This Labour Day weekend, Niagara will be buzzing with activities as summer comes to a close.
The well-loved Merritton Labour Day Parade in St. Catharines, Ont., takes place on Monday at 11 a. m. and serves as the main attraction for the club’s Community Days Festival.
<p Now in its 80th year, the parade typically attracts large crowds, featuring participants from unions like Unifor 199 and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.
This year, due to construction, the parade will follow a different route starting at Delta Bingo on Bunting Road, turning onto Queenston Street and then Hartzel Road before concluding along the traditional Seymour Avenue to Park Avenue at the Merritton Community Centre.
St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe and Coun. Matt Harris reminded everyone that Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold will be collecting donations during their annual food drive along the parade route.
The pair who initiated this food drive 15 years ago mentioned that demand is particularly high this year as Community Care aids those affected by recent flooding.
“This year has been especially difficult,” said Siscoe, noting that Community Care has played a crucial role in providing food and supplies for individuals listed as vulnerable flood victims in the city.
Lions festival features car show
The Merritton Lions festival at the Merritton Community Centre located at 7 Park Ave. kicks off Friday night with beef on a bun, music, and line dancing, followed by live music and a car show on Saturday from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m.
On Sunday, families can enjoy a kids’ show from 3 p. m. to 5 p. m., followed by fireworks after dark. There will also be a beer garden at the community centre after Sunday’s parade.
The Port Dalhousie Lions Club is throwing its own Labour Day celebration outside its club venue at 201 Main St. in Port Dalhousie.
This event runs from 1 p. m. to 8 p. m., rain or shine, featuring bands, food trucks, barbecue from Lions Club members, and fun games for kids.
No outside food or drinks are permitted due to liquor licensing rules set by the club.
While there won’t be parking available on-site, attendees can park at St. John’s Anglican Church located at 80 Main St., or Lakeside Park ($3 per hour or using a resident parking pass).
Folding chairs and pop-up tents are allowed according to Lions Club guidelines.
The historic Lakeside Park Carousel in St. Catharines will be operating all weekend long from 11 a. m. to 8 p. m., including Monday with rides costing just five cents each.
A blacksmith does a demonstration at the Marshville Heritage Festival. The annual festival takes place in Wainfleet on the Labour Day weekend. (Marshville Heritage Festival)
Greek Festival, Marshville Heritage Festival and more
The Niagara Greek Festival runs throughout the weekend at St. Katharine Greek Orthodox Church situated at 585 Niagara Street near Linwell Road in St. Catharines; it operates from 4 p. m. to 11 p. m on Friday, then from 3 p. m. to10 p. m. on Saturday and Sunday , and finally from2 p. m. to7 p. m. on Monday.
Admission is free along with parking; entertainment includes performances by Olympic Entertainment Greek Band as well as traditional Greek dance shows.
The Marshville Heritage Festival taking place in Wainfleet runs September5 through7 showcasing heritage building tours , antique buggies , demonstrations like rope makingand soapmaking , live music , car shows , and entertainment for kids.
On Monday it’s openfrom10a. m. to5. p m. Admission costs $8for adults,$7for seniorson Saturday, kidsunder10getinfree.
The Town of Lincoln announcedthat Jordan Lions Poolwill operateforitslastdayof theseasonon Mondaywitha free leisure swimfrom1to5. p m., while Allan F. Gretsinger Poolwillbeopenfrom10:30a m. to12:25pm.
The Thorold Community Poolopens Mondaynoonto8. pm. forpublic swimmingbefore closingthe nextdayforthe season.
Labour Dayhasbeencelebratedin Canada since1894 when Prime Minister John Thompsondeclaredthe day anationalholiday. Unionactivitywascriminaluntilparliamentpassedthe Trade Unions Acton June14 ,1872.
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