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What's going on in and around Newmarket this weekend

This weekend is packed with free events, including the largest home show in York Region here at the Ray Twinney complex, Easter Fun with the big bunny himself, and the Watercolour Society's spring show

Thursday, March 30

Toronto Watercolour Society 38th Annual Spring Juried Show: The free show features the best of watermedia, including watercolour and acrylic work, at the Serpa Gallery, Old Town Hall, Newmarket, 460 Botsford St., March 31, April 1, 4, 5, 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and March 30 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This show will honour some lifetime members who have reached the age of 90 and are still actively painting, including Mary Cromarty of Newmarket.

Friday, March 31

The Cross of Christ, Friday: St. John Chrysostom presents The Cross of Christ, an original oratorio based on the seven last words of Christ on the cross. This sacred musical work, written for four operatic voices and orchestra, was entirely composed by Romulo Delgado, one of Canada’s top tenors, region finalist at the Hans Gabor Belvedere International Opera competition in Vienna, Austria. The symphony for the performance will be conducted by Denis Mastromonaco, featuring: Romulo Delgado, tenor and composer; Andrew Tees, bass-baritone; Lillian Brooks, mezzo-soprano; and Sara Papini, soprano. Here is a teaser sample from last year's Canadian Debut at St. Clare, in Toronto: https://youtu.be/ReE7jSXcgJQ Tickets are $100 and a portion will be eligible for a tax receipt. To buy tickets online, click here.

Toronto Watercolour Society 38th Annual Spring Juried Show: The free show features the best of watermedia, including watercolour and acrylic work, at the Serpa Gallery, Old Town Hall, Newmarket, 460 Botsford St., March 31, April 1, 4, 5, 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and March 30 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This show will honour some lifetime members who have reached the age of 90 and are still actively painting, including Mary Cromarty of Newmarket.

Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival: Enjoy demonstrations, activities and real Canadian maple syrup with the outdoors festival on until Saturday, April 1 at the Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Dr. in Woodbridge from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets must be purchased online at maplesyrupfest.com for advanced purchase of specific timed entry; adults $9.55 + HST; seniors $7.90 + HST; children (ages 4-13) $6.20 + HST; children 3 years and under free with adult purchase. Parking $4.70 + HST.

Saturday, April 1

27th Annual Newmarket Home & Lifestyle Show: The Largest Home Show in York Region, the 27th Annual Newmarket Home & Lifestyle Show come to the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From landscaping to renovating to decorating, the show brings together products and vendors, expert ideas and home trends in one convenient location. Free admission.

Red Thread Brewing's 4th annual Curling Bonspiel: Red Thread Brewing hosts its annual bonspiel at 5 p.m. at the York Curling Club in Newmarket. The fun starts with a catered dinner by A Million Mouthfuls and includes one free Red Thread beer. The winning team receives a Red Thread prize-pack and the best dressed team does, as well. Also included in your ticket is a donation to the York Region chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Tickets are $69 available online (don't delay as tickets are already more than 50 per cent sold) at this link.

Toronto Watercolour Society 38th Annual Spring Juried Show: The free show features the best of watermedia, including watercolour and acrylic work, at the Serpa Gallery, Old Town Hall, Newmarket, 460 Botsford St., March 31, April 1, 4, 5, 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and March 30 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This show will honour some lifetime members who have reached the age of 90 and are still actively painting, including Mary Cromarty of Newmarket.

English Country Dance: Join the dance at Trinity United Church, 461 Park Ave. at Main Street, Newmarket from 2 to 4 p.m. Beginners welcome; all dances taught; you don't need to bring a partner. Admission by donation; your first class is free. Join the group on the first, third and (when there is one) fifth Saturday of the month.

Richmond Hill Mayor David West's Maple Syrup Festival: This free family event celebrates a Canadian specialty at Richmond Green from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Richmond Green Sports Complex. Enjoy a free pancake breakfast, visit the Maple Marketplace with local artisans and vendors, live performances and demonstrations, watch a Maple syrup making demonstration, the old and the new way, with Grandma Maple; participate in interactive booths with the TRCA and Black Creek Pioneer village; hear Professor Pricklethorn’s Trees Please presentation, and a pancake eating contest. Register at davidwest-richmondhill.ca/maple-syrup-festival/

Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival: Enjoy demonstrations, activities and real Canadian maple syrup with the outdoors festival on until Saturday, April 1 at the Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9550 Pine Valley Dr. in Woodbridge, and Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park, 3291 Stouffville Rd. in Stouffville. Kortright Centre: weekends and March Break from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bruce’s Mill: weekends to April 1 and March Break (March 13 – 17) 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tickets must be purchased online at maplesyrupfest.com for advanced purchase of specific timed entry; adults $9.55 + HST; seniors $7.90 + HST; children (ages 4-13) $6.20 + HST; children 3 years and under free with adult purchase. Parking $4.70 + HST.

Sunday, April 2

27th Annual Newmarket Home & Lifestyle Show: The Largest Home Show in York Region, the 27th Annual Newmarket Home & Lifestyle Show come to the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From landscaping to renovating to decorating, the show brings together products and vendors, expert ideas and home trends in one convenient location. Free admission.

Team Cartwright Easter Event: Enjoy some Easter fun, including photos with the Easter Bunny, Easter egg hunt, crafts, at this free annual event hosted by The Chris Cartwright Team from 10 a.m. to noon at the Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St, Newmarket.

Coming up: 

Woodstock Lives, Friday, April 14: The greatest concert in history is recreated in this incredible production, Woodstock Lives, featuring the music of The Who, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Joe Cocker, The Grateful Dead and Crosby Stills Nash & Young performed by Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train, Ryan Ainsworth, Patrick Fockler, Jules Cardoso, Randy Brethour, and Craig Riley. Tickets $45 adults, $25 seniors, students, children. Woodstock Lives is an audience participation event; dress in your grooviest '60s clothes and feel the peace and love.

Region of York Quilters Guild Show, April 14 and 15: A Million Little Stitches Quilt Show at Newmarket Community Centre & Lions Hall.

Film Fridays, Friday, April 14: No registration required, just drop in and enjoy a free movie in the Newmarket Public Library’s multipurpose room. All movies start at 2 p.m. The Phantom of the Open (2022) is the true story of Maurice Flitcroft, who managed to gain entry into the British Open golf championship in 1976 even though he had never played golf before. To the chagrin of the organizers of the Open, he proceeded to shoot the worst round of golf in the history of the prestigious tournament. In the process, he became an unexpected folk hero in Britain. Starring Mark Rylance and Sally Hawkins. Watch the trailer. Rated PG-13.

Newmarket Juried Art Show (NJAS), April 18 to 30: The Newmarket Juried Art Show returns to the Serpa Gallery, Old Town Hall, with an opening reception April 20 from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring beautiful pieces from local artists. Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Gallery closed April 21, 23, 25, 29.

Newmarket Spring Craft & Direct Sales Show, Saturday, April 22: Show at the Newmarket Community Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. features 60 vendors. Free admission. See Facebook or Instagram for vendor list facebook.com/barecanvasevents/ or instagram.com/barecanvasevents/

Newmarket Seniors Centre presents Soul Town, Saturday, April 22: Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring the greatest hits of Motown and Soul from the'60s, '70s and today, including classics by Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, Earth Wind and Fire, Etta James, The Jackson Five, Martha Reeves and more. Four dynamic singers with their powerful voices harmonizing and delivering pure sensational Motown and Soul music at the Seniors’ Meeting Place, 474 Davis Dr., from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cash bar available. Ticket includes entertainment, tea and coffee and light refreshments. Tickets $20 members, $25 non-members, pre-register by April 17 at newmarket.perfectmind.com - code 6794.

Newmarket Folk Society presents An Evening with Stephen Fearing, Saturday, April 22:  Stephen Fearing’s music is a mesmerizing blend of roots, folk, and pop. Co-founder of Canadian roots-rock supergroup Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, he is a beguiling teller of  tales and master guitarist who delights audiences throughout North America, the U.K. and Europe. A multi JUNO and Canadian Folk Music award winner, his 11th solo album, Every Soul’s a Sailor, was named 2017 Worldwide Album of the Year by Blues & Roots Radio. At Newmarket Legion, 707 Srigley St., at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:15 p.m.). Tickets $30 @ ticketscene.ca, 705-431-7182.

Kingcrafts Spring Studio Sale, April 22 to 23: Shop for one-of-a-kind hand-crafted items at the annual studio sale at 12936 Keele St., King City from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., www.kingcrafts.ca.

Repair Café, Saturday, April 29: Get ready for the return of the Newmarket Public Library's free Repair Café in collaboration with NewMakeIt and York Region. Volunteers will be on hand using their skills to fix small appliances, jewelry, toys, clothing, and more. Just bring your item and any replacement part it needs. One item allowed per guest. Register early, space is limited. Register for a Repair Café timeslot 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pine Tree Potters Guild 's Spring Pottery Sale, May 4 to 7: More than 2,000 unique pieces of both functional and decorative porcelain, stoneware, and Raku pottery are on sale at the Old Town Hall, Newmarket. Free admission. May 4 and 5 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; May 6 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; May 7 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visual and Performing Arts Newmarket presents Drew Jurecka Jazz Trio, May 7: Drew Jurecka Jazz Trio is back by popular demand, at 2 p.m. at the NewRoads Performing Arts Centre, 505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket. Tickets, adult $30, senior $25, students $10, call 905-953-5122 or online.

To have your event included in this regular feature, send an email with full details to [email protected]


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Debora Kelly

About the Author: Debora Kelly

Debora Kelly is the editor for AuroraToday and NewmarketToday. She is an award-winning journalist and communications professional who is passionate about building strong communities through engagement, advocacy and partnership.
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