Eva, Grayson and Jerry roast marshmallows for s’mores at the bonfire supervised by the Scouts.
By Amanda Pompilii
Those who braved cold and cloudy skies to visit the Port Union Community Centre on January 25 were treated to a marvelous sight: Winterfest-goers cheering one another on in games of Tic Tac Hoops, despite chattering teeth and reddened cheeks. By the crowds that travelled near and far to join in the festivities, it was clear that distance and low temperatures did not deter residents and friends of Centennial from coming together to celebrate local businesses, talent and the unity of community!
By 11:30 a.m., the 26th annual Port Union Community Winterfest was bustling with visitors browsing the vendors’ crochet hats, DIY string art, and baked goods. The community’s love for local businesses was apparent in the smiles of passersby admiring handmade jewelry and homemade mac and cheese.
Also popular were the huge, inflatable games swaying outside. “We just got here and we’re already off to a good start,” attendee Blair shared, while his boys, Gian Carlo and Andrew, played an oversized game of ring toss. Others, like Kinzley and her Aunt Kelly, opted to enjoy the larger-than-life, inflatable Nintendo Switch. Six-year-old Kinzley expressed her joy at seeing the giant Super Mario Bros. game with an enthusiastic “Mario!”
At 1:00 p.m., spectators gathered for the Dog Show, which was organized by Muddy Paws in the Guild and judged by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. All the pups were thrilled to show off their paw-some talent and style! Dusty the Hungarian Beagle took first place for the Best Trick category, and delighted his fans with a few victory laps. Mocha scored applause and first place in the Best Dressed category for his puppy-sized jersey and basketball.
The sparkling eyes of visitors cheering on these fluffy stars encapsulate why Winterfest draws in crowds year after year. Togetherness is more important now, during the harsh winter, than ever. This sentiment is echoed by Jerry, Eva and their son, Grayson. Jerry and Eva discussed over s’mores how they travelled from outside Port Union to take part in the event with a friend who recently moved to the area.
Attendee Orla enthused about coming together with family for the festivities: “It’s our first time coming, but we’ll definitely be back next year!” Just as distance did not dissuade them from joining in on the fun, neither did the weather put a damper on the afternoon of Mia and her brother Max. In fact, Mia had just the remedy for the cold, exclaiming “We love hot chocolate!” She referred to the free hot chocolate supplied by real estate broker John Whyte.
Inside the community centre, Peppa Pig and Olaf inspired hugs and giggles from visitors. The Precious Kupuna Hawaiian Dance Troupe warmed up audiences with their traditional hula routine. Family band, Port United, helped visitors shake off the cold with a toe-tapping rendition of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.” An afternoon of celebrating local talent concluded with the Sheryl Joyner School of Highland Dance. They brightened the cloudy day with their Barbie-themed choreography, as well as world-class sword dancing.
As much fun as Winterfest was, it would not have been possible without the volunteers who set up tables and microphones, served hot dogs and hamburgers, and ensured the festivities ran smoothly. Thank you to all those who made this year’s celebration of Port Union such a wonderful experience!
