Thursday's Child: Buskerfest, Toronto

This month, I’ve been writing about the trip Andrew and I took in July to Colorado and New Mexico.  But today I’ll tell you about a day we spent in Toronto last weekend at Buskerfest.

My cousin Wendy was visiting from California, and I gave her a list of things we could do when she was in town.  She cheerfully chose Buskerfest without really knowing what it was.  The weekend festival was a display put on by street performers, musicians and artists.  In case you're wondering, Wendy is the one not dressed in copper in the above photo.

Of all the acts we saw, Fireguy was the standout.  Imagine juggling two flaming batons and a bottle of champagne.  Then to raise the stakes, imagine doing it while balanced on three stacked skateboards, six feet off the ground.  Add in a little humour, and you'll see why we were alternately laughing and gasping throughout the show.

Hula hoop spinning was attempted by several members of my family, with varying levels of success.

We walked as far east as the St. Lawrence Market, a great destination in itself.  Some of the best cheese, meat, baked goods and seafood in Toronto are sold here.  We bought bagels for breakfast the next day.

We rounded out the day with street art, and henna tattoos for all of us.  We'll go back next year! 

Thursday's Child: The Toronto Christmas Market

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll remember that last December I wrote about the wonderful Christmas markets in Europe and how I’d love to visit them someday.  But we’re lucky to have our own Christmas market in Toronto.  It doesn’t have the history of the European markets but, only two years in, it’s one of my favourite things to do in December.  This market features everything you’d want in an old-fashioned Christmas – an enormous tree, choirs singing Christmas carols, and several small streets lined with stalls featuring gifts and food from around the world. 

I visited on one of the few cold days we’ve had this winter, but the hot apple cider kept me warm.  (Another time, a visit to the Beer Gardens might do the same.)  Artisan cheese, poutine and Oktoberfest sausage were just a few of the many delicious food items for sale.

The stalls were adorable with a great choice of gifts and personal items.  I loved the carved wooden ornaments and fabric decorations.  Another stall sold beautiful Christmas greenery, any of which I’d have gladly brought home.  I couldn’t resist the soft wool mittens made from old sweaters, and they’ve kept me warm ever since.

 

I visited last week when my friend’s daughter was singing with her choir.  These super-talented teenagers gave a short but brilliant performance of Christmas music.  Their lovely voices brought shoppers from all directions to hear their Christmas message: "Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy".

Thursday’s Child – Montgomery’s Inn, Toronto

Often in my Thursday posts I write about locales that are far away.  But sometimes I like to remind myself of the amazing places close to home.  So for the month of December, I’ll be writing about the city where I live, Toronto, and some fun Christmas activities in the area. 

Montgomery’s Inn is a local museum that was not only an inn, but also a bar, a farm and a homestead.  Established in a rural area in 1830 by Thomas and Margaret Montgomery, it’s now a busy city intersection. From the kitchen through the bar and ballroom, the curator has compiled enough information to keep any history student fascinated.  For example, tenants generally shared their room with strangers, and those rooms would have been unheated. The most popular drinks in the bar were beer and whiskey, but Montgomery also sold meals, cheese, crackers, tobacco and pipes.  And according to the inn brochure, “chairs were occasionally broken” in the bar.  Sounds like a lively place.

Although staff doesn’t decorate the inn itself (at the time, Christmas decorations weren’t in vogue), the tearoom is decorated.  And the range of activities over the next month is unbelievable: Visitors to the inn can take part in gingerbread workshops or participate in an evening of singing 19th century carols.  "A Christmas Carol" is being performed later this month.  And if you want a more mobile activity, the Twelfth Night Dance Party on January 7 is not to be missed.  (No chairs will be harmed in this activity.)

Montgomery’s Inn has been targeted for possible closure by the city to save funds. In addition to being a great landmark (and possibly the best place ever to attend a Twelfth Night Dance Party), it’s a true part of the community.  We have friends who rent the dining area every year to host a community potluck and when we go we’re reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a city that celebrates its history.  Let’s hope this history isn’t forgotten, and Montgomery’s Inn is saved.