Little Local - September 17

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How are we already more than halfway through September? It definitely feels like fall now, and my kids are already plotting how to make our house the creepiest in the hood. Have your kiddos picked out their costumes yet? Apparently, I’m on the hunt for a rainbow gummy bear 🤨 … if you have any leads, let me know.

This week, we’ve got ways to make the most of apple season, a fall fair in Saanichton, and plenty of other ideas for the weekend!

But first, a little news! You asked for park meetups in our recent survey, so let’s make it happen. Save the date for Sunday, September 27 for our first Little Local park meetup. We’re aiming for around 10am–12pm, and it will be a casual chance for kids to play and grown-ups to chat. I’m still confirming the park, so look out for the location and confirmed time in next week’s newsletter. No need to RSVP. I’d love to see you there!

Alright, let’s get into it!

🍎 Apple Season is Here: Local apples are everywhere right now, and there are plenty of ways to make a little outing of it, from cider pressing and heritage apple tastings to celebrating at Apple Day. Have an overflowing backyard tree? We’ve got ideas for that too. Our new apple guide rounds up ways to make the most of apple season around Victoria.

👻 For the Halloween Enthusiasts: Local kids’ clothing brand Whistle & Flute just launched its Halloween collection, and the pieces are so cute! Designed and printed right here on the Island, they’re worth checking out if your kids love all things spooky. They’re also offering a free trick-or-treat tote with a minimum purchase.

🎨 Fall Activities: Still on a waitlist, or did fall registration sneak past you? It’s not too late! Saanich Rec has a handy page for finding preschool, kids’ and youth programs with open spaces. Browse arts, sports and special-interest programs to find something that fits your kid and your schedule. See what’s available!

🥣 Soup Season: September marks the start of soup season in our house. Most soups aren’t a hit with my kids, but this Everyday Lentil Soup from the Sprouted Kitchen archives is one they’ll happily gobble up. I think the sweet potatoes help! They’re skeptical of the kale, so I stir it in after serving theirs. The soup won’t look very pretty without the kale, but I assure you it tastes much better than it looks!

🍂 Fall Harvest Delivered to You: South Island FarmHub’s Fall Harvest Boxes make it easy to taste the season! Each box includes 6–8 locally grown fruits and vegetables, like organic apples and plums, carrots, and squash. Or build your own order with local produce, eggs, meat, Wildfire bread, prepared meals and more! Ordering opens Thursday at 2pm and closes Sunday at midnight.

🎉 Happy 10th Anniversary! Celebrate Thistle & Wren’s 10th Anniversary at their Fernwood store this Saturday, September 19 with 20% off storewide, gifts while supplies last, and prizes from 25+ brands. Bring the kids for an I Spy activity to earn a scoop of 49 Below ice cream! Can’t make it? The online sale runs Sunday, September 20, with a free gift for the first 20 orders. Sale excludes Jellycat, Dinkum and markdowns.

This Week & Weekend

🦊 Fantastic Mr. Fox at Cinecenta
Thursday, September 17 | 5pm and 7pm
Catch Wes Anderson’s playful stop-motion adventure on the big screen at UVic’s Cinecenta. [Info]

🏮 Esquimalt Lantern Festival
Friday, September 18 | 6–11pm
Esquimalt Gorge Park glows after dark with handcrafted lanterns, giant puppets, live music, art installations and a lantern procession through the park. [Info]

🎉 Thistle & Wren’s 10th Birthday
Saturday, September 19 | 10am–5pm
Celebrate in-store with 20% off storewide (exclusions), gifts while supplies last, prizes from 25+ brands, and an I Spy activity for kids to earn a scoop of 49 Below ice cream! [Info]

🧸 Ultimate Toy Fair
Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20
More than 200 tables of LEGO, Pokémon, Hot Wheels, vintage toys, comics, video games and collectibles at Pearkes. [Info]

🛍️ Victoria Kids Consignment Fall Sale
Saturday, September 19 | 10am–3pm & Sunday, September 20 | 10am–12pm
Stock up on gently used kids’ clothing, toys, books and gear at Eagle Ridge Community Centre in Langford, with free public admission and select items half-price on Sunday. [Info]

🐱 Cat Video Fest
Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20 | 3pm showings
Catch 75 minutes of funny cat videos on the big screen at The Vic Theatre’s all-ages screenings, with a portion of ticket sales supporting local cat charities and shelters. [Info] We’ve got two tickets to give away! Be the first to reply to this email with “CATS” and they’re yours! Only the winner will be contacted.

⛵ Mini Mariner Mornings
Saturday, September 19 | 10–11am
Explore how boats float at the Maritime Museum of BC’s morning program for little ocean enthusiasts. [Info]

🌾 Food Experience at Woodside Farm
Saturday, September 19 | 10am–4pm
Explore the apple tree maze, meet friendly farm animals and snack on ripe berries and veggies straight from the gardens at Woodside Farm in Sooke. Tastings are included with admission, but no picking to take home. [Info]

📖 Esquimalt Story Festival
Saturday, September 19 | from 12pm
Gather at Memorial Park for an afternoon of storytelling and a by-donation lunch supporting the Macaulay literacy program. [Info]

♻️ Vic West Sustainability Fair & Repair Café
Saturday, September 19 | 10am–3pm
Visit Banfield Park for a free community fair featuring a kids’ compost workshop, clothing swap, local vendors, and a repair café for your broken items. [Info]

🔮 Metchosin Fall Witches Market
Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20 | 10am–4pm
Get into the fall spirit at Metchosin Community Hall with DIY spell jars, ritual stations and witchy swag bags for the first 30 guests each day; admission is free. [Info]

🌳 Junction Cider Orchard Market
Sunday, September 20 | 12–6pm
Browse local makers, grab a bite, and enjoy live music at Junction’s family and dog-friendly orchard market in Saanich. [Info]

🎪 Crown Circus at Mayfair
Now until September 27 | Various Showtimes
Head under the big top at Mayfair Shopping Centre for a family-friendly circus featuring aerial performances, lights, music and K-pop-inspired fun. [Info]

Upcoming

🍎 Community Sharing Day
Saturday, September 26 | 11am–3pm
Taste heritage apples, press fresh juice, take home free fruit, and enjoy orchard tours and kids’ activities at Welland Community Orchard. Free! [Info]

🍎 Apple Day at Sea Cider
Sunday, September 27 | 11am–4pm
Celebrate apple season with orchard strolls, apple pressing, kids’ activities, and food trucks at Sea Cider in Saanichton. Free! [Info]

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Final Note: I do my best to keep everything accurate, but I am only human so the odd mistake might sneak in! If you catch one, feel free to let me know.