Santa Claus parades, pottery, GPS challenges
WATERLOO REGION — From Santa Claus parades to holiday shopping events to learning how to process meats 1850s-style – there’s a lot to do in the region this weekend. Here’s the shortlist: Kitchener and Cambridge are both hosting their annual Santa Claus parades this weekend. Kitchener’s takes place Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. with nearly 40 floats and eight marching bands. The route runs along Weber Street, starting at Frederick Street and ending at Erb Street. In the evening, Cambridge’s parade has more than 80 parade entries including 12 marching bands. It starts at 6 p.m. and travels along Hespeler Road from Dunbar Road to Langs Drive.
At Schneider Haus in Kitchener on Saturday or Sunday to learn how ham, sausages and lard were processed in the 1850s. On Saturday, longtime expert butcher, Del Schultz, will be on hand to demonstrate. General admission is required.
More than 50 potters will be selling handcrafted mugs, seasonal décor, jewelry, serving dishes, art items and more at the fall pottery sale at RIM Park in Waterloo on Saturday and Sunday. The sale is put together by The Waterloo Potters’ Workshop, a non-profit, co-operative organization offering pottery classes throughout the year.
Also on Saturday, Shade’s Mills Park is hosting its annual GPS challenge for adults and school-aged children. The goal is to see how fast you can complete the 3 km course using a GPS unit – which is available to use by participants with a valid photo ID. Those new to using the equipment will learn to use the route trip computer and tracking functions. General admission to the park is required and children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Finish up your holiday shopping this weekend at the St. Jacobs Sparkles event. Shopkeepers in St. Jacobs Village will be open for extended hours and there will be an opportunity to listen to carolers, take a free horse-drawn shuttle, and visit with Santa. Twinkling lights will decorate the streets and fire barrels will be outside to warm you up. There will also be a number of prizes to give away. For a full list of prizes and events visit: www.stjacobs.com.