Christmas is coming! For most of us that is a special time of year, but with reports that record numbers of Canadians are accessing food banks across the country, this Christmas will not be so easy for many families.

I’m happy to report that Black Creek Pioneer Village is joining the Toy Mountain campaign organized by CTV and the Salvation Army. Visitors to the Village are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys which will be distributed later to children in need of a little extra cheer this year.

Let’s do what we can to help each other out. A little generosity can go a long way, and help make this a better city for all of us.

What place could be better for experiencing a bit about Halloween? Black Creek Pioneer Village is represents a complete 1860s community, an era when superstitions and spooky traditions ran strong. It’s a great outing for the modern family! For younger children, I recommend Howling Hootenanny, which takes place during the daytime this Saturday and Sunday. For older kids, there is nothing like All Hallows’ Eve, where you can experience the Village at night, ghost stories and all.

Children can decorate their own pumpkins at the Howling Hootenanny at Black Creek

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This was weekend was Thanksgiving. We drove to my eldest daughter’s new place in London and spent a lovely afternoon together yesterday. After the meal, we went around the circle and each person said something they were thankful for. I know it sounds corny, but it was lovely, and really interesting to hear what each person came up with.

We fit the whole crowd in, including the animals.

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We took in some of the sights (sites?) at Nuit Blanche last night in the city. What a great feeling to be outside with so many people, just to see art! You really experience the city as a community. Yes, there were too many people, especially as the evening went on, but it was in incredible experience just the same. Below are my tips for having a great Nuit Blanche.

This van has hundreds, or thousands, of holes drilled in it in flowing geometric patterns and was lit from the inside. The van was on a rotating platform, casting subtle pattern of lights on the surrounding buildings.

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The Brews Fest was this weekend at Black Creek Pioneer Village. There was lovely fall weather, and lots of people, including many families, came out for the event. I took some photos, and here are a few …

Young and old came out the meet the brewers and learn something about craft beer at the Black Creek Brews Fest.

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There are any number of approaches to how we introduce beer (or not) into our family life, but one thing is undeniable: beer is a big part of our culture, and it has been for a long time. The Brews Fest, which takes place at Black Creek Pioneer Village this weekend is a great way to learn more in a safe, family-friendly environment. I would encourage anyone to attend, with kids in tow, because it allows us to get past “Big Beer” and its advertising, and discover the real story of this delicious food.

Here's a shot of the brewers setting up for the 2008 Brews Fest at Black Creek Pioneer Village

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I found a great video someone made at the Battle of Black earlier this summer. Enjoy! (… and thanks for posting this kant88t!)

The Battle of Black Creek is an awesome thing to do for Fathers Day, so if you didn’t go this June, mark it in your calendar for next year!

Yesterday all of my children and I went all out for the World Cup final. Being half Dutch (“the good half” I always tell people) I have always cheered for Holland at the World Cup. And always had my hopes dashed along with all the other good-natured Dutch fans. The love of Holland has clearly carried over strongly to my children.

Four of my five kids, all in orange.

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Today there is a special picnic for members on the Village’s North Property. The area is only rarely open to the public so this is a special treat. The North Property is where Black Creek Pioneer Village began in 1957 as the “Dalziel Pioneer Park Museum.” Last year the famous Dalziel Barn celebrated its 200th anniversary.

200th anniversary celebrations for the Dalziel Barn.

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Happy birthday to our American cousins on this lovely sunny Sunday, July 4. Today Black Creek Pioneer Village is holding an 1860s baseball game. It’s great fun to watch, but, even better, you and the kids can join in the game. The rules weren’t exactly the same then: there were four bases plus home, rather than the three bases we have today. Read more…