Riverside Businesses Shine again in NOW Best of 2017!

This year, Riverside businesses racked up 14 nominations as part of Now Magazine’s Annual Best of Toronto awards. We’re so proud to have many of them in our ‘hood:

*Tabule – Best Middle Eastern Restaurant and Best Falafel
*Ruby Watchco – Best Prix Fixe
*Arts Market – Best Unique Gift Store

*Freedom Mobile – Best Cell Phone Provider
*La Carnita – Best Taco

Also, a special shout-out to runners-up, St. John’s Bakery (Best Bread), Waxon Waxbar (Best Beauty Spa), and Pulp Kitchen (Best Juice Bar).

Thanks to all the readers who voted and see you around!

THANK YOU & PHOTOS: Riverside Halloween Fest 2017

An amazing turnout of troopers came to Riverside’s Halloween Fest this past Saturday (October 28th), despite the rain! A big thanks to Jimmie Simpson Rec Centre for hosting their always popular pumpkin carving and haunted house, and to Nell & Natasha for putting on their festive event full of pumpkin decorating, face painting, tasty treats and this year balloons animals and a magic show (funds raised through the event will help support the year-round Rivertowne Breakfast Program hosted by Rivertowne Safety 1st!).

The Riverside BIA and Team Sheppard put on another fun-filled Kiddie Costume Parade, thanks to participation from nearly 20 local businesses and organizations! Kiddie’s ended the parade at the Queen/Saulter Library Brnach for spooky story-telling 😉

Last, but certainly not least, local resident and history buff Barry Slater led an other-worldly Riverside Ghost Walk, sharing spooky tales of past Riverside people and places, which was topped off with an inside view of The Broadview Hotel’s muralled stairwell.

Enjoy the photos, courtesy of the Riverside BIA. Happy and safe Halloween everyone!!

JIMMIE SIMPSON HAUNTED HOUSE & PUMPKIN CARVING…

Getting ready for Riverside Kiddie Costume Parade with balloons for all participating businesses and organizations – thanks to our volunteers from George Brown ESL for helping blow up all these balloons!

Great haunted house again this year! (photo courtesy of Councillor Paula Fletcher)

 

NELL & NATASHA’S PUMPKIN GIVEWAY…

Crafty creations in progress at Nell & Natasha’s!

Crafty creations at Nell & Natasha’s Pumpkin decorating station (McGee St)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big thanks to Nell & Natasha (middle) for hosting their annual Pumpkin Giveaway and lots of other fun on McGee!

Magic Mike the magician getting kids in the zone!

Thanks to the magicians helpers

Mike the Magician made spooky magic balloons too!

Riverside BIA Executive Director Jennifer Lay in the pumpkin patch at Nell & Natasha’s

Hosts Nell (right) and Natasha (left)

 

RIVERSIDE KIDDIE COSTUME PARADE…

Riverside Kiddie Costume Parade in progress! Fist stop Bergstrom’s – thx Christina!

Onto Tabule -thx Steve!

Here’s David the Ghost Buster at Arts Market!

Here & Now’s owner Howard gives out treats!

Spooky treats from the Riverdale Trading Co!

Little Peeps has got the kids covered, as always 🙂

Owners Ellen and Wendy at Dimensions giving out candy for kids and Bailey’s for adults – you rock!

Owner Adreinne was in the house to give out treats at Oma Chiropractic & Wellness

And across the street treats were had at Quince Flowers!

Dark Horse giving away goodies

Great photo op with this jail bird (er dog!)

What a mighty parade, despite the rainy weather 🙂

Shortbread from Mary MacCleod’s!!

Stopped in at Switchback Cyclery!

Got a warm reception at The Wine Rack!

Candy from Chris at The Opera House Grill

John Campey and his dog Copper give out treats at the Ralph Thornton Community Centre!

Who wore it better??

Last stop: spooky stories and treats at the Queen/Saulter Library! Thanks Judy 🙂

 

RIVERSIDE GHOST WALK…..

Next up: Riverside Ghost Walk led by local resident and history buff Barry Slater

Our great group ended up at the Best Party in Town – checking out the murals in depicting past personalities and happenings in Riverside – inside The Broadview Hotel!

Big thanks to Ghost Walk leader Barry Slater!

Couldn’t resist a pit stop to take in the views at the top of The Broadview Hotel

 

 

Halloween Happenings in Riverside: Oct 27th-31st

There is no shortage of spooky things to see and do in Riverside this Halloween: from dance parties and murder mysteries to costume parades, come join the fun!

Oct 27th: Stranger Things 80s Halloween Party at The Opera House

Oct 27 & 28th: Halloween Special at SMASH Ping Pong Lounge

Oct 27th & 28th: Party in Spooky Style at The Broadview Hotel

Oct 28th: Riverside Halloween Fest

Join us for spooky FREE fun at Riverside Halloween! RAIN OR SHINE

We all love dressing up! Whether as our alter-ego, superhero, or just as a mere form of expression. Kids of all ages are invited to get into costume and join in for some fun and spooky happenings in Riverside this Halloween. It’s Riverside’s FREE Halloween Fest on Saturday, October 28, presented by Nell & Natasha’s Real Estate Homeward, the Jimmie Simpson Rec Centre, the Riverside BIA, and Team Sheppard Re/MAX:

  • START YOUR DAY at 10AM with Haunted House and Pumpkin Carving in Jimmie Simpson Rec Centre (870 Queen E) (10AM-12PM).
  • JOIN THE FUN outdoors starting at 12PM across the street at Nell & Natasha’s (807A Queen E) for face painting, a bouncy castle and more!
  • AT 3PM, take part in the Riverside BIA’s Kiddie Costume Parade, leaving from 807A Queen Street East (3PM-4PM): guided by the Riverside BIA, kids and parents will meet & greet and get fun treats from more than 20 local Riverside businesses! (see below for the parade route and details)
  • IF YOU DARE, stay on for Riverside’s Ghost Walk from 5PM-6PM, starting from 807A Queen St East, your guide Barry Slater will share local Riverside ghost stories dating back to the 1800s – some quirky, and others not for the faint of heart!

Let us know you’re coming via:
https://riverside-halloween-2017.eventbrite.ca

Oct 28th: Spotlight on  Riverside Kiddie Costume Parade

On Saturday, October 28th Riverside businesses are opening their doors to treat kids with the annual Riverside Kiddie Costume Parade!The parade, guided by Riverside BIA staff , leaves at 3pm from Nell & Natasha’s Real Estate Homeward (807A Queen Street East) – please arrive 15 minutes early to get your Trick or Treat swag bag. Walking up and down Queen Street, kids and parents will meet and greet and get fun treats from almost 20 local Riverside businesses! Don’t forget to stay on board for the Ghost Walk happening from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. The parade is rain or shine, so please dress for the weather (and in your favourite costume!!!)

Oct 28th: Scary Good Tunes and Frightfully Delicious Beer Await at Eastbound Brewery

Join Eastbound Brewery on October 28th when they host a spooky yet delicious Halloween party! The Soul Proprietor  will be playing live music with fresh beer flowing. Costumes are encouraged!

On the Streets: Riverside Establishments Get Into the Halloween Spirit

While you’re strolling in Riverside this weekend, make sure to check out some of the spooky storefronts and displays to get you into the Halloween spirit!

Oct 30th: Stay Sexy and Get Murdered Costume Party at I’ll Be Seeing You

What do an astronaut, a gardener, and a fashion model have in common? They’re all potential victims of the Stratford Manor murderer! Join I’ll Be Seeing You on October 30th for cocktails, costumes, and corpses. A tarot reader will be roaming the halls of the manor boasting an atmosphere that’s… to die for.

A ticket (40$) gets you two drinks, passed appetizers, and a role to play. Tickets have to be purchased in advance so your character can be assigned.

Costumes required, killing guaranteed.

Until Oct 31st: The Healthy Whey Bids Farewell with a Spooky Savings Inventory

After many years in the neighbourhood, the team at The Healthy Whey has also decided to make a change. The space at 740 Queen E will close October 31 and be renovated for a new tenant, a Muay Thai Boxing gym. Healthy Whey may look to have a small complimentary presence within the gym, focused on protein bars and energy supplements. The Healthy Whey’s regular customers can still order from them online and pick up products at 740 Queen E. Wishing The folks from The Healthy Whey the best in their new endeavours!

In the meantime, their spooky saving inventory clearance is on, with 50% off almost everything.

Help Pulp Kitchen Create a Haunted House with Halloween Crafting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have fun and stay safe this Halloween kids!

 

The Halloween Kiddie Costume Parade is Coming Back to Riverside!

On Saturday, October 28th Riverside businesses are opening their doors to treat kids with the annual Riverside Kiddie Costume Parade!

The parade, guided by Riverside BIA staff , leaves at 3pm from Nell & Natasha’s Real Estate Homeward (807A Queen Street East) – please arrive 15 minutes early to get your Trick or Treat swag bag. Walking up and down Queen Street, kids and parents will meet and greet and get fun treats from almost 20 local Riverside businesses! Don’t forget to stay on board for the Ghost Walk happening from 5:00pm to 6:00pm.

The parade is rain or shine, so please dress for the weather (and in your favourite costume!!!)

Check out this year’s route below and let us know if you’re coming!

Are you ready for Riverside Halloween Fest?!

On Saturday, October 28th get into the Halloween spirit and join Riverside, Toronto for a day of spooky, FREE fun!

We all love dressing up! Whether as our alter-ego, superhero, or just as a mere form of expression. Kids of all ages are welcomed to get into costume and join in for some exciting festivities happening in Riverside this Halloween. Presented by Nell & Natasha’s Real Estate Homeward, the Jimmie Simpson Rec Centre, and the Riverside BIA you are invited to:

  • START YOUR DAY at 10AM with a Haunted House and Pumpkin Carving in Jimmie Simpson Rec Centre (870 Queen E) (10AM-12PM).
  • JOIN THE FUN outdoors starting at 12PM across the street at Nell & Natasha’s (807A Queen E) for face painting, crafts, a bouncy castle and more!
  • AT 3PM, take part in the Riverside BIA’s Kiddie Costume Parade, leaving from 807A Queen Street East (3PM-4PM): guided by the Riverside BIA, kids and parents will meet & greet and get fun treats from more than 20 local Riverside businesses!
  • IF YOU DARE, stay on for Riverside’s Ghost Walk from 5PM-6PM, starting from 807A Queen St East, your guide Barry Slater will share local Riverside ghost stories dating from the history books – some quirky, and others not for the faint of heart!

Let us know you’re coming!