This week in SPACES: The Sault is abuzz with events that spread holiday cheer

The Sault's very own homegrown social network, SPACES, is abuzz with activity this week. It’s your events bulletin board, a place to shout out good Samaritans, and now it’s also a hub to connect with fellow birders.  

Are you looking to take part in some festive activities? There’s lots to do in the Sault — and SPACES has the latest listings:

Dec. 7: Puppy Yoga at Northern Superior Tap Room posted by Erica Hogan: Yoga, puppies, and beer — what’s not to love? Stretch it out with some adorable pups at your side. A perfect way to start your Saturday.

Dec. 7: Elf on the Shelf Decorating Class at Hogan’s Homestead Cafe posted by Erica Hogan: Get crafty this season! Join for a fun class to create your own personalized Elf on the Shelf decor. 

Dec. 8: Cards & Collectibles Christmas Show at Moose Lodge posted by Erica Hogan: Calling all collectors! Whether you’re on the hunt for unique cards, memorabilia, or just love browsing, this Christmas show is not to be missed!

Dec. 10: Upcoming Youth Night at The Algoma Youth Wellness Hub, posted by Elise Nelson. 

Dec. 11-15: A Snow White Christmas at Sault Theatre Workshop, posted by Harry Houston: Tuesday, Dec. 10 is pay what you can with proceeds to St. Vincent Place! 

Dec. 14: Sault Ste. Marie Christmas Bird Count posted by Carter Dorscht: If you have bird feeders up anywhere within Sault Ste. Marie, please consider spending a few minutes watching them and reporting what you see.

On now – until Jan. 11: The Confluence Art Exhibit is on display at the Art Gallery of Algoma.

There are loads of other events going on in the Sault this holiday season; find them in the Things to Do space. 

If your scene is jammin’ to local beats, the Live Music space has you covered. Here’s what’s happening within the next two weeks: 

Dec. 6-7: Blues for Food Show posted by Elise Nelson. It’s two unforgettable nights of amazing local blues music, all in support of our community! Says Musicians host Pat Mackan, “Remember to support your local musicians around town and have fun listening or dancing to all of their wonderful tunes.”

Dec. 14: Jam Night in Celebration of 365 days Around the Sun Distracted posted by Elise Nelson: There will be a small art showing as well as several songs to be sung. Bring your own creative projects and/or your own instruments!    

Dec. 21: HAILS, The BAG and Elijah Russell posted by Elise Nelson: C'mon down to The Distraction on Saturday, Dec. 21 for some seasonal celebrations in the cellar.

Catch up on the behind the scenes of Irving Berlin's White Christmas by the Musical Comedy Guild of Sault Ste. Marie with Sarah Huckson’s 12 Days of White Christmas series. Her penultimate entry was a love letter to an incredible cast of characters she’s proud to be a part of. 

With a somber tone, she noted in her Day 3 entry that the latest snow storm has put a damper on the show, but in true performer fashion, says that she promised a White Christmas and Mother Nature sure has helped the cast and crew deliver. 

See: SPACES is live! Welcome to Sault Ste. Marie’s very own social network

Of course, when the Sault was pummelled in snow last week, neighbours rose to the occasion, helping one another dig out from it. It was all captured in the Good News space. 

And, our new Birding space is a hoot! We’re pleased to have Carter Dorscht, Executive Director of The Kensington Conservancy and resident bird expert, as host. His eagle eye is sharp for bird identification and we’re sure this space will become a nesting ground for discussion.

There’s a lot more to SPACES, too.

Join a Sloyd and Green spoon carving club that was suggested in the Woodworking space. One enthusiastic member proposed starting a group that gathers monthly to carve spoons and other green woodworking projects.

“Sloyd is a method of teaching woodworking and handcrafts that originated in Sweden in the 19th century. It was developed to help children develop character and skill through the use of tools and materials,” member Allison Suffel adds. 

See: MEET YOUR HOST: Talented local carpenter helps us build the Sault’s new social network

Or snow shoe the Haiwatha trails with the fat bike club: Cycling host Terrance Roode posted “I have put together a group of us to snow shoe the trails. We have approximately 20 people for Dec. 14.” 

Back at home, get inspiration for festive baking with Leah Johnson’s The Holiday Baker's Dozen Series. 

Catch up on the recipes and tips for the best gingerbread cookies, shortbread, peppermint bark, chewy sugar cookies and Rice Krispies Christmas Trees – yum! What Christmas treat do you think packs the most magic per crumb? Share it with our Baking host, and join the conversation. 

After all, good things come to those who bake – and cook. Wondering what to make for dinner tonight? Or are you excited to share your latest culinary masterpiece? Take a meander through the What’s For Dinner space. 

If you’re looking forward to tossing back your favourite tipple this holiday season, you’re among merry revellers. All members of a recent poll say they plan on imbibing this holiday season. 

Will you be having a booze-free holiday? Weigh in on the discussion, cast your vote and hear what others have to say, in the Food & drink space. 

While you’re browsing, stop by the Newcomers space, and help arriving Saultites feel at home. 

See: MEET YOUR HOST: Sault newcomer excited to welcome others to a special space

In host Shelly Bazil-Smith’s Conversations with a Newcomer Segment, she talks with those who are new to the Sault (and new to Canada) about their courageous decision to move here, the challenges they’ve faced and the strength they have found along their settlement journeys. 

Hear from newcomer Marlene Smith and Syed Islam on why they moved to the Sault and the support systems they were able to tap into. 

Whatever your interest, there’s lots to explore in SPACES! Connect with your community, learn a little or a lot, and say hello to a host. There’s also a chance for you to win a luxury suite at the Soo Greyhounds game on Dec. 29. 

And if there’s someone in your circle you think would love to check in out, share SPACES with them.