Cities to hold family-friendly levees

Meet local politicians, take in some music, go for a skate to welcome 2018

WATERLOO REGION — Local cities invite the public to celebrate the start of the new year this weekend, by throwing levees where people can enjoy a skate, live entertainers and light refreshments, for free, as well as meet the mayor and members of city council.

Cambridge is holding its levee Saturday afternoon, while Kitchener and Waterloo are hosting levees on Sunday.

The levee in Cambridge is at the atrium in Cambridge city hall at 50 Dickson St., and includes interactive children’s entertainers Team T & J as well as Marco the Clown, who charms crowds with balloons, antics and his dog Chip.

Kitchener’s annual New Year’s Levee at city hall has a carnival theme this year. The free event includes carnival games, food, door prizes and live performances by a cappella singers One More Time, flamenco guitarist Juneyt Yetkiner and a magician from Big Smiles Company.

Kitchener will also announce the recipients of its 2017 city builder awards, which recognize local heroes who are making a difference in the community, during the levee.

People can bring their skates to go for a spin on the outdoor rink on Carl Zehr Square, and then warm up with some hot chocolate, and enjoy popcorn, cotton candy and other light refreshments.

Waterloo’s levee, held the same day, includes the chance to get active.

The city will offer free skating from 10 a.m. to noon, and free swimming from 2:05 to 4 p.m.

Free entertainment includes free face painting and clowning around with Bre Creative, live music from Erick Traplin and cool science demonstrations from Mad Science.

People can also get a portrait painted by a local caricature artist, and enjoy free cookies and refreshments while quantities last.

The Cambridge levee runs at city hall on Dickson Street on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Waterloo’s levee at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex at 101 Father David Bauer Dr., takes place Sunday.

Skating starts at 10 a.m., swimming wraps up at 4 p.m., with food and fun from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Kitchener’s levee is also on Sunday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at city hall, 200 King St. W.