Museum and explore their new exhibition, “My Story, My Tattoo.”

Convenient Amenities

  • Free On-Site Parking: Arrive hassle-free with free on-site parking available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Additional parking information can be found at nfexchange.ca/about/parking.

The Niagara Falls Exchange Open House is an event not to be missed. Come and join us on Saturday, February 17, 2024, for a day of celebration and immersion in the arts and culture that will define The Exchange as a vibrant hub in Niagara Falls.

About The Exchange

After years of careful preparation, the Niagara Falls City Council authorized the development of The Exchange, a new market and cultural hub strategically positioned in the Main and Ferry district. The project, which began in 2021, has resulted in a 10,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor multifunctional event space meant to support the city’s food, music, art, and cultural communities.

Market Hall

  • Year-Round Farmers’ Market: Starting October 14, 2023, the 4,000 sq foot Market Hall will host a year-round Farmers’ Market, emphasizing locally sourced products within a 100-mile radius.
  • Versatile Space: Designed for flexibility, the Market Hall can accommodate various activities, from musical performances to festivals.

Artist Studios

  • Collaborative Spaces: Shared artist studios encourage creation, collaboration, and development, offering competitive rates and 24/7 accessibility.

Woodworking Studio

  • Community Space: The woodworking shop on the main floor provides materials and tools for artists, amateur woodworkers, and creators.
  • Workshops and Assistance: Staffed by trained professionals, the studio offers workshops for both new and experienced woodworkers.

Gallery

  • Quality Exhibition Space: Located on the second floor, the gallery prioritizes local artists, providing a platform for exhibition.

Café

  • Exciting Additions: Details about the café at The Exchange will be revealed soon, adding a culinary dimension to the cultural experience.

Uncovering Historical Layers

The Exchange’s location has a long history, dating back to its Indigenous beginnings and serving a variety of functions over time. From the Battle of Lundy’s Lane to the lively Drummondville district, the location has seen a variety of dramas unfold throughout time.

Kicks Hotel Est. 1860

As The Exchange takes its place on this historically significant land, it continues a heritage of community, creativity, and culture. Join us on February 17th for an immersive experience in the center of Niagara Falls’ arts and cultural district!

Attractions, Deals, Entertainment, Family, Food, List, Packages, Restaurants, Things To Do, Travel, Uncategorized

Family Day 24-Hour Guide at Clifton Hill

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Niagara Falls is a lively city and a must-see while visiting the area. If you can’t stay overnight to experience this exciting city during your family vacation, here’s a brief guide to spend 24 hours in the city that emphasizes family-friendly locations to explore, eat, and more.

Clifton Hill makes it easy to celebrate Family Day in Niagara Falls

Where else can you find activities for the entire family, as well as meal options to please every appetite? The easiest way to save money is to buy the Fun Pass on Clifton Hill. With your Fun Passes, your family will be able to enjoy SIX of Niagara’s most popular attractions. So load up the vehicle and get on over! We’ve put together a step-by-step, hour-by-hour guide to the fun on Clifton Hill on Family Day so you can spend less time preparing and more time experiencing.

10:00 a.m.

Clifton Hill Parking

Looking for a prime parking spot close to all the action? Not to worry, our lot has over 700 spaces for you to choose from. Conveniently located, the parking lot is just steps away from the attractions and restaurants. No need to fret if someone leaves a very important stuffed toy in the car by mistake, the location makes any forgotten item easy to retrieve.

Driving Directions

11:00 a.m.

Kelsey’s Roadhouse Clifton Hill

Once everyone has settled in and you have your Fun Passes in hand, it’s time to fuel up with some lunch. Walk over to KELSEYS, one of our family friendly restaurants with a menu that’s truly got something for everyone. The diverse kid’s menu features pasta dishes, mac and cheese, burgers, pizza, and more, plus fun sides to choose from. The regular menu has options for meat lovers, vegetarians and everything in between. Why not opt for a couple of starters to share while playing some table games like “I Spy”?

1:00 p.m.

Great Canadian Midway

After lunch has been had and the family is satisfied, the time for some serious fun has come! Head over to the Great Canadian Midway, and watch as little eyes light up! This is a giant arcade gaming facility, with nostalgia written all over it! You’ll find re-imagined and modernized versions of all of your favorite games as a kid, such as Pac-Man and Mario Kart…plus new games just waiting for you and the kids to discover.

Your kids might be savvy with mobile devices, but how will they do up against the vintage machines that made up your childhood?

2:00 p.m.

Wizards Golf Indoor Mini Putt

After the Midway, your next stop is Wizard’s Golf, an 18-hole glow-in-the-dark mini golf experience set in the fantastical land of wizards and trolls. This neon and dreamlike attraction is one of the many things you’ll get to enjoy when you get a Fun Pass.

Wizards Golf

3:00 p.m.

Fudge Factory

After Golf it’s time for another snack…a sweet one to be specific. At the Fudge Factory, you’ll find many drool worthy goodies dipped in chocolate to satisfy any and all of your afternoon cravings. The kids will love watching our expert fudge chefs cooking up our 20 unique flavors of fudge, and looking at the different colors and shapes of candy through the sparkling glass windows. There are hundreds of assorted candies, plus favourites like candy apples and brownies to please any sweet tooth.

3:30 p.m.

Movieland Wax Museum

Next on the list is Movieland Wax Museum, so make sure that the cameras are charged and ready! Undeniably, one of the most notable features about entertainment at the falls are the wax figure museums in which you and the family can get up close and personal with all of your favorite stars.

Challenge the fam to a mannequin game where everyone hides among the figures in a frozen pose while someone seeks!

4:30 p.m.

Zombie Attack

For the ultimate 6D sensory experience you’ll want to walk over to Zombie Attack, yet another featured attraction on your Fun Pass. The game features laser guns to shoot at zombies trying to take over the world, and your objective is to keep that from happening. The winner gets the spotlight on them! When the game is over, the 1st place winner gets showcased on the screen for total bragging rights. 😉

5:30 p.m

Boston Pizza & Strike Game Zone

By now, the kiddos are likely to be hungry again, but hesitant to stop the fun and games. At Strike Game Zone you can be served your dinner from Boston Pizza in the same building as the bowling alley! Trying to feed the kids has never been easier!

Our 14-alley 10-pin bowling arena can play games with or without bumpers to give even the youngest kids a chance to have fun. Why not order a drink with your partner and choose from an extensive list of beers, wines, and cocktails. Family Day isn’t just about the kids having fun!

7:00 p.m

Ghostblasters Dark Ride

If everyone has still got it in them, there’s another multi-sensory game that’s not to be missed. Ghostblasters is an interactive black-light adventure game that’s part target game, part coaster ride. You and your partner will be up against the ghosts of the haunted house, who will win???

7:30 p.m

Niagara SkyWheel

At this point the sun has officially set, and the night sky is lit up with all of the sparkling lights and neon signs of Clifton Hill. There’s no better way to enjoy the scenery than from up high in the SkyWheel. Seated inside of a private and climate-controlled gondola, you’ll get to show the kids all of the landmarks like the Niagara Falls, the Niagara River, and other surrounding landmarks.

8:00 p.m:

Niagara Falls Illumination

To finish off the night, it’s time to celebrate a successful and memorable Family Day with the Falls illumination at the Falls!

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Unearthing Kart Racing’s Roots: A Journey from California’s Parking Lots to Niagara’s Speedway

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Our tale begins in the mid-20th century, in Southern California, where a veteran hot rodder and race car builder named Art Ingels was about to make history. In 1956, using his expertise from Kurtis Kraft, a prominent builder of Indianapolis 500 race cars, Ingels crafted the very first kart. He combined a small, tube-frame structure with a two-cycle lawnmower engine, and voilà, kart racing was born.

Ingels didn’t keep his invention to himself; instead, he showcased it in a local parking lot, sparking the interest of his friends. Soon, impromptu kart races were taking place in the Rose Bowl parking lot. In just two swift years, in 1958, the first official kart racing track emerged in Azusa, California, solidifying karting’s place in the world of motorsports.

The Birth of the Go-Kart

Duffy Livingston, a muffler-shop owner in Los Angeles, contributed to the popularity of karting by coining the term “Go-Kart.” He went on to manufacture and sell these machines under the Go-Kart name, becoming the first kart manufacturer. While Art Ingels is credited with building the initial kart, Livingston is rightfully acknowledged for launching its popularity.

Two-Cycle Engines: Power in a Small Package

Kart engines have been predominantly two-cycle or “two-stroke” engines since the late 1950s. Despite their small size, these engines deliver impressive power. In 1959, a company known for its chainsaws, McCulloch, became the first to produce dedicated kart engines. Rival engine manufacturers, including Clinton, Power Products, and West Bend, soon joined the competition.

From Local Pastime to Global Phenomenon

Karting quickly gained popularity and publicity, thanks to motoring magazines like Hot Rod and Rod & Custom. Karts even made their way into popular culture, with appearances in movies starring celebrities like Steve McQueen and The Beatles. Karting became an instant sensation, with new kart tracks appearing on undeveloped squares of asphalt across the United States.

However, many considered karting a passing fad. Yet, it proved its staying power and evolved into a serious form of motorsport. In the United States, kart racing was initially managed by the Go Kart Club of America, later by the International Kart Federation, and the World Karting Association. Internationally, the CIK/FIA became the governing body overseeing karting competitions worldwide, including the prestigious World Karting Championships.

The Evolution of Kart Design

Early karts were simple and straightforward, featuring hand-activated mechanical brakes, direct-drive motors (no clutch), and hard industrial rubber tires. Suspensions were absent, replaced by lightning-quick direct steering that required an intimate connection with the road.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, kart design saw some development, but not much. Live (solid) rear axles and left-pedal-operated hydraulic disc brakes became standard. Centrifugal clutches eliminated the need for push starts, and kart engines grew in power, many running on methanol with a few adding a splash of nitro. Wider and grippier tires improved performance.

Modern Karting at Niagara Speedway

Fast forward to today, and you’ll find a modern variant of karting at the Niagara Speedway go-kart track in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Niagara Speedway track offers an exciting experience for both beginners and karting enthusiasts. The karts are equipped with the latest technology, providing an adrenaline-pumping ride on a multi-level, spiral track.

Whether you’re a fan of motorsports or just seeking a thrilling adventure, the Niagara Speedway go-kart track is the place to be. Experience the evolution of karting firsthand as you navigate the twists and turns of this state-of-the-art track.

Conclusion

Karting, once born out of curiosity and a love for speed, has grown into a global phenomenon. From its humble beginnings in a California parking lot to the modern racing experience offered at the Niagara Speedway, karting has come a long way. It continues to serve as the breeding ground for future racing champions, teaching essential skills that translate into success in top-tier motorsports.

So, next time you witness a Formula 1 champion tearing up the racetrack, remember that they likely honed their skills in these diminutive yet powerful machines. Karting is not just a sport; it’s a legacy, and it all started with a few friends racing around a parking lot in Glendale, California, more than six decades ago. The world of motorsports hasn’t been the same since.

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Five Facts About Winter Solstice in Niagara Falls

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Reading Time:  2 minutes -Today is December Winter Solstice (Friday, December 21, 2018) which starts at 5:22 pm in Niagara Falls!

1. Today is the shortest day of the year

Niagara’s sunrise today is at 7:44 a.m. and the sunset is at 4:44 p.m. We have 8 hours, 59 minutes, 38 seconds of daylight. In most locations in the Northern Hemisphere (north of the equator), the shortest day of the year is on this date.

2. We lost 3 seconds of daylight today compared to yesterday, but tomorrow we will gain back 1 second of daylight for the first full day of winter.

The loss and gain of daylight time is not consistent throughout the year. The change of daylight time is always minimal at the winter and summer solstices. For example, by late January 2019, we’ll gain over 2 minutes of daylight per day, and by late February, we will gain almost three minutes of daylight per day.

3. The winter solstice occurs when the Sun is directly overhead the Tropic Of Capricorn & reaches its most southern declination of -23.4° when the North Pole is tilted the furthest away from the Sun.

Because the earth spins on a tilted axis, the farther north from the equator you are, the less sunlight you’ll receive during the winter solstice and the shorter the day it will be. Niagara we will see about 9 hours of daylight today. Whitehorse, Yukon will only receive 5 hours, 37 minutes and 51 seconds of daylight today. Even farther north in Iqaliut, Nunavut today’s daylight will only be 4 hours, 20 minutes and 14 seconds long.

4. Just because we have the least amount of sunlight today doesn’t mean it will be the coolest day of the year.

There is a lag between the shortest day of the year and the coldest average temperatures because of the Earth’s oceans. It takes a significant amount of time for the ocean to release all of the sun’s energy that it collected during the warm months. That is why our average temperatures are cooler in January than they are in December. You will find the same delay between the longest day of the year and the warmest average temperatures in the summer as well. The time of the lag will also vary depending on location.

5. A full moon will appear to be in the night sky

Although December’s full moon officially isn’t until December 22, 2018, look up in the night sky to see what is also known as the Cold Moon. Though the forecast predicts flurries and cloud cover tonight, a brief clearing may allow those in the Niagara Region a glimpse of a stunning nighttime view!

 

The Shortest day of the year could be an opportunity to drive down the Niagara Parkway and see the Festival of Lights at their best earlier in the day!

The Niagara Winter Festival of Lights features a Fireworks show tonight at 9pm. Also catch the  animated light installations, projections and entertainment – as you drive down the Niagara Parkway through Dufferin Islands and by the Falls! The festival is marked with many weeks of celebration, which literally shines up the entire Niagara Falls destination with its brilliance and dazzles people with its joy.

Click here for more details

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Ontario Delivers Historic Weekday GO Train Service to Niagara Falls

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Reading Time:  2 minutes -New Morning and Evening Train Service Will Start Four Years Ahead of Schedule

December 14, 2018

ST. CATHARINES — Ontario’s Government for the People continues to deliver on its promise to get people moving faster by adding regular weekday GO train service to Niagara Falls and St. Catharines for the first time.

Today, Jeff Yurek, Minister of Transportation, Kinga Surma, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, Sam Oosterhoff, MPP Niagara West, along with Leslie Woo, Chief Planning and Development Officer, Metrolinx, visited the rail station in St. Catharines to announce that the government will introduce long-asked-for weekday GO train service to Niagara Falls and St. Catharines on the Lakeshore West line.

“Our government is keeping our promise to get people moving and make life better for everyone in Ontario by expanding GO train service to Niagara Falls,” said Yurek. “We are working with our railway partner, CN, to use the existing rail infrastructure to expand GO Transit service for people in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines four years sooner than promised.”

Beginning on January 7, 2019, people travelling by GO Transit between Niagara Falls and Toronto’s Union Station will benefit from a new morning trip with an evening return every weekday. The morning train that currently starts from West Harbour station in Hamilton at 6:39 a.m. will now start in Niagara Falls at 5:19 a.m., stopping at St. Catharines before continuing on to Toronto. In the evening, the existing train from Union Station at 5:15 p.m. to West Harbour will continue on to serve St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.

“This is great news for people in Niagara Region,” said Oosterhoff. “Weekday GO train service between Niagara Falls and Toronto will help connect the region and create new business opportunities.”

“We are very excited to introduce this essential commuter rail service to this market. Regular weekday GO trains have never operated out of Niagara Falls or St. Catharines before,” said Leslie Woo, Chief Planning and Development Officer of Metrolinx. “This is new territory and a sign of more great things to come.”

“Today’s announcement is a demonstration of our commitment to improving the transportation experience and getting people moving. We make every decision with the customer – the Ontario taxpayer – in mind. Our Government for the People looks forward to continuing to provide better transportation across the province,” said Yurek.

Additional Resources

GO Transit Service Changes

Media Contacts

Andrew Buttigieg
Minister of Transportation’s Office

andrew.buttigieg@ontario.ca

437-224-4599

Bob Nichols
Ministry of Transportation

416-327-1158

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Niagara Falls March Break on Clifton Hill Offers Fun for the Whole Family 2

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Niagara Falls March Break Getaways are the perfect way to spend time with your family this year. Catch the best events, get great hotel deals, and save money on top attractions when you choose Clifton Hill as your holiday destination!

The Canadian March Break runs from Monday, March 11th to Friday, March 15th, 2024.

Searching for the best way to enjoy Niagara Falls on March Break? Well look no further! Clifton Hill offers tons of affordable activities, attractions & excitement for individuals, couples or the entire family!

After traveling with family and getting settled in the cataract city, be sure to book several sightseeing excursions and quality time together — more specifically on Clifton Hill, where the fun keeps going all week-long! 

Niagara Speedway Open For March Break! (Weather Permitting)

It’s tall, it’s fast, it roars with excitement! Canada’s first ever elevated go-kart race course, the Niagara Speedway, is OPEN FOR MARCH BREAK STARTING MARCH 11th to March 19th (Weather Permitting.)

Be sure to visit North America’s largest elevated go-kart track facility. The the first of its kind in Canada! Niagara Speedway is a marriage of traditional go-karts with the added fun and excitement of an elevated coaster styled track. Test your driving skills along the straight away, negotiate the hair -pin turns and climb the elevated ramp as you head for the checkered flag!

Ticket Pricing:
Driver $13.00 (Per ~5 Minute Race)
Rider $4.00 (Per ~5 Minute Race)
TICKETS ARE TO BE PURCHASED ON-SITE IN-PERSON
*Prices do not include applicable tax.

Speedway Hours of Operation: * Weather Dependent

Niagara Falls March Break Activities and Events:

March Break: Daily Illumination at the Falls all week.

Illumination Special Events

DATETIMECAUSECOLOUR(S)
March 15, 202410:00 – 10:15Amyloidos Awareness MonthRed
March 17, 2024Top of every hour for 15 minutesSt. Patrick’s DayGreen

1964 The Tribute
March 10th to 13th 2024
Since the early 1980s, “1964”…The Tribute has been delighting audiences globally, transporting them to a pivotal moment in music history.

Jerry Seinfeld
March 14th, 2024 at 8pm
Jerry Seinfeld’s legacy soared to new heights following his debut on The Tonight Show in 1981. It marked the beginning of his iconic collaboration with Larry David, birthing the timeless sitcom, Seinfeld.

Amanda Marshall
March 16th 2024 at 8pm
Get ready for a night of fun as we explore the legacy of Amanda’s debut album—a top-selling record attaining Diamond status with over 6 million copies worldwide.

Niagara Falls Illumination
March 12-31st: 7:30pm to 2:00am
March 17th: Hourly for 15 minutes (Green)
The mighty Falls will be basked in its colourful nightly illuminations 7:30 pm to 2:00 am from March 12-31st. Then on March 17th the Falls will be illuminated Green at the top of every hour for 15 minutes (Green)

Greg Frewin Wonder Magic!
March 8th-9th & 11th to 16th 2024
Our new Wonder show is a show you do not want to miss! This family friendly show will leave you all spellbound! The theatre is buzzing with excitement!!! We can’t wait to host our amazing guests and present our new exhilarating show “Wonder”!!

Niagara Falls History Museum
March 12th to March 15th
Join Club Rex at the Museum this March Break and learn the answers to these questions and more, as we dive deep into all that’s new from the world of dinosaurs!  Enjoy our fun and informative presentation all while being able to see some amazing museum pieces from around the world.  If you have a dino-fan at home, this is the place for them!

CBC Kids Book Club Live
March 17th 2024 at 1-3pm
Coming to the Niagara Falls Public Library on Victoria Avenue! Come meet your fave CBC Kids pals Janaye, Tony, Gary the Unicorn and Daniel Tiger as they share their love of reading. 

Orchid Show at the Floral Showhouse
March 9th – April 29th, 2024
Featuring over 1,500 expertly grown Phalaenopsis orchids, the show is filled with bright colours and gorgeous blooms that will offer a warm escape from the lingering winter temperatures.  This year’s Orchid Show draws inspiration from the upcoming  Solar Eclipse.

More Niagara Falls March Break Activities

Zombie Attack
Movieland
Strike Game Zone
Falls Illumination
Wizards Golf
Niagara SkyWheel
Fallsview Waterpark
Niagara Speedway
Toy Store 4D
Ghostblasters
Great Canadian Midway
Ripley’s Museum

Niagara Falls March Break Restaurants

In the heart of the Clifton Hill district you’ll find some of the best Niagara Falls Restaurants within walking distance of the Falls. Between Clifton Hill attractions, games and shopping, there are many different restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re getting something quick to eat on the go, or prefer to savor a long and relaxing meal, Clifton Hill Niagara Falls offers many national chain restaurants and other one of kind favourites.

Boston Pizza
Kelsey’s Clifton Hill

Tim Hortons
Wendy’s Restaurant

Niagara Falls March Break Hotels

Choose a Niagara Falls hotel with our online hotel directory. Our listings helps you find on accommodations close to Clifton Hill’s attractions, dining, shopping, entertainment and family friendly restaurants.

Howard Johnson
Starting at $99/Night
MARCH BREAK
Sheraton on the Falls
Starting at $176/Night
MARCH BREAK
Courtyard Marriott
Starting at $95/Night
MARCH BREAK

Nearby Niagara Shopping

Canada Trading Company
Fudge Factory

Niagara Falls Parking

Clifton Hill Parking provides convenience just 1 block to the Falls and central to the Clifton Hill, Fallsview Boulevard, and Falls Avenue districts. We hope you join us for a Niagara Falls March Break to remember!