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What's going on in and around Newmarket this weekend

Santa is coming to town for Newmarket's parade on Saturday, and Sunday in East Gwillimbury; as well this weekend, there's comedy, fundraising hockey and music with Marais to Memphis and Burning Red Writers Round
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Santa is coming to Newmarket for the annual parade on Main Street Saturday. File photo

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out our listings for holiday sales, shows and events published on Fridays.

Thursday, Nov. 14

Catholic Community Services of York Region 2024HER: HER is a fundraiser to empower women against gender-based violence and celebrate local talent, featuring speeches, vendors, live entertainment and food from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Newmarket Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St. Tickets, $75.

Metropolis 5th Anniversary Celebration: You're invited to the celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. at 183 Main St. with complimentary prosecco for a sip and shop experience, food and drink sampling, free gift with Mercantile purchase of $50+ (while supplies last) and raffle. The event is free, but you can reserve your spot here

York-Simcoe Celebrity Hockey Classic for Easter Seals, Nov. 14 and 15: York-Simcoe Celebrity Hockey Classic this year includes a special VIP meet-and-greet with Darryl Sittler, who will share stories from his glory days at Maple Leaf Gardens. To join this exclusive experience, players must reach personal donations of $2,000 or more. VIP Draft Dinner is Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Aurora Armoury; Game Day Friday, Nov. 15 at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex. This is your chance to play with friends, family, colleagues, and some of hockey’s greatest players. Every dollar raised helps make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and young adults with physical disabilities. Learn more at https://ow.ly/AmPA50TUANe.

Friday, Nov. 15

Main Street Newmarket Candlelight Parade: The Newmarket Main Street BIA is hosting its annual Candlelight Parade to kick off the holiday season. The parade will begin at 6:45 p.m. and feature the Newmarket Citizens band and free hot chocolate and candles for the first 300 guests. The parade will form up at Main Street and Water Street.

Sin Bin Comedy Show: Enjoy a night full of laughs and delicious Italian food at Piazza Italian Eatery Mercatio, 15198 Yonge St., Aurora. Tickets, $25, online or email [email protected]. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., show at 9 p.m.

Aurora Bridge Club: Play duplicate bridge weekly with the Aurora club at the Newmarket Veterans Association, 406 Millard Ave., from 12:15 to 4 p.m., open games Wednesdays and Fridays, Thursday 0-500. Price $6 to $10.

Saturday, Nov. 16

Newmarket Santa Claus Parade: Welcome Santa Claus to Newmarket at the town's annual Santa parade from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street Newmarket, beginning at Eagle Street. Bundle up and bring your family and friends to see the festive holiday floats followed by our special guest - jolly Old St. Nick. Remember to bring your letter to Santa to be picked up by Canada Post and your non-perishable food item to be collected for the Newmarket Food Pantry.

Marais to Memphis: Support local musician Glenn Marais, who is competing in the solo category for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, at his fundraising evening at Market Brewing Company, Leslie Street, Newmarket beginnning at 7 p.m. and tickets are $20 online and $30 at the door. Glenn will perform the competition set and perform with his band, The Mojo Train. There will be a silent auction and a 50/50 draw as well.

Aurora Cultural Centre presents Amanda Martinez + Eliana Cuevas: Blending her Mexican and South African roots with elegance and sophistication, . Amanda has four releases under her belt, the latest is a continuation of exploring sensuous Cuban influenced flamenco rhythms, “Recuerdo” (Memory). Amanda awarded Top 10 most Influential Hispanic Canadians by the Hispanic Congress. Eliana Cuevas, an award-winning singer songwriter, draws on the unlimited colours in her compositional palette. She'll be joined by her husband, keyboard player Jeremy Ledbetter. Tickets, $38, performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at Aurora Town Square.

Outdoor Meditation All Seasons: Join the meditation group every Saturday outdoors in the beautiful setting of Fairy Lake Park at 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., rain or shine.  Some mats, cushions, and chairs will be available. Dress appropriately for the weather, and feel free to bring a mat, cushion or folding chair if you like, but not necessary.

Sunday, Nov. 17

Aurora Public Library Fall Book Sale: Shop a great selection of books, DVDs, and more at rock-bottom prices from 1 to 4 p.m. at Aurora Public Library, 15145 Yonge St.

Jr. A Hockey in support of Southlake Foundation: The Toronto Jr. A Canadiens and Markham Royal are bringing their regular season hockey game to Ray Twinney Recreation Complex at 5 p.m. with all proceeds from ticket sales going to Southlake Foundation to support vital health-care services in the community. Tickets, $10, are available online for ages 18 and older, and there is no admission charge for kids. You can have a chance at winning a pair of Maple Leaf and Raptors tickets in a chuck-a-puck toss.

Burning Red Writers Round 2nd Anniversary: The second anniversary of the Burning Red Writers Round features artists Emily Schultz, Kelsi Mayne, M.T. Walker, Mike Chianelli, The Beresfords & Rory Taillon. Plus some possible special guests. There will also be a meet & greet cocktail hour at 5 p.m. with complimentary appetizers and the show starts at 6 p.m. at the Old Flame, 140 Main St., Newmarket. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door and includes the show, cocktail hour and one glass of Old Flame’s core lagers or a non-alcoholic beverage.

East Gwillimbury Santa Claus Parade: Santa Claus comes to town for the annual parade with festive floats and marching bands beginning at 3 p.m. at Mount Albert Road and Leslie Street (19000 Leslie in front of the Civic Centre) and ends at the EG Sports Complex (1914B Mount Albert Rd.) Donations for the toy and food drive will be collected along the route. You can start your holiday shopping early with EG’s Christmas market from 2 to 6 p.m. at the EG Sports Complex. You can also enjoy a free skate from 2 to 5 p.m. and join the mayor and council for the official tree lighting at 5 p.m. at the EG Sports Complex.

Coming up:

Taylor Swift Dance Parties, Nov. 21 and 22: Town of Newmarket brings you two Taylor Swift Dance Parties featuring a live tribute performance by The Beresfords at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St. from 7 to 9 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) If you missed out on tickets to the Taylor Swift concert in Toronto, this family-friendly event is the perfect way to sing and dance your heart out to all your favourite hits. Tickets, $28.25, at https://bit.ly/3vtcPMh

Santa Under the Stars Parade, Saturday, Nov. 23: Aurora is hosting its annual parade featuring decorated floats, marching bands and a few special guests from 6 to 8 p.m. Santa Claus will also make an appearance on this sleigh. More information can be found on the town’s website.

Frozen Fridays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20: Town of Newmarket's Frozen Fridays return with outdoor skating, hot chocolate and more from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Riverwalk Commons.


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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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