The Bradford Marsh Mash Canoe and Kayak Race is the fourth oldest Marathon Canoe Race in Ontario. The race attracts participants from all over the province, including Canoeists, Kayakers, Stand Up Paddleboarders, and Outrigger Paddlers. With a variety of classes and race distances available, it offers an ideal opportunity for both beginners and competitive paddlers.

The Bradford Marsh Mash 2024 Course

The Bradford Marsh Mash 2024 takes place in the canal that surrounds the Holland Marsh and is considered to be one of the best canoe racing courses in Ontario. Safety is a top priority, and the race provides a safe and secure environment for all participants. The canal offers long stretches of open water, approximately 2.8m deep throughout, with no rocks, rapids, or portages. While there may be a few weeds, it is generally a very safe course.

The Race

The race will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, with all classes starting from Sovereign Grace Church (1466 5th Sideroad, Bradford). Races start at 10 am, however, athletes should register and check in between 8 and 9 am.

Racing Classes

The race has different classes for various ages, skill and fitness levels broken down by distance and boat type. 

World Team Qualifier

The Marsh Mash Canoe and Kayak Race was designated as a World Team Qualifier, meaning that aspiring kayakers who aimed to represent Canada at the World Marathon Canoe and Kayak Championships were required to compete in a qualifying race to secure a spot on the team.

Marsh Mash History

The Marsh Mash Canoe and Kayak Race was first organized in July 1979 by Janice Matichuck and Peter Puddicombe. The race took place on a 27.5 km course that surrounded the Holland Marsh, and was supported by local merchants, the South Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority, and the Moro family. 

After the first year, the Conservation Authority took over the organization of the event, but in the mid-eighties, funding issues led to Iain Craig taking over. The race start/finish location was moved to the Portuguese Cultural Centre in the mid-1980s, and in 2001, it moved to the Springdale Christian Reformed Church. 

By 2007 the race date moved to May to avoid conflicts with other events, and it became a World Team Qualifier. The 2013 race saw two Olympic Medalists in attendance. The number of Stand Up Paddleboard competitors has been increasing, and starting in 2022, the race returned to the original 28 km course. 

The race is now operated by a partnership with Iain Craig and his family with the BWG Community Services Department.

If you would like to find out more information about the course, the race classes or how to enter you can visit the event’s official page at https://www.marshmash.ca

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The Town of Bradford has made it as easy as 1, 2, 3 to volunteer;

1. Choose one of 29 public parks, greenspace or trail in BWG to clean. You can find a map to all of them on the town’s website (townofbwg.com)
2. Place garbage in the coloured bags provided. 
3. When you are finished, leave your garbage bags beside the permanent garbage bins in the park where they can be picked up by Town staff. You can also email events@townofbwg.com with what area you cleaned and where you left your garbage bags if no permanent bin is present.

Town of Bradford Community Clean-up Kits

You can get a free clean-up kit at the Bradford Leisure Centre starting Wednesday April 17th, 2024

• 2 garbage bags
• 3 pairs of gloves
• hand sanitizer
• clean-up instructions & safety tips

Kits are limited to 1 per family. If you’re organizing a larger clean-up event, email events@townofbwg.com and you can arrange for extra kits.

High school students who are looking for volunteer hours can earn up to 3 for their participation. To claim your hours, email a volunteer form to events@townofbwg.com for approval.​ In the email please indicate the first and last names of the students participating, as well as date, time and location.

Don’t forget to take before and after photos and videos and share them to the Bradford West Gwillimbury’s Twitter account ( @townofBWG and use the hashtag #BWGCommunityCleanUp. )

Our Community Clean-up Sponsors

Special thanks to these Bradford Community sponsors for their support and for providing special coupons for the clean-up kits!

Sweet B’s Bakery (Behind Kenzington Burger Bar, 4 Holland St )

Firehouse Subs (502 Holland St W by the new Shopper’s Drug Mart)

Perfect SZN Bradford (100 Dissette St by the entrance to the Bradford Industrial Park)

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The eastern section of the field which has sat vacant for decades at the corner of Holland Street West and Professor Day Drive could become home to both more homes and more retail.

Bradford residents can attend a special council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library at 425 Holland St. W. to hear about a plan from Mod-Aire Homes, which wants to build a subdivision with 72 semi-detached houses and 93 townhouses, plus a park, stormwater pond and two mixed-use buildings.

Read the entire article here: https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/local-news/new-plan-unveiled-for-long-vacant-holland-street-west-area

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Celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends at our 11^th annual Family First Night​!

Date: December 31, 2023
Location: BWG Leisure Centre
Time: ​6:00-9:00 pm

Events & Activities:

6:00-8:30 pm – Leisure Swim
6:00-8:30 pm – Inflatable Obstacle Courses
6:00-8:30 pm – Toddler Area 
6:00-8:30 pm – Leisure Skating 
6:00-8:30 pm – Photobooth & Airbrush Tattoos 
6:00-8:30 pm – Crafts
6:00-8:30 pm – Caricature Artists
6:00-8:30 pm – Food for sale by Holland Marsh Food Market
6:00-8:15 pm – Music by Cara Lea & Leo
6:30-7:00 pm – Busker Show: Hula Hoops
7:00-7:30 pm – Busker Show: Magic
8:00pm – Outdoor LED Strolling (Outdoors in Sunshine Square)
8:10pm – Message from the Mayor & Council (Outdoors in Sunshine Square)
8:15-9:00 pm – Outdoor LED & Fire Show (Outdoors in Sunshine Square)
9:00pm – Fireworks

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Halloween Costume Safety

• Visibility is Key: Make sure your costume allows you to see clearly and be seen by others. If your costume has a mask, ensure the eye holes are large enough for good vision.
• Choose Flame-Resistant Fabrics: Many costumes are made from materials that can easily catch fire. Opt for flame-resistant costumes to reduce the risk of accidents.
• Avoid Tripping Hazards: Make sure your costume isn’t too long or baggy, which could cause you to trip and fall. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to walk in.
• Use Reflective Materials: Attach reflective tape or stickers to your costume to increase visibility at night. Carrying a flashlight or glow stick is also a good idea.

Trick-or-Treating Safety

• Always Go with a Trusted Adult: Younger kids should always be accompanied by a responsible adult when trick-or-treating. Older kids can go with friends, but it’s essential to stick together.
• Stick to Familiar Areas: Trick-or-treat in neighborhoods you know well, and visit houses with porch lights on. Avoid dark and unfamiliar places.
• Stay on Sidewalks: Walk on the sidewalk and cross streets at designated crosswalks. Never dart out into traffic.
• Follow Traffic Rules: If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic, so you can see oncoming cars. Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Be Cautious at Crossings: Use pedestrian crossings, and make sure drivers see you before you cross. Make eye contact if possible.
• Don’t Enter Homes: Never go inside a stranger’s home, even if they offer extra treats. Stay on the doorstep.
• Inspect Your Treats: Before eating any candy or treats, have a trusted adult inspect them for any signs of tampering. Only eat wrapped and unexpired items.

Pumpkin Carving Safety

• Use Child-Friendly Tools: If you’re carving a pumpkin, use safe, child-friendly tools designed for pumpkin carving. Young children should let adults handle the sharp objects.
• Carve in a Well-Lit Area: Always carve your pumpkin in a well-lit, dry area. Moisture can make surfaces slippery and dangerous.
• Supervise Kids: Ensure that children are supervised while carving, and teach them safe carving techniques.

Halloween Home Safety

• Clear Walkways: Keep your walkway and porch clear of decorations and obstacles to prevent trips and falls.
• Secure Pets: If you have pets, make sure they are secure inside your home or in a designated area away from the front door to avoid scaring or getting scared by trick-or-treaters.
• Turn on Outdoor Lights: Keep your home well-lit to help trick-or-treaters see their way and deter potential mischief.
• Inspect Decorations: Ensure that decorations are safe and won’t cause harm or injuries to anyone visiting your home.

By following these Halloween safety tips, you can have a fun and spooky Halloween while staying safe. Remember, the most important thing is to have a great time and create wonderful memories with your family and friends. Happy Halloween!

More Halloween Stuff

Bradford West Gwillimbury is hosting the 7th Annual Pumpkin Fest on October 14th. Click here for more information.

Bradford Greenhouses is hosting a free pumpkin painting event on October 14th, click here for more information.

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Bradford Outdoor Movies is back for another exciting year and offers a delightful experience of family-friendly films on a large screen beneath the twinkling stars. Bring the entire family for an evening of fun cuddled together watching your favourite family movies on the BWG Library lawn.

Cost: FREE!

Dates:
Tuesday, August 8, 2023 – Super Mario Bros
Thursday, August 10, 2023 – Cinderella
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 – Luca
Thursday, August 24, 2023 – Inside Out
Tuesday, August 29, 2023 – Fast X
Thursday, August 31, 2023 – Finding Nemo

Location: BWG Public Library & Cultural Centre – West Lawn

Time: Movies will commence at dusk. Arrive early to get a good seat.

Parking: Ample parking is available in both the Bradford West Gwillimbury Library parking lot and the Bradford West Gwillimbury Leisure Centre parking lot.

Please refrain from parking or stopping along Brian Collier Way, as it is not permitted. Cars found parked or stopped along Brian Collier Way will be subject to ticketing/towing.

As these events will take place outdoors, unforeseen weather conditions may result in cancellations on the scheduled day. Cancellation updates will be shared on the Town’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

Event Details: Residents are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets, and personal snacks to enjoy Bradford Outdoor Movies to the fullest.

This page will be updated with the 2023 Summer Movie Line-up as soon as it is announced this summer.

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Bradford Canada Day Celebrations Main Stage

4:00 pm – Busker Show: Spencer Scurr Magic Show

4:30 pm – Busker Show: Zola Fire & Hoola Hoop Show

5:00 pm – Elite Dance Corps

5:30 pm – Busker Show: Spencer Scurr Magic Show

6:00 pm – Official Ceremonies & Civic Awards

7:00 pm – Elite Dance Corps

7:30 pm – Busker Show: Spencer Scurr Magic 

8:00 pm – Busker Show: Zola Fire & Hoola Hoop Show

8:30 pm – Band: The Shania Experience 

10:00 pm – Fireworks

​

In addition to the events taking place on the main stage, a variety of activities and festivities will occur throughout the Bradford & District Memorial Community Centre complex. These offerings will be available throughout the duration of the Bradford Canada Day Celebrations, unless otherwise specified.

Cericola Field

• Kids Zone: Inflatables, Obstacles & Games (4:00-9:30 pm)
• BBQ fundraiser by the Bradford Lions
• Ice Cream for sale by Mister Treats
• Food & treats for Sale by Jo’s Juice Jazz and Sweet Bs
• Airbrush Tattoos (4:00-9:00 pm)
• Community Group booths

Fallis Baseball Field

• Glitter Tattoos (4:00-9:00 pm)
• Photo Booth (4:00-9:00 pm) 
• Giant Canadian Puzzle
• Canada Flag Photo Station

Bradford Canada Day Celebrations Free Shuttle Bus

Parking on-site is extremely limited. If you plan to park at the event, you must arrive very early. A better plan is to park at the BWG Leisure Centre (click here for a map) as a FREE shuttle bus service will run between the two locations. The Leisure Centre has ample parking (I believe the Library parking lot will be open as well) as do some of the local businesses that will be closed on Canada Day.

Shuttle times have not been announced yet, and will be posted to this page as soon as they are released.

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Bradford Music in the Park is returning for another year! Bradford residents are welcome to come down to the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library & Cultural Centre and enjoy a free evening of music on Tuesdays in June and July.

All you need to enjoy the evening is your own folding lawn chair, blanket or pillow and some snacks. You might also need some mosquito repellent or a sweater depending on the weather. Concerts start at 7:00 PM, but you should plan on arriving early to get a good seat up front. 

Update: Local vendors are now confirmed to be at the event, including La Mexicanada, Jo’s Juice Jazz, Ms. Richies Kitchen, and Pizza Twenty Two. So bring your cash and make an this an evening event.

Given that this is an outdoor event, weather cancellations may occur. If you suspect that the weather is (or will be) a concern, you can check the town’s Facebook and Instagram pages on the day of the event. The town will post cancellation notices there, as well as any rescheduling of the event.

You can find the town’s Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/townofbwg

and Instagram page here:

https://www.instagram.com/townofbwg/

Bradford Music in the Park 2023 Schedule

The Town of Bradford has released dates and times for the popular event, however, no band lineup is available at this time. This page will be updated as soon as the lineup is released.

Here is the updated schedule:

Tuesday, June 27, 2023: Neema Children’s Choir & D’Jango Pan Fyah  (Steel Drums and Children’s Choir, part of Bradford’s Multicultural Day Celebration.)

Tuesday, July 4, 2023: Off The Rock (Great Big Sea tribute band)

Tuesday, July 11, 2023: The Blushing Brides (Rolling Stones cover band)

Tuesday, July 18, 2023: Desire (U2 cover band)

Tuesday, July 25, 2023: Fleetwood Mac Mania

Location:

Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library & Cultural Centre – West Lawn

Parking is free in the Library parking lot.

Time: ​

7:00-9:00 pm

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The Bradford Marsh Mash Course

The Bradford Marsh Mash takes place in the canal that surrounds the Holland Marsh and is considered to be one of the best canoe racing courses in Ontario. Safety is a top priority, and the race provides a safe and secure environment for all participants. The canal offers long stretches of open water, approximately 2.8m deep throughout, with no rocks, rapids, or portages. While there may be a few weeds, it is generally a very safe course.

The Race

The race will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023 with all classes starting from Sovereign Grace Church (1466 5th Sideroad, Bradord). Races start at 10am, however altheletes should register and check in between 8 and 9am.

Racing Classes

The race has different classes for various ages, skill and fitness levels broken down by distance and boat type. 

World Team Qualifier

The Marsh Mash Canoe and Kayak Race was designated as a World Team Qualifier, meaning that aspiring kayakers who aimed to represent Canada at the World Marathon Canoe and Kayak Championships were required to compete in a qualifying race to secure a spot on the team.

Marsh Mash History

The Marsh Mash Canoe and Kayak Race was first organized in July 1979 by Janice Matichuck and Peter Puddicombe. The race took place on a 27.5 km course that surrounded the Holland Marsh, and was supported by local merchants, the South Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority, and the Moro family. 

After the first year, the Conservation Authority took over the organization of the event, but in the mid-eighties, funding issues led to Iain Craig taking over. The race start/finish location was moved to the Portuguese Cultural Centre in the mid-1980s, and in 2001, it moved to the Springdale Christian Reformed Church. 

By 2007 the race date moved to May to avoid conflicts with other events, and it became a World Team Qualifier. The 2013 race saw two Olympic Medalists in attendance. The number of Stand Up Paddleboard competitors has been increasing, and starting in 2022, the race returned to the original 28 km course. 

The race is now operated by a partnership with Iain Craig and his family with the BWG Community Services Department.

If you would like to find out more information about the course, the race classes or how to enter you can visit the event’s official page at https://www.townofbwg.com/en/recreation-culture/marsh-mash.aspx

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