Photo cred: Sander van der Wel FREE National Child Day Events in Niagara Falls National Child Day is celebrated on November 20th each year. It has been celebrated across Canada since 1993 to commemorate the United Nations’ adoption of two documents centered on children’s rights. These are the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child (November 20th, 1959), and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (November 20, 1989). National Child Day is about celebrating children.
The Niagara Children’s Planning Council, along with the participating municipalities and the YMCA of Niagara invite families to visit any of these locations for FREE SKATING or SWIMMING in recognition of the event (various dates and times) FREE SKATING LOCATIONS City of St. Catharines
November 20th: 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Bill Burgoyne Arena, 129 Linwell Rd., St. Catharines City of Thorold
November 21st: 12:45 – 2:15 pm, Thorold Community Arena, 70 Front St. N., Thorold Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
November 21st: 1:30 – 3:00 pm, Meridian Credit Union Arena, 1567 Four Mile Creek Rd., Virgil City of Welland
November 21st: 1:00 – 2:30 pm, Welland Youth Arena, 501 King St. W., Welland City of Niagara Falls
November 22nd: 2:00 – 3:00 pm, Gale Centre, 4171 Fourth Av., Niagara Falls Town of Pelham
November 22nd: 1:00 – 2:20 pm: Pelham Arena, 1120 Haist St., Fonthill City of Port Colborne
November 22nd: 12:00 – 3:00 pm: Vale Health & Wellness Centre, 550 Elizabeth St., Port Colborne Township of West Lincoln
November 22nd: 1:00 – 2:00 pm: West Lincoln Arena, 177 West St., Hwy 20, Smithville FREE SWIMMING LOCATIONS City of St. Catharines
November 21st: 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Kiwanis Aquatics Centre Leisure Pool, 425 Carlton St., St. Catharines St. Catharines YMCA
November 22nd: 2:30 – 3:30 pm: 25 YMCA Dr., St. Catharines Welland
November 22nd: 1:00 – 2:30 pm: Niagara Centre YMCA, 310 Woodlawn Rd., Welland Niagara Falls
November 22nd: 2:30 – 4:00 pm: MacBain Community Centre, 7150 Montrose Rd., Niagara Falls Fort Erie
November 22nd: 2:00 – 4:00 pm: Fort Erie YMCA, 1555 Garrison Rd., Fort Erie Port Colborne
November 22nd: 1:00 – 3:00 pm: Port Colborne YMCA, 550 Elizabeth St., Port Colborne Grimsby
November 22nd: 1:00 – 3:00 pm: Niagara West YMCA, 325 Main St.E., Grimsby StoryWalk® at Heartland Forest Heartland Forest is excited to launch of their new StoryWalk® event happening from November 20th to December 20th, 2015. They are pleased to present the kick-off on National Child Day from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Children and families are invited to enjoy reading a story while going for a stroll in the woods. This is a free event in which visitors will enjoy a snack, creative activity, and a campfire after the walk.
The featured story is “Picture a Tree/Imagine un Arbre” by Barbara Reid. It will be displayed in both English and French.
Heartland Forest is located at 8215 Heartland Forest Rd, Niagara Falls.
Are you planning a vacation to Niagara Falls? Take a tour of our website for some Niagara Falls information that you may not have known that the website offers. Aside from our regular known features such as Niagara Falls Information on attractions, dining, and booking a hotel room, www.cliftonhill.com is a go-to source for a wide variety of relevant travel information. Here’s just a few features to point out — take a full tour at your own opportunity! Coupons!
Everyone likes to save money when they travel. You don’t need to go searching for coupon books once you arrive on Clifton Hill if you check out our Niagara Falls Coupons page beforehand. Simply go to our website, hit the “Explore” tab, and then “coupons”. Here you will find discounts on our Clifton Hill attractions, plus both our Kelsey’s and Boston Pizza Clifton Hill restaurants. Print them off and go! Plan A Trip
Under the “Explore” tab is the “Plan A Trip” option, which also offers sub-categories under that title. Planning a trip to Clifton Hill is easy when you refer to this page. Everything from where our ATM’s are located, driving directions to get here, where you can locate lockers to leave your belongings, Niagara Falls Border information (including access to the Niagara Peace Bridge and Ontario Highway Cams), a property map, plus our current Niagara Falls weather conditions provided by Environment Canada for the upcoming 5 days are all listed under this tab. Clifton Hill Hours of Operation
You don’t need to question the opening and closing times of our attractions when searching for Niagara Falls information regarding this aspect. Head under “Explore”, then “Hours of Operation” for a continuously updated list on our most talked about attractions, such as the Niagara SkyWheel. Niagara Falls Cam There is something to be said about capturing a picture of one of the greatest Wonders of the World and actually standing face-to-face in all its glory. By the 19th century, Niagara Falls became a prime tourist destination for visitors from both sides of the border, and rightfully so — you have the ability to view three waterfalls at one time.
Now technology has allowed us to view the majestic Niagara Falls from the comfort of our own homes with access to our Niagara Falls cam, situated high above Niagara Falls in the Fallsview District. It is pointed directly towards the massive Horseshoe Falls on the Ontario, Canada side.
Nothing beats experiencing the real thing up close and personal, but this is the next best thing that you have full access to 24/7 on www.cliftonhill.com! Go to the “Explore” tab, then “Media Gallery”, and then to “Niagara Falls cam”. Happy viewing…turn up the sound for the full effect! Niagara Falls Email Offers
On the upper left corner on our home screen, you will find our “Newsletter” tab. Click here to sign up for the most up-to-date specials and cost-saving offers on Clifton Hill. Whether you stay in Niagara for a day or a week, visit this page to save the most money on attraction tickets, hotel rooms, vacation packages, and special events. Niagara Falls Events
What concerts are upcoming at the Fallsview Casino? What city-wide events are occurring during your time of travel to Niagara Falls? Are there fireworks happening, and at what time do they happen? These questions are all answered under the “Events” tab. Stay up-to-date with what is going on when you plan a Niagara Falls vacation getaway. Tourism Links
On the home page, at the bottom of the page, you will find the “Tourism Links” tab. On this page you will find a selection of useful and the most asked about travel and tourism links.
i.e.:
Closest liquor/beer store to Clifton Hill
Taxi/Car Rental numbers and locations
Ground Transportation (VIA Rail, GO Train, WEGO Niagara Falls, Greyhound Bus, etc.
Air Transportation
Wedding services (chapels, etc.)
Employment opportunities with us
Be sure to take a few minutes to truly discover what www.cliftonhill.com offers you when searching for some Niagara Falls Information for travel. *www.cliftonhill.com is mobile friendly!*
Niagara Falls Comic Con 2015
It’s the Niagara Falls event many people have been anticipating since last year’s show, and this year’s event proves to be even BIGGER! It’s the Niagara Falls Comic Con! Thousands of comic book collectors, horror, fantasy and sci-fi lovers, artists and everyone in between will be lining up for this event, at more than 200,000 square feet. They have exhibitors, comic books, cosplayers and cosplay contests, movie screenings, celebrity autographs and photo-ops, workshops, Falls Horror Fest and much, much more at the Scotiabank Convention Centre located at 6815 Stanley Avenue right here in Niagara Falls. It’s only a 5 minute drive from the “Street of Fun by the Falls”, Clifton Hill.
“Our main goal each year is to listen to our fans and improve on the previous year,” said Chris Dabrowski, Show Manager for the Niagara Falls Comic Con. “We’ve expanded again and have booked out the whole convention centre, including a 1000 seat theatre, that we will utilize for Q&A sessions, workshops and more,” he added.
New this year is an 80’s Arcade Zone that will include more than 30 retro coin-op stand up arcade games. Movie cars booked include the Bat Copter from the 1966 Batman TV series, and a replica of the General Lee and Knight Rider KITT cars.
The event has expanded their featured artist offering, which now includes more than 85 featured artists and independent publishers. Featured artists include: Legendary writer Gerry Conway, award-winning artists Darwyn Cooke, and David & Meredith Finch to name a few.
Returning again this year is the “Falls Horror Fest”, which features more than 5000 square feet of horror exhibits, movie props, workshops, celebrities, costumes, and Q&A’s.
“Niagara Falls Comic Con is an event the provides people of all ages (and families) a fun and entertaining weekend with lots to see and do in a very relaxed environment. Even if you don’t think you’ll enjoy it, chances are you will, so give it a try! There is literally something for everyone,” added Dabrowski. WHEN?
The 2015 Niagara Falls Comic Conwill be held on: Friday, June 5th from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm Saturday, June 6th from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Sunday, June 7th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. TICKETS Friday, June 5th: $25 — click here for online sales.h Saturday, June 6th: $35 — click here for online sales. Sunday, June 7th: $30 — click here for online sales. 3 Day Pass:$70 —click here for online sales. VIP 3 Day Pass: $325 —click here for online sales. ** Limited to 200 people. VIP Passes include: – Early Access into the show all three days (30 minutes before the general public)
– Speed Pass: Get Front of the Line Access to Each Celebrity and Q&A Session
– Exclusive NFCC 2015 T-Shirt, Hat, Tote Bag, Button & Patch!
– Exclusive NFCC 2015 Lithograph
– Official NFCC 2015 VIP Lanyard
– Two free tickets to Hamilton Comic Con 2015 **Children 10 and Under are FREE** This year’s line up of celebrities in UNREAL!! CELEBRITIES
The celebrity line-up for 2015 is just gearing up and is already amazing! Confirmed to date are: David Hasselhoff (Knight Rider/Baywatch) Sean Astin (The Goonies/Lord of the Rings) Ryan Hurst (Sons of Anarchy)
Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars)
Cassandra Peterson (Elvira)
Catherine Bach (TV”s Original Daisy Duke)
Linda Blair (The Exorcist)
Alfonso Ribeiro (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek)
Manu Bennett (Arrow/Spartacus/The Hobbit)
Robert Davi and Joe Pantoliano (The GooniesFratelli Reunion)
Scott Wilson (The Walking Dead)
Jason Priestley (Beverly Hills 90210)
Kristy Swanson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Patricia Quinn (Rocky Horror Picture Show)
Iron Sheik (WWE Wrestling Legend)
Ted White (Jason Voorhees)
Terry Kiser (Weekend at Bernie’s)
Richard Hatch (BattlestarGalactica)
Margot Kidder (Superman)
And many more…
For a full listing, please visit: www.NFComicCon.com and visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/NFcomiccon For any further information contact:
Chris Dabrowski, Show Manager / chris@niagarafallscomiccon.com (Interviews, Celebrity & Guest contact, Public Relations & Marketing, Sponsorship).
James Ponce, Director of Operations / james@niagarafallscomiccon.com (Artists Alley, Exhibitors, Event Sponsorship, Falls Horror Fest). The Fun Doesn’t Stop there!
When the Niagara Falls Comic Con wraps up, there is still tons of fun to be had just blocks away on Clifton Hill! Comic fun continues in Movieland Wax Museum of Stars, where you can have your picture taken with the wax version of Cassandra Peterson as “Elvira”, Michael Keaton as “Batman”, Jack Nicholson as the “Joker” or even Heath Ledger as the most recent ”Joker” — all completely made of wax! There is even a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles set. The Dark Night, the Terminator, Lara Croft, Freddy Krueger and over 100 more figures are showcased here in this museum, all ready to have your photo taken with them!
You can enjoy the Movieland Wax Museum, as well as four other very popular Clifton Hill attractions bundled together in the Clifton Hill Fun Pass! Click the image below for details:
It is a 50% savings, made an even bigger savings if you purchase it online as you will receive an additional Niagara SkyWheel ticket. Go day and night!
Enjoy this savings in a Niagara Falls hotel package deal when you stay at theClifton Hill Niagara Falls Hotel. This hotel is not only just a 5 minute drive from the Niagara Falls Comic Con at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, but it’s literally only one block from the greatest Niagara Falls attraction of all — the majestic Niagara Falls! The Build-A-Package offer allows you to conveniently add-on attractions and events that YOU want to do at great savings — this includes the Clifton Hill Fun Pass offer, as well as many others.
Check out our all-new “Stay & Play” Package:
Our “Niagara Falls Family Package” is ideal for a family looking to getaway for a night or two!
The Niagara Falls Comic Con will be sure to be a hit, so consider staying the weekend to get the most out of this event and sight-see in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Take in all that Niagara Falls has to do!
We look forward to this event and seeing you in Niagara Falls!
Christine Lynn
clynn@cliftonhill.com www.cliftonhill.com
Facebook: www.CliftonHill.com/fb
Twitter: www.CliftonHill.com/twt
Google+: www.CliftonHill.com/gplus Pinterest: www.CliftonHill.com/pin Instagram: @cliftonhillfun
The Niagara Food & Wine Expo will be returning for its fifth year in Niagara Falls at the Scotiabank Convention Centre from Friday, May 1st, 2015 – Sunday, May 3rd, 2015! This venue will introduce to the consumer and to bar and restaurant owners the wide variety of the tried and true, as well as new brands of International wines, beers and spirits. Everything from Italian vineyards to Belgium breweries will be featured at the Niagara Food & Wine Expo.
“From caviar to cupcakes and everything in between, we’re going to have a ton of new and fun things to taste,” said Melanie Klie, manager of the Niagara Food & Wine Expo. “Not only can attendees at this year’s Expo try out what exhibitors from across Canada are cooking up, but with the Dairy Farmer’s of Canada’s All You Need Is Cheese Stage and the Niagara College Chef Stage, there’s ample opportunity to learn a little more about some of the hottest food trends.”
For its 5th anniversary, the Niagara Food & Wine Expo is excited to announce that John Catucci from the Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here” will be taking to the Chef Stage at 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 2nd to talk to fans and answer all their questions about Canada’s most delicious, mouth-watering, over-the-top comfort food.
Paired alongside the selections, you will be well-equipped with the best of Niagara Falls culinary cuisine selections from Niagara’s top restaurants. Time to sample, taste and experience the delicious varieties from their tables to yours!
“In addition to the wide selection of food options, this year’s Expo will also include many new wine, beer and spirit vendors, who will be bringing several new beverages to try out,” said Klie.
For attendees looking to learn a little more about international trends at the Expo, the Tasting Stage will be open for guests to experience 30-minute tasting seminars. Guests will get the opportunity to taste both local and international selections, while educating themselves on the art of wine tasting.
How about you cheese lovers? Anyone looking to learn more about the different varieties of Canadian cheese, should come and check out the Cheese Tasting Stage. It is hosted by the Dairy Farmers of Canada’s cheese expert, Lisa McAlpine. She will showcase the latest and tastiest cheese from across Canada.
The Chef Stage is another opportunity for attendees to learn a little more about their food while at the expo. It features ongoing, complimentary cooking demonstrations hosted by accredited chefs that offer tips and tricks in the kitchen.
Beer fans will hit the jackpot this year with multiple microbreweries coming to this year’s Expo, such as Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co., Waterloo Brewing Co. and Flying Monkeys Brewery. Niagara College Teaching Brewery’s special “Niagara Food & Wine Expo 5th Anniversary” beer will also be available on tap.
And what about food?
The Niagara Food & Wine Expo will offer hundreds of food choices from local restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and celebrity chefs.
There will be more food options than ever before. Local favourites like Niagara Smoked Meat and Eudora Foods will be returning, joined by the new Karma’s Indian Restaurant and Cat’s Kitchen + Bar, and many more.
Unique finds? You’ll find Della Terra Fresh Olive Oil Balsamic Tasting Bar, The Pie Guys and Savoia Gourmet Emporium to just name a few.
Dates and Times
Friday, May 1, 2015: 2:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Sunday, May 3, 2015: 12:00pm – 6:00pm Tickets
$15 at the door or $12 in advance at www.NiagaraFoodandWineExpo.ca. Sample Tickets
Sample tickets are worth $1.00 each and are available in sheets of $10. They are used in order to sample wine, spirits, beer and food. *Most places will offer samples for 1-2 tickets each*
Follow them on their Social Media pages:
Facebook: Niagara Food & Wine Expo
Twitter: Niagara Food & Wine Expo
Springlicious is the #1 festival in Niagara Falls that celebrates our city and Downtown core. It’s back again for another season from Friday, May 29th to Sunday, May 31st 2015. In case you have never been, it is a three-day long festival that livens up our historic Queen Street in Niagara Falls into a family friendly event full of culinary delights, amazing live Canadian entertainment, vendors, artists, amusements and other local talent. Last year alone, over 30,000 people visited this event — making it one of the most exciting things to do in the Spring in Niagara Falls! Springlicious is free for the public to attend and is a continuously growing Niagara Falls event, now in its 9th season. Locals and tourists alike will flock to this event, in which Queen Street will close the street off to traffic and open it up to spectators of every age for the festival. Vendors line the street, and local wineries, micro-breweries and food trucks feature their products for sale, ready to fill your bellies with delectable treats! There is entertainment for everyone and the whole street echoes with the sounds of live bands, art lovers with their galleries and displays showcasing their talents, and a number of visual treats and entertaining shows for the kids to partake in.
Here’s a quick video that I took during the day at last year’s Springlicious 2014 event:
This year’s entertainment line-up will be sure to bring in the crowd with Canada’s own, 54-40 ready to rock Niagara Falls on Saturday, May 30th, at 9:00 pm.
Here’s 54-40 “Go Blind”:
https://youtu.be/fMZSSVt355I Additional Entertainment:
New this year, there will be a section specifically for buskers, and an outdoor puzzle hunt along the street created by The Escape Room.
Also returning will be a band competition hosted by 97.7 HTZ-FM, the School-a-Palooza talent competition among the city’s local high schools.
As always, Queen Street will be lined up with delicious food vendors and plenty of merchandise/artisan vendors for the three days.
In addition to the main stage near city hall, there will be a stage set up near Crysler Ave. and another at Taps Brewery, with live performances on all 3 stages throughout the entire weekend.
“Magical Midways Carnival” will set up games and rides for the whole family to enjoy! Event Location For more information on Springlicious, visit them online at www.springlicious.ca Grab a Room Quick on Clifton Hill!
There’s always fun to be had on Clifton Hill! If you are traveling from out-of-town and want to check out more family friendly sites, or if you just plan on drinking and staying late, you need to spend the night and check out the Clifton Hill Niagara Falls Hotel. Located just a few minutes drive away and easily accessible by taxi or bus, this hotel is close enough to Springlicious and to all the major tourism hot spots on Clifton Hill. Additionally, it’s only a 5 minute walk from the spectacular Niagara Falls themselves. The rooms will fill up quickly as they always do on the festival weekend, so you’ll have to act fast!
Make it a whole weekend of fun by taking advantage of the Niagara Falls package deals that the Clifton Hill Hotelexclusively offers, such as those featured in their “Build-A-Package” campaign. Incredible savings on attractions for the whole family including the Clifton Hill Fun Pass, FallsviewWaterpark, and the Greg Frewin Theatre:
Looking forward to attending this year’s fabulous “Springlicious” event!
The Niagara Falls Comedy Fest is pleased to announce the 8th annual Komedy for Kidneys Rodney Pentland Memorial Benefit Show on Thursday, March 5th, 2015.
This popular Niagara Falls event will take place at the Greg Frewin Theatre, and will feature over two hours of comedians performing. Proceeds made from Komedy for Kidneys will benefit the OneFoundation for Niagara Health System in support of Dialysis Care in Niagara.
The charity event was renamed in memory of comedian Rodney Pentland, who passed away in 2009 from complications related to kidney disease. Pentland grew up in Niagara Falls and performed at the very first Komedy for Kidneys show. Throughout his long battle with the disease, Rodney continued to perform and make people laugh. Making people laugh was his first priority, so the Komedy for Kidneys Rodney Pentland Memorial Benefit Show will do just that.
He was best known for his impressions of Robert DeNiro, Bill Cosby, and Marlon Brando. Komedy for Kidneys has raised over $30,000 so far, all in support of the Niagara Falls Dialysis Centre. The Niagara Falls Comedy Fest hopes to bring that number to $50,000 in 2015! Headlining this year is Canadian Comedy Legend, Mr. Mike MacDonald. He has worked as a stand-up comedian for over three successful decades across stages throughout North America. He has appeared on “Late Night with David Letterman”, “The Arsenio Hall Show” and “Just For Laughs”. He was nominated for Gemini Awards, and has starred in three specials for the CBC in Canada and for Showtime in the US. Other Comedians scheduled to appear at the Komedy for Kidneys Rodney Pentland Memorial Benefit Show are: Mark Matthews Graham Davidson MayceeGaloni Paul Haywood Clifford Myers Rob Trick Mark Walker K. Trevor Wilson
The Doors open at 7:00 pm and Advance Tickets are now available for only $24.98 plus taxes/fees.
You may purchase the tickets directly from the Greg Frewin Theatre by calling 905-356-0777 (1-866-870-3002) or from their website at www.gregfrewintheatre.com/concerts
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles light displays will officially be unveiled this Friday, December 12th as part of the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights festival.
Head to the top of Clifton Hill and Victoria Avenue to watch as numerous Ninja Turtles light displays get switched on along the Promenade. This is just another new addition to this year’s Festival of Lights displays, which will add a little more dimension to the festival, as well promote the December 16th release of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie on DVD and Blue-Ray.
“We are always looking for something new and exciting for the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fit that bill perfectly,” says Festival co-chair Brian Crow. “The youngsters will certainly enjoy seeing the Ninja Turtles in lights. We know they have a core audience that will enjoy seeing their movie and comic book heroes in a new way, and there is a whole new audience out there for these iconic characters.”
The lighting ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm, and the festival will be handing out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Holospex glasses in order to add a 3D effect to the Ninja Turtles light displays, PLUS Ninja Turtles rain ponchos.
Following the lighting ceremony, stay for a really special Niagara Falls Fireworks display at 9:00 pm that will feature colours of the Ninja Turtles — blue, orange, red, purple, and green!
To add to the excitement, on Tuesday, December 16th, there will be several special screenings of the movie at the Ripley’s 4D Moving Theatre on Clifton Hill.
These showings will be at the following times: 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
The festival has also launched a Ninja Turtles colouring contest, with the winner earning a one-night stay for a family of four at the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls.
For tickets to the movie showings, or for the colouring contest details, please click here.
Calling all hockey fans! Ron MacLean is coming to St.Catharines this weekend with the Rogers Hometown Hockey Road Show!
On Saturday, December 13th to Sunday, December 14th, 2014 join the City of St.Catharines by the steps of City Hall (Church and James Street), for this exciting two-day festival that celebrates the Niagara Region’s influence in Canadian hockey. St.Catharines is the home to the Niagara Icedogs, Niagara’s major junior ice hockey team. It was also the home to the St.Catharines Saints, which was a former affiliate team for the Toronto Maple Leafs and played in the American Hockey League from 1982-1986.
The Rogers Hometown Hockey Road Show will be a free outdoor hockey event for all ages with plenty of weekend activities and events for the whole family to enjoy. About the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour
The Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour visits 25 communities throughout the NHL season. There are free festivities, interactive games, appearances by NHL alumni and local hockey heroes, as well as before each Sunday’s featured match-up (Sunday, December 14th – Calgary and Chicago), Ron MacLean will host a 30-minute pre-game show program live on-site at 7:30 pm ET on City TV from the Sportsnet Mobile Studio, which will feature interviews with celebrities, NHL alumni and other special guests. Watch this video that features Ron MacLean talking about the Rogers Hometown Hockey Tour:
The fun gets underway at noon on Saturday (to 6:00 pm) at St.Catharines City Hall and will conclude on Sunday night following the Rogers Hometown Hockey outdoor viewing party.
Events and Activities
KidsZone with an inflatable mini-stick rink, face painting and Sportsnet Magazine cover photo shoot.
Scotiabank Community Locker Room with commemorative youth hockey jersey giveaways and interactive games.
Dodge Stow ‘n’ Go Challenge with a chance to win a Dodge Grand Caravan.
Personalized hockey pucks at the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 photo booth.
Sportsnet’s Be a Broadcaster: call a hockey play alongside Sportsnet Central anchor, EvankaOsmak.
McDonald’s Ball Hockey Rink with pick-up games and hockey skills competitions.
XBox One gaming area featuring hockey and blockbuster titles, plus prizes and giveaways.
Outdoor viewing party on Sunday.
Meet and Greets with NHL greats, local hockey heroes, and other local celebrities.
Local bands and entertainment.
Local culinary and food trucks on-site.
Appearing Live (to date)
Former Toronto Maple Leaf, Darcy Tucker
Josh Gorges of the Buffalo Sabres
Ron MacLean
Schedule For more information on this event, plus upcoming Rogers Hometown Hockey Road Show schedules, please visit www.hometownhockey.com
Niagara Falls International Marathon this weekend
The Niagara Falls International Marathon is back! It started out as the “Skylon Marathon” when it made its debut in 1974, and since then it has grown to be a destination marathon that crosses an international border, providing the runners with an experience of a lifetime. It is the only marathon that starts in one country and finishes in another.
This year, the Niagara Falls International Marathon is on Sunday, October 26th, 2014. Race Date and Start Times
Sunday, October 26th, 2014
Marathon – 10:00am
Half-Marathon Run/Walk – 10:00am
10km Run – 9:00am
5km Run – 8:30am
2km Run – 9:30am
School Challenge – 8:00am
Marathon Course (42.2 km)
The Niagara Falls International Marathon starts by the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo N.Y. The first 6.5km (4 miles) of the race travel the beautiful majestic parkways of Buffalo before crossing the Peace Bridge into the historic old town of Fort Erie, Ontario. The route then follows the beautiful Niagara River Parkway and finishes at the magnificent Niagara Falls.
We are the only marathon in the world that starts in one country and finishes in another. The course is considered flat and fast and has hosted two USA men’s Olympic marathon trials in 1980 and again in 1984, along with the World Veteran’s Games marathon in 1995.
The Marathon course is a Boston Qualifier.
The course will be closed after 7 hours. By 4:00 pm, all participants in all races will be asked to move to the recreational trail as the roads will be open to traffic. Please note the marathon is officially over at 5:00pm; there will be no finish line after this time.
For more information on the Full Marathon, including a map of the route click here.
Half Marathon Course (21.1 km)
The Half Marathon starts at the 21.09km (13.1mile) point of the full Marathon. The runners follow the beautiful Niagara River Parkway and finish at the same finish line of the Marathon, above the magnificent Niagara Falls.
The Half Marathon course is flat for the first 17.6km (11 miles) and has a 55 foot drop over the remaining 3.36km (2.1 miles). It is considered one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country.
For more information on the Half Marathon, including a map of the route click here.
10km Run Course
The 10km race is an “out and back” course that will start at the Upper Rapids Boulevard parking lot and head north towards the Niagara Parkway. Participants will make a right onto the Niagara Parkway, cross the Chippawa Bridge, turn left onto Bridgewater Street and then make a loop at the 4.5 kilometer marker located just past Service Road 30 on the Niagara Parkway. Participants will then follow the Niagara Parkway back to the Finish Line located in front of the Toronto Power Generating Station National Historic Site of Canada.
For more information on the 10K race, including a map of the route click here.
5km Run Course
The 5km race is an “out and back” course that starts at the Upper Rapids Boulevard parking lot and will head north towards the Niagara Parkway. Participants will make a right onto the Niagara Parkway, cross the Chippawa Bridge, turn left onto Bridgewater Street and then make a loop at the 2 kilometer marker to follow the Niagara Parkway back to the Finish Line located in front of the Toronto Power Generating Station National Historic Site of Canada .
For more information on the 5K race, including a map of the route click here.
2km Run Course
The 2km race starts on the west side of the Upper Rapids Boulevard parking lot heading south, making a loop at Portage Road to then head back up the east side of Upper Rapids Boulevard. Participants will then turn left to follow the Niagara Parkway back to the Finish Line located in front of the Toronto Power Generating Station National Historic Site of Canada.
For more information on the 2K race, including a map of the route click here.
Buses to Start
Marathon:
Buses will transport participants in the Marathon to the start line located at the Albright Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY. Buses will begin leaving from the Crowne Plaza Hotel (5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON.) at 7:30amwith the last bus leaving at 8:00am. Those who arrive after this time will be required to find their own transportation. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes. *Note: All participants must have a valid Passport, Drivers License or Nexus Card to enter the US and participate in the marathon. You will need to show your passport to cross the border on race day.
Half Marathon Run and Walk:
Buses will transport participants in Half-Marathon Run/Walk to the start line located at the halfway mark of the marathon along the Niagara Parkway. Buses will begin leaving from the Crowne Plaza Hotel (5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON.) at 8:00am with the last bus leaving at 8:45am. Those who arrive after this time will be required to find their own transportation. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes.
Post Shuttles
Complimentary shuttles will be provided near the finish line area and are tentatively scheduled as follows: 7:30am – 12:00pm – From the Upper Rapids Blvd Bus Loop to Dufferin Islands and back 12:00pm – 3:30pm – From the Table Rock Bus Loop to the Crowne Plaza and back
Packet Pick-Up
Race kits (consisting of your bib number, timing chip, shirt and goody bag) can be picked up at the RunFEST Expo located at the Niagara Square Shopping Centre: Friday, October 24 – 1:00pm – 7:00pm Saturday, October 25 – 9:30am – 5:30pm
**Marathoners must clear Canadian Customs & Immigration before receiving their bib number (ID will be required at this time). You must be able to pick up your own number!
The Niagara Falls International Marathon has information on Customs & Immigration by clicking here.
On the Course
Runners will feel the excitement and enthusiasm of the many volunteers and spectators along the course, making them welcome to both the USA and Canada.
The Niagara Falls International Marathon will feature on the course:
WATER:
Water will be provided at the Start and Finish lines as well as kilometre 3.2, 6.4, 9.6, and every 1.6km after (miles 2, 4, 6, and every mile after).
GATORADE:
Gatorade is the official replacement drink of the Niagara Falls International Marathon and will be served at all 25 refreshment stations along the race route.
WASHROOMS:
Toilets will be provided at the start and finish lines, as well as every 1.6km from 9.6km onward (every mile from Mile 6 onward).
MEDICAL:
Medical units will be located at the start as well as mobile units along the race course. Official Race Vehicles, sponsored by GM Trucks will also be used to transport runners to the finish line who have dropped out of the race.
What Awaits You
Upon crossing the Finish Line, all participants will receive a medal, mylar blanket, water, Gatorade and food. Please take the opportunity to visit the Official Race Apparel Tent.
I did the Niagara Falls International Marathon last year in 2013 and wrote about my experience leading up to it, including writing about my post-marathon experience. It included my training leading up to it, right to how I got started running to begin with. If you wish to have a read, it’s broken down to a 7 part series of blogs: Post-marathon experience Blog#1 leading up to the Marathon. Blog#2 leading up to the Marathon. Blog#3 leading up to the Marathon. Blog#4 leading up to the Marathon. Blog#5 leading up to the Marathon. Blog#6 leading up to the Marathon. Looking for hotel accommodations?
We still have some availability that is going fast for this weekend’s race! You can walk to the bus pick-up in front of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in 2 minutes from the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill. Click on the photo below to be directed to our hotel site:
It’s the beginning of Fall so it seems only appropriate to list some of the best upcoming Niagara Falls events for the Fall in 2014: 40th Annual Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival (October 10th – 13th, 2014)
The Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival takes place from Friday, October 10th – Monday, October 13th, 2014 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and features over 200 selected artisans displaying and selling their creative arts, crafts, clothing and potteries.
This is one of the most popular Niagara Falls events for the Fall, and has been a Thanksgiving staple in this region, in its 40th year of the show. The Festival has become a long-standing, favourite tradition for both families and visitors who come from far and wide to experience the Ball’s Falls annual festival and its natural setting. You can enjoy the incredible beauty of this 19th Century hamlet, set amid the majestic Niagara Escarpment and the Twenty Valley. The event is a major fundraiser for the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), with revenues from admission directed towards a number of NPCA’s conservation programs, magic shows and numerous heritage displays in order to keep visitors engaged. From Toronto: Follow QEW Niagara bound to Exit 71 – Christie Street in Grimsby. Follow Regional Road 12 (Christie Street becomes Mountain Road). Turn left onto Fly Road; turn right at Victoria Avenue (Reginoal Road 24) – Follow Directional signs to Ball’s Falls. From Niagara Falls/Buffalo: Follow QEW Toronto bound to Exit 55 – Jordan Road. Follow Directional signs to Ball’s Falls. Admission: $6 per person. Seniors 65+: $4 on Friday only. Children under 14: Free when accompanied by an adult. For further information please visit www.ballsfalls.ca Niagara Falls International Marathon (October 26th, 2014) The Niagara Falls International Marathon celebrated its inaugural running in 1974. The race was known as the Skylon Marathon. Beginning during the first wave of the North American running boom, it quickly became a favourite as it was, and still is, the only marathon in the world that starts in one country and finishes in another. Today it attracts 6000 runners from over 30 countries from around the world…it’s a destination marathon that crosses an international border, providing the runners with an experience of a lifetime. Niagara Falls International Marathon is also a Boston Qualifier.
Event Information Race Date and Start Times
Sunday, October 26th, 2014
Marathon – 10:00am
Half Marathon Run/Walk – 10:00am
10K – 9:00am
5K – 8:30am
2K – 10:30am
Schools Marathon Challenge – 8:00am
Online registration is open for 2014.
Click here to register online and visit www.niagarafallsmarathon.com for more information.
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights (November 15th, 2014 – January 12th, 2015)
Every year, Canada’s foremost illumination festival in the beautiful Niagara Falls captures the magic of the holiday season with the Winter Festival of Lights. It attracts over 1.5 million visitors and hundreds of motor coaches annually. Recognized as a Festival of Distinction by Festivals & Events Ontario and a Top 100 Internationally Known Event in North America by the American Bus Association for the past several years, and was recently included in the Top 10 Canada’s best winter festivals by canoe.ca. Expect to view an array of over 120 animated displays made up of millions of holiday lights! This majestic display frames the most beautiful attraction of all, the Niagara Falls and all along the Niagara Parks “Winter Wonderland” and the adjoining tourist districts.
There is no admission fee to view the illuminations, but donations are gratefully accepted by Festival Ambassadors at the exit by Dufferin Islands. There is a suggested contribution of $5 – $10 per car and $1 per coach bus passenger. Proceeds are used to enhance the lights and displays for the future event that has becoming a world-wide known tradition. For more information please visit www.wfol.com Concerts and Shows at Fallsview Casino Resort
The Fallsview Casino Resort presents a wide array of entertainment over the duration of the Fall. Here’s a sample of upcoming shows and the links to obtain tickets: Le Grand Cirque – September 18th – October 5th. Tickets start at $20. Jennifer Hudson – — Tickets start at $90. Kool & The Gang – October 16th. Tickets start at $35. Gipsy Kings – October 17th. Tickets start at $45. REO Speedwagon – November 6th. Tickets start at $35. Kenny Rogers Christmas & Hits – November 12th – 15th. Tickets start at $35. Fallsview Casino’s Christmas On Ice – November 20th – December 7th. Tickets start at $25. Seneca Casino
The Seneca Casino also presents a wide array of entertainment up and coming for the Fall season — a little bit of everything into the mix. Here’s a short list of just a few of the shows rolling in and the links to obtain tickets: Macy Gray – October 3rd. Tickets start at $35. AlanisMorrisette – October 4th. Tickets start at $35. Santana – October 11th. Tickets start at $71. Gino Vannelli – October 10th – 12th. Tickets start at $35. David Spade – October 25th. Tickets start at $25. Roger Hodgson – November 7th. Tickets start at $35. Steve Miller Band – November 21st. Tickets start at $40. Diana Krall – November 29th. Tickets start at $40.
Stay connected to me for further Niagara Falls events!
