Kids will be Kids at Kidsfest

Guest post by: by Lisa Saunders, Kidsfest

Why does our family love and appreciate Kidsfest so much?
Because it is so easy to attend. We don't worry about the kids dancing in wild abandon to artists like Fred Penner, Splash'n Boots and Aché Brasil - because everyone's kids are having way-too-good of a time. If one of the kids runs to the front of the stage? No worries, cuz it's a well-protected environment where we can still keep an eye on them from our blanket. It's also virtually impossible for our kids to get bored.

Photo by: Leif Norman

Whether its spending some time at the dozens of on-site activities like Kee No Say O where kids get to dress up in animal costumes, or Critter Dipping with nets and swamp water, there is always too much to do in one day.  This is a great situation, as kids under 12 are allowed to exchange their wristbands - for free - every day at the Box Office (as long as they keep them on). So, you can come back multiple days, and discover new things to do every time.

Photo by: Leif Norman

Not only that, but kids under 24 months are free - making Kidsfest a very family friendly affair.
Believe it or not, Kidsfest actually reduced ticket prices this year, with a 4Flex pass going down to $45 if you purchase your tickets in advance at Winnipeg Safeway locations (a reduction of three dollars from last year). This means a family of four like ours can spend the entire day at Kidsfest for under $50. This is great value - especially if you arrive around 9:30 or 10 a.m. and make a full day of it.

Photo by: Leif Norman

Kidsfest always mixes up its programming, too. This year, there is a new Franco Fun day on Thursday featuring The Kif-Kif Sisters, Bon Débarras, Michel Lauzière and others.

Another new adventure is an 18+ evening concert event called Kidsfest After Hours: When the Grown Ups Come Out to Play on Friday. Big name acts will perform - while the folks enjoy a hot dog buffet, gourmet toppings and adult beverage.

After all, parents and caregivers need a chance to cut loose, too. Especially after working so hard looking after the munchkins!

For more information on Kidsfest, click here.

The Forks Cycle Track is Gearing Up

Photo by: @whitepinebicycleco

Bicycle- Bicycle- I want to ride my bicycle! And soon you'll be able to ride it on a dedicated cycle track at The Forks. In the heart of the city, The Forks is a natural through way when it comes to biking around town. Now with phase one of our proposed cycle track under construction, biking between Osborne Village and St. Boniface will soon be easier. 

The plan is to turn the two-lane road into a multi-use access point: one lane for people in cars, a raised bike lane, and a dedicated sidewalk on either side for pedestrians— including strollers, wheelchairs, and other mobility vehicles. 

This is only phase one of the plans. Over the next few years, we'll complete a dedicated cycle track throughout the site connecting the Assiniboine Bikeway to the proposed Provencher bike lane project. We're also hoping to add a few more VIP parking spots for bikes site wide.

We'll be sure to keep you posted on future phases. Oh, and how could I forget to mention- the bicycle is a good invention. 

Happy biking from all of us at The Forks.

After 25 Years, The Forks Market Gets a $2.5 Million Refresh

We just celebrated our 25th anniversary last year, and we can't wait for what's coming next. Today, we are thrilled to announce a $2.5 million refresh to our beloved Centre Court and Atrium area of The Forks Market. It's going to have an 80 person harvest table, more seating, a craft beer and wine kiosk and five new food vendors.

This is going to mark the start of a new era for us, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the innovative ideas that are part of the design while still keeping our historical roots. We're saying goodbye to the teal and welcoming a more industrial feel with metal and wood. It's going to incorporate a look and feel of what the building was originally used for, a horse stable and machine shop for the railways. 

You can expect to see upgrades to all sorts of things in Centre Court, including: tables, chairs, lighting, fixtures and fittings, storefronts, flooring and the addition of technology (Yes, that's right- we're adding charging stations for all you tech-savvy folks).

With all the changes to Centre Court, it will be renamed to the more appropriate title of "Food Hall" and will feature a refreshed look for the existing kiosks and five new tenants. For the new tenants we are looking to find some local up-and-comer foodies, people who are excited to bring new food ideas to Winnipeg (If you think you've got what it takes to be the next great food kiosk at The Forks, click here for RFP details). 

Along with a new look we are also adding a craft beer and wine kiosk to The Market. This means you can now get a beer with your fish and chips, or wine with your roti! The kiosk will be open during Market hours and will be serving locally produced beverages. 

As for the Tower Atrium (commonly known as the skate changing area in winter), there will new tables and chairs, a chandelier made of hockey sticks, and flooring that will let you wear skates or heels! 

The renovations are going to start May 18, but don't worry because the Market will remain fully open as many of the renovations are taking place off site, or when The Market is closed.

Be sure to keep checking for updates and progress here on our blog, as well as on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Dearest Mothers

Dearest Mothers,

Wow*, you are the best! You've been there through it all {and dealt with a lot}. You've cheered us on from the sidelines and encouraged us to take those giant leaps out into the unknown. You've believed in us even when we didn't think things were possible, and you've celebrated with us when we realized you were right. If you didn't already know... you ARE the BEST!!! And there is nothing we could do, or say, or dream up that would show you how very thankful we are - but we will keep on trying because without you we couldn't imagine life as it is today.

Happy {almost} Mother's Day to all those that are mothers and mothers at heart!

If you're looking for ways to celebrate the mother in your life, we've got some great options here at The Forks:

Dining with Mother:
If you aren't the greatest at cooking, but want to make sure your mother has something yummy to eat, check out these delicious options:

• Old Spaghetti Factory has a great Mother's Day Feature Menu
• Era at CMHR is offering a brunch menu.
• The Forks Market also has a variety of quick service kiosks and full service restaurants to choose from.
• And for the adventurous mother- Food Trucks!! (weather permitting) 

Something Special for Mother:
If you are looking for bit of something special to give to your mother, here are some options {some classic, some creative}:

• Generation Green offers great eco-friendly and local products for every mom. 
• Forks Trading Company has hand crafted pottery, local paintings, specialty bath products, locally-made candles, jewelry and more. They are also doing a pop-up flower shop on Saturday and Sunday, while quantities last.
• The Almond Tree offers unique chocolate and chocolate covered treats that you can't find anywhere else in the city.
• Fenton's Wine Merchants can suggest the best bottle of wine as a gift or if your mom would love to learn more about wine, sign her up for a wine course.
• Bayshore Gifts in Glass has some amazing handcrafted specialty glass gifts
• Plus there are over 25 other shops in The Forks Market that you can check out for other special gifts.
• Riverstone Spa offers great treatments or gift packages that include time in relaxation areas and steam room.

Whatever you choose to do to celebrate your mom, remember that nothing can compare with spending some time together. So come to The Forks, grab some Fro-gurts and take a stroll on the River Walk.

*PS- Moms are truly wonderful... the name mom even confirms it because mom turned upside down is WOW!

Photo from Forks Trading Company

Food Truck Alley

 

It's only been a few days, but we've been loving the addition of food trucks to The Forks site.

Since May 1, on Israel Asper Way between Canadian Museum for Human Rights and The Forks Market, there have been food trucks setup from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each truck brings something fresh to The Forks and offers more innovative, local flavours to what is already on site.

Currently there is a list of 10 trucks and one ice-pop cart that will rotate through the four designated food truck parking stalls. There isn't any online listing of who will be on site, so be sure to check out their social media pages to see if they're here at The Forks!

Look for the following food trucks at The Forks this summer:

• Iggy’s Family Doener
• Healthy Eats
• Burgers R Us
• Little Bones Wings
• The Poutine King
• Habanero Sombrero
• The Bannock Factory
• Smokin’ Haut
• Fired Up!
• Hot Rod’s
• Pop Cart
• The Churro Stop
• Pimp My Rice
• Simba Safari