Celebrate Back to School with Minions: The Rise of Gru - Review and Giveaway

 We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes, I did receive a copy for review, but this just means I'm able to give away the film as a prize too! Enter the contest at the end of this post

September is here and everyone is headed back to school including Little Gru...

While his class doesn't believe he can do it, Little Gru has big plans. 

Ever wonder how Gru learned his despicable ways, how Dr. Nefario came to work for him, how he got such an elaborate lair and why was he so obsessed with capturing the moon? All these questions and more are answered in Minions: The Rise of Gru. 

Minions: The Rise of Gru Review

If you are a fan of the Depicable Me Franchise, then this Minions sequel is a Must-See! It sends the Minions on another action-packed adventure. This time they are battling a villainous crew called the Vicious Six. Thankfully, they make new friends along the way to assist them on their quest.  Of course there is never an easy fix when it comes to the team of Bob, Stuart and Kevin and with the addition of Otto to the group, it makes it even harder, and funnier. I believe your family will enjoy watching Minions: The Rise of Gru together as it is filled with giggles and goofs.

Last month we let you know about the release of Minions: The Rise of Gru on digital and today it has been released on BluRay and DVD!  However you watch it, expect fun from beginning to end.

For more information visit these links 

Facebook: @Minions

Twitter: @Minions

Instagram: @Minions

Hashtag: #Minions: The Rise of Gru

Enter to win

To celebrate Back to School and the release of Minions: The Rise of Gru, we are giving away a digital code for the film. Enter the rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win (it works best if you are already logged into your google account).

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fall Fairs, Royal Medieval Faire, Kitchener Rangers Games, and More September Activities and Fall Fun in the Kitchener Waterloo Area

 

Please check all the links listed as info tends to change without our knowledge.  We also suggest you go through the full list as some activities require you to pre-register and many have limited spaces. Dates/Times and Prices Vary.

The top part of our list is for ONGOING EVENTS (daily/weekly events) and further down you can see the MONTH SPECIFIC EVENTS

ONGOING IN SEPTEMBER

Attractions ONTARIO coupons for 2021 https://attractionsontario.ca/coupons

Max's Sportsworld https://maxssportsworld.ca/

Bingemans https://bingemans.com/entertainment_home.php

Skyzone Kitchener https://www.skyzone.com/ca-kitchener

Funvilla https://funvilla.ca

Speedquest http://www.speedquest.ca/

THEMUSEUM https://themuseum.ca/families-kids/

Early Years events on Zoom for registration info visit https://earlyyearsinfo.ca

KPL Calendar https://kplca.evanced.info/signup/

WPL Calendar http://calendar.wpl.ca/eventcalendar.asp?lib=all

Region of Waterloo Library Calendar https://www.rwlibrary.ca/en/programs-events/virtual-programs.aspx

Cambridge Libraries Calendar https://ideaexchange.org/programs-events

City of Waterloo Museum Activities https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/city-of-waterloo-museum.?_mid_=1764

Region of Waterloo Museum (DOON) events https://www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca/en/index.aspx#

Joseph Schneider Haus events https://www.schneiderhaus.ca/en/index.aspx

Woodside National Historic Site Self Guided Tours Thursday and Fridays https://www.facebook.com/WoodsideNHS/photos/a.797717783604573/4705277552848557

Wilmot Family Resource Centre https://wilmotfamilyresourcecentre.wordpress.com/events/calendar

Wellbeing Waterloo Region Calendar https://www.wellbeingwr.ca/calendar/

KW Adventure Walks https://kwescape.ca/games

Kitchener Market Events Calendar https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Month

 

KW FOOD TRUCKS  https://www.instagram.com/kwfoodtrucks https://www.kwfoodtrucks.ca

Outdoor Fitness and Skateparks in Kitchener https://www.kitchener.ca/en/recreation-and-sports/outdoor-fitness-options.aspx#July

STEM Coding with Three Apples Education https://threeapplesedu.com/

Snyder's Family Farm Snyder's Family Farm | Farm attractions in Bright, Ontario

Kitchener Rangers Home Games https://kitchenerrangers.com/schedule/73/10/home

Mondays Show and Shine Car Show @ Partsource Highland Rd. (until Sept 26) https://www.facebook.com/events/405280684822148/405280724822144

Open Tuesdays @ Steckle Farm https://stecklehomestead.ca/open-tuesdays (until Oct 25)

FRIDAY to SUNDAY Events in Hespeler Village until October What's On | Events | Hespeler Village BIA

SEE ALL THE UPCOMING FALL FAIRS at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2013/08/20-fall-fairs-near-kitchener-waterloo.html

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Sept 5

Labour Day Picnic Noon-4pm Waterloo Park https://waterloolabour.ca/events/labour-day-picnic-2022/

Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto 

https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-canadian-national-exhibition.html

Paris Fair

https://www.parisfairgrounds.com

 

Sept 6-9

Stroller Fit - Various locations https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/posts/10160217060190750/

Sept 7

Music in the Park in Ayr 7pm https://calendar.northdumfries.ca/default/Detail/2022-09-07-1900-Music-In-The-Park-Ayr-Paris-Band

Sept 8-11

Cambridge Fall Fair https://www.thefallfair.ca/

Arthur Fall Fair https://www.arthurfallfair.com/

Sept 9

Forest bathing + Native American flute @ Huron Natural Area 7-8pm https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/forest-native-american-flute-night-tickets-383604299787

Sept 9-10

Aberfoyle Fall Fair https://sites.google.com/view/aberfoyleagriculturalsociety/home

Sept 9-11

Six Nations Fall Fair (near Brantford) https://www.thefallfair.ca/

Tavistock Fall Fair https://tavistockfallfair.com/

Georgetown Fall Fair https://georgetownfallfair.ca/

Sept 9-18

Western Fair in London https://www.westernfair.ca/

Sept 10

Classic Car Show 10am-5pm https://www.facebook.com/events/749570202719616

Nonviolence Day in the Park @ Clock Tower area of Victoria Park - Willow River Park Noon-5pm https://wrnonviolence.org/nonviolence-day-in-the-park-is-saturday-10-september-2022/ and facebook event link https://www.facebook.com/events/2072203796286881

Wor;d Suicide Prevention Day Event @ KPL Downtown 2-4:30pm https://wrspc.ca/world-suicide-prevention-day-2022

Movie in Cowan Park in Ayr - UNCHARTED https://calendar.northdumfries.ca/default/Detail/2022-09-10-1900-Movie-In-The-Park-Cowan-Park

Sept 10-11

Explore Waterloo Region Memorial Recreation Complex https://events.waterloo.ca/default/Detail/2022-09-10-0845-Explore-WMRC-Free-leisure-fitness-sport-and-swim-p and https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/activewaterloo/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=41&viewMode=list

Sept 11

St. Andrew's End of Summer Picnic @ Laurel Creek 11:30am-3pm https://www.standrewskw.com/events/end-of-summer-picnic-bbq

Picnic Lunch @ Glencarin Church 11:45am https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/welcome-back-sunday-2022-tickets-407661746257

Sept 13

Wellesley Fall Fair https://wellesleynehfallfair.ca/

Sept 17-18

All that Worldly Jazz Festival in St. Jacobs https://www.nerudaarts.ca and https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/all-that-worldly-jazz-presented-by-neruda-arts-tickets-403944066577

Sept 15

St. Andrew's Joyful Noise Kids Choir begins and then meets every Thursday at 6:30pm https://www.standrewskw.com/events/joy-ful-noise-kids-choir-fall-2022

Sept 15-18

New Hamburg Fall Fair

http://www.newhamburgfallfair.ca/

Guelph Jazz Festival https://guelphjazzfestival.com/2022/schedule

Sept 16

Every Child Matters Crosswalk Unveiling in Victoria Park / Willow River Park at Noon https://calendar.kitchener.ca/events/Detail/2022-09-16-1200-Every-Child-Matters-Crosswalk-Ceremony

Take Back the Night @ Dickson Park Cambridge 6-9pm https://calendar.cambridge.ca/default/Detail/2022-09-15-1800-Take-Back-the-Night2

Sept 16-17

Belmont Bestival https://www.belmontvillagebestival.com/schedule

Sept 16-18

Fergus Fall Fair https://www.fergusfallfair.ca/

Harriston Fall Fair https://www.harristonmintofair.ca/

Embro Fall Fair https://embrofair.com/

Sept 17

Royal Medieval Faire in Waterloo Park https://www.royalmedievalfaire.org/

Sept 18

The Waterloo Terry Fox Run is happening Sunday September 18th, 2022 @ Waterloo Park East Side (Entrance off Albert St. on Central St.)

Registration is FREE and begins at 8:45am, opening ceremonies at 9:30am, run/walk begins at 10:00am. 

Help keep Terry’s legacy going and raise money for cancer research. 

To register, visit 

https://run.terryfox.ca/waterloo

Facebook Event link https://fb.me/e/2FuHjAlIk

Gluten Free Fest @ Bingemans 10am-4pm https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2022-gluten-free-fest-tickets-360717183807

Sept 22-25

Stratford Fall Fair https://www.stratfordagriculturalsociety.com/fall-fair-2022/

Sept 23

Outdoor Movie in Baden - ENCANTO @ Carizon https://carizons-family-night-at-the-d.constantcontactsites.com/

Sept 23-25

Milton Fall Fair https://www.miltonfair.com/

THE HOBBIT by Playful Fox Productions  in Paris Ont. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/playful-fox-productions-presents-the-hobbit-tickets-377557333147

Sept 23-Oct 16

Culture Days https://culturedays.ca/en/on  INFO TBD

Sept 24

Schneider Creek Porch Party https://scporchparty.weebly.com

Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese Festival https://www.wellesleyabcfestival.ca/

Rural Romp - Various Locations https://www.wellington.ca/en/business/tr-fallruralromp.aspx

Lumen in Uptown Waterloo 6-10pm https://events.waterloo.ca/default/Detail/2022-09-24-1800-Lumen

Sept 24-25

Explore Waterloo Region Memorial Recreation Complex https://events.waterloo.ca/default/Detail/2022-09-10-0845-Explore-WMRC-Free-leisure-fitness-sport-and-swim-p and https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/activewaterloo/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=41&viewMode=list

Drumbo Fall Fair https://www.drumbofair.com/jdas3/

Sept 25

Womb to Walking Show @ Bingemans 10am-4pm https://www.wombtowalking.com/

Sept 30

Orange Shirt Day - National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

Sept 30-Oct 2

How to Catch a Mouse with Simple Machines @ KW Little Theatre

Kids 3 and Under are Free and General Admission is $25 Register at bit.ly/mousemachine

For groups of MORE THAN 4 email Drew@drewripley.com for a group discount

The Canadian National Exhibition Returns to Toronto - What to See and Do in 2022 - CNE

 

Every time that I go to the Canadian National Exhibition to provide media coverage, I have new experiences!

Being that this was the return of the CNE after the hiatus, I wasn't sure what to expect at THE EX. Plus the fact that the day began with rain, it was going to be a different experience altogether.  

Don't Let a Little Rain Dampen Your Experience at the Ex

There is a lot to see and do at the CNE even when the weather doesn't cooperate.  The best place to head when it is raining is to the Enecare Centre.  This building hosts a variety of experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

There are daily shows at the International Stage and Cooking Stage

You can visit the Exhibits which included the Nook of Gnomes, National Geographic: The Greatest Wildlife Photographs, CNE Heritage: An Immersive Experience and more,

There is even an indoor drone and laser show - Nevaeh and the NorthStar - happening at various times. 

You will also find the Gaming Garage, the Superdogs Show and lots of Shopping opportunities.

As a plus during the rain, the Busker Stage and the Mascots were inside the Enecare Centre that day.

The Enecare Centre has something for everyone, but that is not the only indoor experience at the CNE.

The Farm is another great building with lots of fun exhibits. There are animals, educational demonstrations, and fun displays.

Other buildings you can visit at the CNE include The Food Building, the Arts, Crafts and Hobbies Building and The Withrow Common Gallery just to name a few.

 You can see all the buildings listed on the CNE MAP.

Later in the day, the rain let up and I was able to grab a few outdoor pics and won a swag bag from the Shoppers Drug Mart booth.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls)

There is still lots to enjoy at the Canadian National Exhibition no matter the weather conditions.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls)

The CNE run until Labour Day - September 5, 2022

For more info visit https://www.theex.com

Welcome back CNE!

Disney on Ice: Let's Celebrate at Scotiabank Arena Opening Night

This week Olaf finally got to do what frozen things do in summer!  He celebrated the return of Disney on Ice at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with all his Disney Pals!

Disney on Ice: Let's Celebrate

It was an amazing show filled with memorable moments from Disney movies like Finding Dory, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Toy Story, Aladdin, Mulan and Frozen. The show was hosted by the Fab Four of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls)

The performance dazzled the audience with ice dancing, costumed characters, sparkling lights, songs full of emotion and even SNOW!

Yes, Queen Elsa made it snow in Arendelle right inside the Scotiabank Arena. It was a magical moment that had all the spectators singing Let it Go altogether.

You can see full album by clicking the image below or heading to 

We always enjoy attending Disney on Ice, and after the hiatus of the past few years, it was wonderful to attend it once again! We love ice skating with the Magic of Disney.

Wondering when Disney on Ice is headed to your area? Visit https://www.disneyonice.com/