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Black Friday has grown in popularity in Canada over the past few years and debates about the true origins of the term "black friday" continue. Today, it is generally regarded as the start of the holiday shopping season in the USA, sometimes amid images of early morning lineups for store openings and frantic crowds. After all, who doesn't love to save some money and get a great deal ahead of the holidays!?
But in an increasingly fast-paced world, for many, an added sense of satisfaction comes from finding a way to incorporate the richness of past tradition into our modern living; to pay tribute to a quieter bygone time where a few simple treats - like nuts & candy and perhaps opening one or two treasured gifts with loved ones on Christmas morning - made the day special and memorable for a lifetime.
Blogs, magazines, home décor and diy websites are abuzz with ideas on how to achieve this, much of it centered on holiday décor. And within that realm, antiques and collectible items play an important role in bringing a sense of nostalgia to your home.
Consider how an antique piece of furniture – whether rustic or refined - or a table set with lovely antique dishes and glass, can in itself pay homage to days gone by. A cedar garland strung with vintage ornaments and draped over a mantle, hutch, or doorway can add dramatic flair and festive mood in an instant.
Or perhaps you are a do-it-yourselfer, whose greatest satisfaction comes from repurposing an old item to star in your home in a fresh new way, or to give as a gift. Think wooden boxes, jugs, and jars adorned with greens and candles, bells of every description strung with ribbon, old skates, wooden sleds, skis, or an architectural element adorned to greet guests at the front door.
And even a small creative venture can be good for the soul. So take some time to browse for ideas on line or in magazines, stroll through Market Road Antiques with its more than 100 antique vendor booths, then perhaps... get out the glue gun, greens & glitter, and let visions of sugar plums and all things Christmas dance in your head as you prepare for the holidays!
4-day BLACK FRIDAY SALE at Market Road Antiques
Thursday November 22 - Sunday November 25, 201
Open daily 10 am - 6 pm, and OPEN LATE to 8 pm
on Thursday & Friday of this event!
BLACK FRIDAY Weekend SALE at St. Jacobs Outlets
(across Weber St from Market Road Antiques)
November 23 - 25; open daily and weeknights to 9 pm
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There will be a twinkle in the sky and magic in the air during St. Jacobs Sparkles! This much-anticipated 4-day celebration is ON NOW and ushers in the holiday shopping season in the village of St. Jacobs on November 15,16,17,18, 2018.
Shopkeepers will be busy as elves preparing festive samples, promotions, in-store sales and contests! They're rolling out the red carpet and keeping their doors open late so you can enjoy shopping amongst 1000s of twinkling lights in this pretty village.
There will be lots free activities along the streets, so read on for all details! Feeling hungry? Reserve a seat in one of the village's restaurants or enjoy a treat from an outdoor food vendor.
Come join in the festivity with friends and neighbours, and put the joy back in holiday shopping at St. Jacobs Sparkles! Schedule details below:
Event: St. Jacobs Sparkles
Thursday - Sunday, November 15 - 18, 2018
Location: Village of St. Jacobs
Shops open:
Thursday and Friday 10 am- 9 pm
Saturday 10 am - 6 pm; Sunday 12 - 6 pm
FREE Activities - Out & About downtown St. Jacobs
A visit with Santa
Kids! Say hello to Santa at his hut outside Toy Soup
• Saturday 1:30 - 4 pm • Sunday 1:30 - 4 pm
NEW! FREE Winter Wonderland SelfieWall/Photo Booth
We've created a magical setting just for fun! Drop in, have your picture taken for FREE by our friends at Gemini Modelling; share using #stjacobssparkles2018. Inside the Mill at 1441 King St., enter off King Street next to Eco Cafe.
• Thursday & Friday 2 - 9 pm
• Saturday 11 am - 6 pm • Sunday 11 am - 6 pm
NEW! Free Draw for Prize Baskets!
Enter a free draw to WIN one of 3 amazing prizes
from St. Jacobs businesses! Enter ballot at
photo booth, or at Eco Cafe next door, Thursday - Sunday only.
Contest details on site.
Victorian Carolers wandering along the streets
• Thursday 5 - 8 pm • Friday 12:30 - 3: 30, 4 - 7 pm
• Saturday 2 - 5 pm • Sunday 1:30 - 4:30
Horse-drawn trolley rides
• Thursday 4:30 - 8:30 pm • Friday 4:00 - 8:00 pm
• Saturday 1 - 5 pm (note: the shuttle does not operate on Sunday)
Tree-lighting & Welcome
See the lighting of the Christmas tree; hear choral singing
and welcome remarks
• Thursday 6:30 pm, St James Lutheran Church
Burn Barrel and Weiner Roast
Enjoy hot sweet apple cider plus charity hotdog & marshmallow roast at the Mill, while quantities last. Hosted by Volunteer Fire Dept, St. Jacobs division (donations welcomed)
• Thursday 6 pm • Friday 6 pm
Luxury LimoCoach Shuttle by Brentwood Livery
Park free at Calvary United Church, 48 Hawkesville Road, then ride downtown in style. Operates route at approx 15 min intervals:
• Thursday 4:45 - 9 pm • Friday 4:45 - 9 pm
NEW! Carol Sing at Red Coral "Jingle on the Square"
Join in a carol sing, enjoy a hot chocolate bar and popcorn;
enter a draw for a decorative urn! Hosted by "StuffIn Stockings" charity
• Thursday, Friday 7 - 9 pm • Saturday 1 - 6 pm
Where to Park Free
• All day free parking, Municipal P lot, Albert Street
• Thursday & Friday evening 5-9 pm, park FREE at Calvary United Church and take FREE luxury LimoCoach to downtown (~1 km)
Outdoor Food Booths
Beaver Tails Food Truck at Shadetree
• Thursday 4 - 9 p.m. • Friday 4 - 9 p.m.
• Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 • Sunday 12 - 6 p.m.
Stone Crock Outdoor Food Booth
• Thursday 5 - 9 p.m. • Friday 5 - 9 p.m. at Stone Crock porch
Other Food & Drink Events
Block Three Brewing Company
Enjoy free tastings of local craft beer. Also serving house-made Ginger Ale (non-alcoholic).
Brewery and tasting room hours:
• Thursday - Saturday 11 am - 9 pm • Sunday 11 am - 6 pm
Live Music at Block Three Brewing Company
• Thursday 5:30 - 8:30 pm with Safe as Houses. Food for purchase by Those Pizza Guys
• Friday 5:30 - 8:30 pm with Monday Morning Whiskey
• Saturday 5:30 -8:30 pm with Max Gumption
In-store Specials and Offers
Check this page often for updates!
The Farm Pantry
Samples by a visiting Canadian chocolatier. Chocolate that is dairy, nut, gluten, soy preservative and additive-free!
• Thursday approx 2 - 5 pm
Also sampling of various local gourmet dips and condiments & local maple syrup, throughout the entire event.
Hybrid Hair & Detox Spa, "Sparkle for your Soul"
• Thursday November 15, 6 p.m.
An evening of self care including Yoga, meditation, readings, Reiki and scalp massage, wash & styles. Ticketed event; limited space.
Click here to request more details and reserve your ticket.
A Gift To Remember
Lang & Pineridge Wall Calendars $18.00
Blowout on Framed Pictures up to 60% Off the regular price.
Lots of sales throughout the store for 30 to 60% off the regular price.
FYi Doctors, Free Draw
Enter a draw for a chance to Win non RX sunglasses!
Plus, get 15% OFF any prescription eyeglasses purchased during Sparkles (Maui Jim's excluded. Details in store)
Red Wind Studio
Stencil your own Christmas pillow!
• Saturday 2 - 5 pm (or while supplies last)
Plus! A pop-up shop in the studio featuring Paper & Sunshine, specializing in signs;
special pricing on many items including BOGO deals
• Thursday - Sunday
St. Jacobs Post Office (Canada Post)
Visit the PO and drop your letter into Santa's "direct-to-the-North Pole" mailbox!
• Friday only, until 9 pm
Get social! See the event on the St. Jacobs Village Shops Facebook page; follow and post your images using #stjacobssparkles2018 and tag a friend or two!
Note: This event sponsored by St. Jacobs BIA, St. Jacobs Country, and participating merchants. All scheduled activity times are approximate at this time and may be subject to change in case of severe weather.
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by Drayton Entertainment
Go “under the sea” this summer as the blockbuster musical Disney’s The Little Mermaid comes to St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from July 18 to August 4. This aquatic adventure is sure to entertain guppies of all ages with its splash-tacular cast of familiar characters like Princess Ariel, Price Eric, Sebastian the crab, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and more.
Colourful costumes, dazzling dancing and unforgettable songs including “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and many more, means a stop at the theatre should be part of your St. Jacobs experience.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, a visit to the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse is a must. Explore the famous St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, do some shopping in the village, enjoy a delicious local meal and experience live, professional theatre all in the same charming area. With plush seats, beautiful acoustics, terrific sightlines and free parking, the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse offers top quality musicals and comedies all for one affordable price – only $46 plus tax per ticket. Plus, kids under 20 are only $27 plus tax, so the family can enjoy live entertainment together without breaking the bank.
Click here to take a virtual tour of the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse!
The 2018 Season at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse also includes: the romantic comedy The Rainmaker (June 20 – July 7), Disney's The Little Mermaid (July 18 – Aug 4), the British farce Out of Order (Aug 15 – Sept 1), the Canadian premiere of Ghost: The Musical (Oct 3 – Oct 21) and the holiday musical panto Jack and the Beanstalk (Nov 28 – Dec 30). For more information about Disney’s The Little Mermaid or the 2018 Season in general, click here.
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You don’t have to be a quilter to enjoy the vast array of shows, exhibits and events that make the Quilt & Fibre Art Festival so vibrant and inspiring!
Held May 22-26, 2018 in communities across Waterloo Region, it celebrates the best work of quilters and fibre artists both from the past and the present.
More than 6 of the festival’s collective events will take place in St. Jacobs, a village of Mennonite and pioneering heritage where quilting and needlework played an important role – for both practicality and beauty.
During the Festival, visitors will see a variety of exhibits featuring everything from historic collections to the work of contemporary guest artists and guilds. Work may be inspired by modern or traditional patterns, be hand-stitched or machine quilted with free motion linear and digital designs, or it may be experimental using new techniques and trends for remarkable outcomes.
The Festival also holds a “trunk show”, afternoon tea, chat with an artist, demonstrations, workshops, a mystery bus excursion, and a merchant mall.
The Quilt Festival is a great excuse to book a getaway to St. Jacobs! Stay at a top hotel such as Homewood Suites by Hilton; take in the quilt shows, local shops, attractions, and the nearby St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market (open Thurs & Sat).
For details and a Calendar of Events for the Quilt & Fibre Arts Festival, click here.
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With winter behind us and spring on the horizon, it's maple syrup season once again. As majestic maple trees in local woodlots awake during warming daytime temperatures following freezing nights, sap begins flowing from root to treetop. It's then that the trees are "tapped" and the watery sap collected for the long process of being boiled down to sweet and delicious pure maple syrup, taffy, sugars, and other maple products.
In St. Jacobs Country, there are a number of ways to learn, experience, and taste the magic of the maple season first-hand!
St. Jacobs Horse-drawn Tours hosts Saturday excursions to the sugar bush (until April 14 in 2018), local farmers sell maple syrup fresh from the farm at St. Jacobs Farmers' Market (Thursday & Saturday), and The Maple Syrup Museum tells the story of its production from the time it was introduced to pioneering settlers by indigenous people, to modern day production methods.
You can also sample and buy fresh local maple syrup products and other local gourmet foods all year around at The Farm Pantry, open every day in the Village of St. Jacobs, or order it from them online for shipping anywhere in Ontario.
Maple syrup is so well-loved, and its production so significant to the local economy, that an entire festival is dedicated to it. The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival is the world's largest one-day maple syrup festival and takes over the town's entire main street each year with a staggering array of crafters, food booths, and of course, all things maple. It takes place on Saturday April 7, 2018; learn more by clicking here.
Maple syrup season happens only once a year so be sure to plan a visit soon!
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"Lots to Love" February SALE at St Jacobs Farmers’ Market & Flea Market!
Once again, St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is giving you "Lots to Love" by jazzing up February with a massive sale! Throughout market, a huge number of food and craft vendors participate with their own unique offers and specials. See them all here! (pdf)
Every Thursday & Saturday, more than 200 vendors are at St. Jacobs Market to serve you in three distinct buildings, and you may even find a few hardy outdoor vendors too!
Find top quality fresh and smoked meats, fish & poultry, sausages and deli meats, cheese, farm fresh eggs, homestyle baking, mouthwatering desserts, locally-grown apples and other hardy Ontario crops, a mind-boggling array of delicious ready-to-eat foods, plus clothing, housewares, gift ideas, and handicrafts galore.
Stop and chat with the farmers, butchers, bakers, food and craft producers themselves, and discover all there is to love at St. Jacobs Market. Hop on over to our Facebook page to enter weekly contests too. The "Lots to Love" Sale event continues at St. Jacobs Farmers' Market every Thursday & Saturday, for the entire month of February.
St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market & Flea Market is OPEN
Thursday & Saturday all year, 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Plus Tuesdays in summer too, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
And as if that weren't enough, there's even more to love in the entire "market district". Market Road Antiques is hosting their month-long February Warm-Up Sale too, and St. Jacobs Outlets' Mall-wide Winter Clearance & New Spring Arrivals Sale takes place February 15 - 25. Both of these shopping destinations are open every day, including Family Day holiday Monday.
Follow Market Road Antiques on Facebook. Follow St. Jacobs Outlet Mall on Facebook.
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St. Jacobs Sparkles - took place in the Village on
November 16, 17, 18, 19, 2017. Read on to see what was involved, and plan to attend the event in 2018.
Merchants have been busy as elves planning this special event just for you. Some offer once-a-year savings and fabulous in-store promotions, while others greet you with festive goodies and free draws. And all across town shopkeepers throw open their doors for extended hours to 9 p.m. on Thursday & Friday night and to 6 pm on Saturday & Sunday.
Outdoors, listen for strolling Victorian carolers, horse-drawn trolleys decked with lights and bells transport happy visitors around the block; the warm-up barrel fire burns brightly in the evening light and thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the streets. Everywhere, merriment and warm greetings abound (see below for schedule of outdoor activities).
St. Jacobs Sparkles
Thursday - Sunday, November 16, 17, 18, 19, 2017
Location: Village of St. Jacobs
Store Hours:
• Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Friday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Sunday 12 - 6 p.m.
Plan to attend! See more details below
Where to PARK:
New! FREE Luxury Shuttle to the village’s downtown aboard
Brentwood Livery's Limbusine when you park free at Calvary United Church (see location).
• Thursday evening 4:45 - 9 p.m. • Friday evening 4:45 - 9 p.m.
More free parking in the municipal lot off Albert Street, the Mill parking lot off Front St. Some street parking; overflow parking at
St. Jacobs Mennonite Church.
Free horse-drawn trolley ride:
• Thursday 4:30 - 8:30 pm
• Friday 4:00 - 8:00 pm • Saturday 1 - 5 pm
(the shuttle does not operate on Sunday)
Wandering Victorian Carolers:
• Thursday 5 - 8 pm • Friday 12:30 - 3: 30 pm • Friday 4 - 7 pm
• Saturday 2 - 5 pm • Sunday 1:30 - 4:30
SANTA makes a visit! Bring your little ones and your camera
• Saturday 1:30 - 4 p.m. • Sunday 1:30 - 4 p.m.
Warm up burn barrel hosted by the Township of Woolwich volunteer firefighters, St. Jacobs division.
Sweet cider, hotdogs & marshmallows while they last
• Thursday evening 6 - 9 p.m. • Friday evening 6 - 9 p.m.
(Located in front of the Mill; donations gratefully accepted)
Carols & Songs by Children's Choir from St. Jacobs Public School
• Friday evening in front of Scotiabank
sponsored by the St. Jacobs Optimists
Optimist Club of St. Jacobs Fundraiser to support new cribs for the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit at Grand River Hospital.
(located outdoors at Scotiabank)
• Thursday • Friday • Saturday
Get Social! Be prepared to share images of your
favourite store displays for a chance to
Win a St. Jacobs Sparkles prize pac valued at approx $1,000!
Details at La Creme, Xclusive Elements & participating shops.
A peek at IN-STORE Specials:
Stone Crock Restaurant, Jacob's Grill, Stone Crock Bakery
• Enter on-site for a chance to Win a Daily Draw
Thursday Nov 16 - Sunday Nov 19
Stone Crock Meats & Cheese
• Drop in to enter for a chance to Win daily prize,
Thurs Nov 16 - Saturday Nov 18!
• Stone Crock Outdoor Pop-Up! Purchase a hotdog,
sausage-on-a-bun or chili outdoors,
Thursday & Friday approx 4:30 - 9 pm
or come on inside for a meal.
Spoil the Dog Bakery, Thursday Nov 16 - Sunday Nov 19:
• "Save the Tax" Sale all 4 days! Find many new christmas gifts for cats, dogs and their owners.
Cecelia's Boutique • free gift with purchase Thursday - Sunday
Block 3 Brewery,
Thursday Evening:
• Live Music with the Block Three House Band;
• Wood-fired Pizza from "Those Pizza Guys"
Saturday Afternoon:
Live Music with Drew Chester from 1-3pm
Hybrid Hair and Detox Spa
Thursday November 16 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm:
• a Christmas Carol sing-a-long
• 15-minute Angel Card Readings for $15
Plus discounts and prizes throughout November 16-19
Home Hardware, Thursday November 16, 5 - 9 pm:
• Try your luck on their Plinko Game, win a Prize!
• Specials • "Save the Tax" shopping • Treats
At The Farm Pantry on Friday November 17, 4 - 8 pm:
• Sample all natural specialty chocolates from local chocolatier!
EcoCafe (new location at front of the Mill)
Take a seat on their outdoor patio while visiting the
Stuffin’ Stockings crew
or take a seat inside and enjoy live music by a local harpist.
EcoCafe has great gift ideas for coffee lovers, such as:
• $5 coffee gift bags • $35 gift packs • coffee gadgets
• drink and coffee bean specials all weekend long!
Red Wind Studio
• 10% off all merchandise (with the exception of consignment items )
Gift to Remember
• 2018 Lang & Pineridge Calendars $19.99 • All Framed Prints 25% off the regular price
Spanner
• 30 % Off New Arrivals! • 40% Off Jewellery and Accessories
• Door Crashers at great deals
Xclusive Elements
• “No Tax” storewide during St Jacobs Sparkles! • Unveiling of our “Top 10 List” of gift ideas!
• Complimentary Coffee and Baked Goodies to enjoy while you shop
Region of Waterloo Library: St. Jacobs branch
• Let’s Read Storywalk in St. Jacobs,
Saturday, November 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Walk through the pages of the book, Good Morning Canada, displayed outside the branch; come inside to make a fun Canadian craft! Andrea Beck is the Let’s Read selected author for 2017-18. Free. All ages. Drop in.
At Angel Treasures
• Free draw; and everyone leaves with a Christmas angel ornament.
No purchase necessary; lots of chocolate to be eaten!
FYidoctors-St.Jacobs
• enter a ballot draw for sunglasses!
Click here for St. Jacobs Sparkles Facebook EVENT LISTING
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While shopping at the Meats & Cheese store in St. Jacobs recently, I purchased a glass bottle of Eby Manor Golden Guernsey Chocolate Milk as a treat for myself. I was completely unprepared for the flood of joy that overtook me upon my first sip of this smooth, rich beverage.
“Some say it tastes like a chocolate milkshake, others describe it as a liquid chocolate bar, several have likened it to melted chocolate ice cream.”
This quote from the Eby Manor web site, although accurate, cannot quite capture the rapture that their product invokes. Decanted cold from its retro style glass bottle, I am reminded of days gone by and memories of fresh milk being delivered in glass bottles door to door.
No less nostalgic is the idyllic farm where the milk is produced. The pampered herd of 60 registered milking Guernsey cows of the Eby Manor live in a clean and comfortable home, grazing fields that have been farmed for three generations.
The special qualities of the Guernsey cow breed makes their milk naturally higher in Beta-Carotene, Omega 3, calcium and A2. It’s pure and wholesome naturally.
Also try their 2% white milk and Balkan style yogurt available for sale at The Meats & Cheese Shop in St. Jacobs! For more information about Eby Manor Golden Guernsey products, visit their website.
J. Rennie
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One of the first orders of business in planning a special event is finding a standout venue, especially if it is something as important as your wedding.
Yes, you’ll want modern amenities and a fully accessible, conveniently located space, a trusted caterer, professional photographer and top-notch florist, but you’ll also want a distinct building and a lovely space that is flexible enough to adapt to your vision for the day.
With its abundant natural light, serene colour scheme, and soaring gothic windows, the historic St. Jacobs Schoolhouse building in St. Jacobs offers you a classic intimate space in which to create your special event, whether it is to act as the wedding reception hall, or serve as the ceremony space too.
Is your style vintage glamour? Classic and sophisticated? Blush and breezy? Glitter and glow? Like a canvas awaiting your creative touch, you’ll find the possibilities for setting the mood are almost endless in this charming space.
Step inside and feel the possibilities!
The details:
• The historic 1867 St. Jacobs Schoolhouse building is an extensively renovated space with original hardwood floors, high ceilings and gothic windows.
• Accommodates 120 at table seating or 150 for cocktail receptions.
• Exclusive caterer: St. Jacobs Catering, offering everything from cocktail receptions and food stations to buffet or plated dinners.
• Located in the Village of St. Jacobs, approximately 15 minutes from uptown Waterloo
• Fully accessible.
• Ample free parking.
The schoolhouse hosts weddings, receptions, celebrations, parties, corporate events.
For more information contact Tiffani: catering@stjacobs.com or telephone 519-664-2288 extension 277
Photography credits: Devon C Photography, www.devoncphotography.com
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Discover the Village of St. Jacobs' connection to the past in this series of articles written by Rych Mills, writer for The Record. Read them and get well-researched insights into some of the people, places and things which had significance in the village, and which tie in to Canada's confederation and its 150th celebrations this year.
In his first article, find out how the past is all around you in
St. Jacobs.
In this second article, get a glimpse into the village's schoolhouse and the teachers who taught there. The Schoolhouse is still in existence today, albeit much modernized to house a serene space for private functions, and as a venue for theatre productions.
Next time you visit St. Jacobs, consider taking a leisurely walk around town to see significant buildings, sites, and evidence of its early pioneering beginnings in its picturesque downtown and along quiet side streets. Download our free historic walking map. Shops, restaurants and most exhibits will be OPEN - even on holiday weekends this summer. Why not plan a visit soon!
Pictured above: original gothic window in the St. Jacobs Schoolhouse , Albert Street,
St. Jacobs.
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The details:
