Grimsby residents heading into the Thanksgiving long weekend should note that municipal facilities will be closed Monday, Oct. 12, according to a Town of Grimsby news release. For urgent Operations Centre matters outside regular hours, the town asks residents to call 905-945-9201.
The town is also reminding residents that fireworks are not permitted this weekend under Bylaw 23-55. "It only takes one spark to start a fire and put people, property, and our natural spaces at risk," the release said, encouraging a safe and enjoyable long weekend.
Turkey Trot returns to the waterfront
The Grimsby Turkey Trot, a family-friendly charity run, takes over Casablanca Waterfront Park on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 7 to 11 a.m. Proceeds support Inclusion West Niagara, funding inclusive programs, employment support and community connections. Runners meet at Casablanca Beach, 565 North Service Road, with free parking available at Church on Hunter. Registration details are at grimsbyturkeytrot.ca.
Halloween activities ramp up
The Grimsby Public Art Gallery invites kids aged 4 to 14 to paint a woodland creature pumpkin — fox, raccoon or deer — on Wednesday, Oct. 14, with sessions at 2, 4 and 6 p.m. All materials are provided and no carving is required; children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is through the town's website.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, Coronation Park hosts an evening of spooky vendors, free trick-or-treating and hot chocolate while supplies last, capped by an outdoor screening of Monsters University at dusk. The Grimsby Museum also offers a historical walking tour of St. Andrew's Graveyard on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 6 to 7 p.m., for ages 14 and up, with tickets at $16.95 plus fees. The museum notes it is not a ghost tour.
The season wraps up with the Grimsby Glows Pumpkin Parade on Sunday, Nov. 1, when more than 300 carved jack-o'-lanterns will line a path in Coronation Park from Main St. to Elm St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with an accessible start time of 4:45 p.m.
Art, music and harvest gatherings
Bidding remains open until Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. on the Gordon Rose Memorial Art Auction, organized by the late artist's son Phil Rose. Works in watercolour, pastel, acrylic, scratchboard and photography are being sold to support the Grimsby Public Art Gallery.
The 55+ Active Living Club Fall Harvest Luncheon runs Tuesday, Oct. 20 at noon in Multi-Purpose Rooms B/C at the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre, featuring a fall menu and live entertainment by Brad Boland. Pre-registration is required by calling 905-945-1288, in person or online.
Other offerings include a free eight-week SingWell Social singing program for adults 55+ starting Tuesday, Oct. 27, a Coffee and Crafting Social at the art gallery on Oct. 21 ($5 per session), and a Nov. 7 talk at the Grimsby Museum by former intelligence official Phil Gurski on the Fenian raids of 1866 to 1871, with admission by donation.
Election and budget reminders
The town also reminded residents that municipal election day is Monday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with online voting now open and advance polls at the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre on Oct. 14 and 17. Separately, the 2027 Budget Survey is accepting feedback online at letstalkgrimsby.ca/2027-budget, with paper copies available at Town Hall and other municipal buildings.
