Holiday craft markets, Ion train tours this weekend

WATERLOO REGION — The holiday season is upon us. Spend your weekend picking up unique gifts at two different craft shows, visit Santa in Ayr, take a tour of an Ion train or enjoy a free skate with the Waterloo Siskins.

There’s a lot to do in Waterloo Region this weekend. Here’s the short list:

The K-W Woodworking and Craft Centre is hosting an open house and bazaar at its woodworking shop on Saturday. Check out handcrafted gifts and collectibles made by local artisans and maybe do some Christmas shopping

while you’re there.

Take a tour of an Ion train as it stops at nine stations between

Conestoga Mall and Fairview Park mall on Saturday. The train will stop for 30 minutes at nine stations for residents to take a tour of the train and ask staff questions. For a more detailed schedule of each station stop, visit the website at www.grt.ca/ion.

The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex in Waterloo is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Pop by Sunday afternoon for face-painting, crafts and a free skate with the Waterloo Siskins. There will also be a 25-cent public swim Sunday afternoon.

Visit the Etsy Holiday Market at RIM Park on Saturday to shop for gifts from more than 75 different local artisans selling their wares. Admission is free.

The North Dumfries Santa Claus Parade is Saturday. Bring a donation for the food bank and a letter to give to Santa after the parade. It begins at Northumberland and Inglis streets, travels down Northumberland and ends at the Ayr library. Santa will meet children at the Centennial Park pavilion afterwards.

For more events and activities in Waterloo Region this weekend, visit www.therecord.com/ waterlooregion-events.