Big Event Changes + Dancing Stars

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Gooood morning everybody! It’s that time of year—the awkward in-between stage where Winter can't decide if it’s Spring and the snow transforms into a dark, slushy mess. It’s like Winter is going through its teenage phase—moody, unpredictable, and a little messy.

Today Around The Bay:

• What’s happening with the events?

• Who’s dancin’ with the stars?

• Sneak peek at Wander The Spa

And much more…

🌡️ WEATHER

Wednesday, February 26

4°C 🌡️ 0°C | ☁️ | 25% | SSW 9 km/h

Thursday, February 27

4°C 🌡️ -5°C | 🌨️ | 55% | SSW 9 km/h

A Big Event Shake-Up

If you’ve ever lined the streets for the Santa Claus Parade, danced at the Waterfront Multicultural Festival, or celebrated Canada Day in Belleville, you might be wondering—what’s next?

After 17 years, the City of Belleville and the Belleville Chamber of Commerce are ending their partnership on event management. Inflation, shifting priorities, and a planned scale-back of events in 2024 are behind the change, with the Chamber reaffirming its focus on advocacy and community prosperity instead.

So, what does this mean for Belleville’s biggest events? Canada Day is safe (for now), but the future of the Waterfront Multicultural Festival is up in the air. At Monday night’s council meeting, city staff recommended dissolving the event in its current form, citing declining attendance, sluggish midway ticket sales, and concerns over financial viability.

But don’t panic—change is coming, not cancellation. The city plans to integrate multicultural food vendors into Canada Day celebrations and explore a revamped Multicultural Waterfront Festival during the same July weekend.

Still confused? So were we, so we broke it all down for you.

A Starry Night Ahead

Get ready for glitz, glamour, and show-stopping moves—Dancing with the Stars Quinte is back! The fan-favourite fundraiser for Volunteer + Information HPE (VIQ) hits the Empire Theatre on May 30 at 7:30 p.m., featuring eight dynamic duos competing in styles from waltz to hip-hop. Expect dazzling performances, past winners returning to the stage, and a high-energy dance studio showcase.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m. 🎟️ VIP: $35, General: $25, Youth: $10, Child: $5.

📰 THE MID-WEEK SKIMM

🚨 Belleville launches new emergency alert system
Belleville residents can now get real-time emergency alerts with Belleville Alerts, a new notification system from Belleville Fire and Emergency Services. Expect automated calls or texts during major fires, severe weather, and other emergencies—ensuring crucial info gets out fast. Sign up online to stay informed when it matters most. (BOQ Today)

📖 New book uncovers Nixon’s secret trip to Prince Edward County
Did Richard Nixon take a secret boat trip to Canada in 1957, go drinking in a bar, and befriend Prince Edward County’s longest-serving mayor? A new book, Searching for Richard Nixon: Finding Refuge and Making a Home in Prince Edward County, by Thomas Harrison, dives into this little-known piece of history. The book launches Saturday, March 1, at 1:30 p.m. at Macaulay Church in Picton and is available now on Amazon. (County Live)

🕯️ Vigil for Ukraine on war’s third anniversary
A somber vigil took place at Market Square in Belleville to mark three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Attendees held candles while listening to war sounds and personal stories, including a firsthand account from Myraslova Symonenko of Humanity for Free Ukraine. The event also raised donations toward a $6,500 goal to fund a surveillance system for frontline equipment. (Quinte News)

🎨 Brighton’s new arts hub opens its doors
The Presqu’ile Waddling Arts Centre is officially open on Main Street, bringing a fresh creative space to Brighton. Founded by the Brighton Arts & Culture Council, the centre showcases local talent—from paintings and pottery to metal sculptures and jewelry. More than just a gallery, it offers artist-led workshops and live music jam sessions. Local leaders, including Mayor Brian Ostrander, praised the new hub as a space where creativity will thrive. (myFM News)

🛍️ GT Care Campaign launches to support Picton food bank
Giant Tiger Picton and Picton United Church Food Bank are teaming up for the GT Care Campaign, running March 1-31. Shoppers can donate essential hygiene products—like shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant—to help locals struggling with rising costs. Donations will be collected at Giant Tiger Picton, with food and monetary contributions still welcomed at 12 Chapel Street on Thursdays and Fridays. (The Intelligencer)

✈️ Military police training at CFB Trenton next week
Members of 2 Military Police Squadron will conduct Aircraft Security Officer training at CFB Trenton from March 2-11. Expect to see armed marches, blank ammunition drills, and pyrotechnics near Highway 2 and RCAF Road as part of the exercise. (InQuinte)

🍲 Belleville’s best soups crowned at Savour the Chill 
Burger Revolution took home People’s Choice for its Roasted Apple & Butternut Squash Soup, while The Kafana won Judges’ Choice with its Turkish Red Lentil Soup at Savour the Chill in downtown Belleville. With 20 restaurants serving up creative soups, the competition was fierce. Expect 3 more foodie events downtown this year. (BOQ Today)

Showcase Your Property Like a Pro

Together With By The Bay Real Estate Photography

By The Bay Real Estate Photography offers comprehensive documentation services for your property, including detailed photographs, 3D virtual tours, and floor plans. These services benefit a range of clients, from realtors and property managers to homeowners and renovators, by providing thorough visual records for insurance, rental, and renovation purposes. Additionally, we offer property videos and REELS to showcase your space.

Need stunning real estate visuals? Go here www.iguidebythebay.ca and view our full list of services, portfolio and book online.*

🤝 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

In Partnership With Volunteer In Quinte

Trenton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is seeking volunteers for assistance in navigating the Mammography Clinic. Volunteers provide direction to patients in a friendly manner. 

Bridge Street United Church is still in desperate need of volunteers to help prepare lunch on Saturdays 8:30am-11am and Sundays 8 am-11:30am.

Central Hastings Support Network is seeking volunteers to drive clients to appointments. Locations can be both local or long-distance, including Kingston or Toronto. Volunteers use their own vehicles and receive re-imbursement through a pre-determined mileage fee.

Take Control of Your Time

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🎟️ WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Thursday, Feb. 27
🎸 Jesse Cook Live | 7:30 p.m. | The Empire Theatre | $57 | Experience world-class flamenco and fusion guitar as Jesse Cook takes the stage for a night of mesmerizing music.

🎨 Art Classes for Kids & Adults – Belleville | 4:45-8:00 p.m. | 45 Joyce Crescent | $120 (six weeks) | Dive into painting, mixed media, and even crochet in this six-week art series for all ages.

Friday, Feb. 28
🎶 Whiskey Mojo at Shorelines Casino | 8:00 p.m.-Midnight | Shorelines Casino | Free | Classic rock and country hits live—no cover charge, just good tunes and a dance floor waiting for you.

Saturday, March 1
🌱 Belleville’s First Annual Seedy Saturday | 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | Centennial High School | Free (donations welcome) | Swap seeds, shop vendors, and get expert gardening tips at this community green-thumb gathering.

🥗 Elevated Eats: A Plant-Based Pairing Dinner | 5:00-8:00 p.m. | Josh’s Diner | Price TBD | A retro diner flips the script with an upscale plant-based dining experience.

_{Note: Events may be cancelled or have changed times. Be sure to see our event calendar and reach out to the venue before going.}

🔗 To see an awesome list of events for the area, hit the button below!

Hosting an event? Submit it to our calendar here.

📸 COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

Last week we had the pleasure of visiting Wander The Spa in Bloomfield — they’re serving up serious relaxation vibes—with a Nordic spa experience that’ll melt your stress away. Think hot saunas, cold plunges, and deep rest, all designed to boost circulation and leave you feeling brand new. And if you're feeling fancy, don’t miss the Aufguss Ritual—a next-level sauna experience where essential oils, heat, and expert towel work (yes, really) take your sweat sesh to spa-heaven status. Check out our instagram sneak-peek below.

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Want to see your photos in our community snapshot section? Tag us on instagram @BOQtoday or send us a message!

🏛️ CIVIL NEWS

BELLEVILLE

💰 Death, Taxes & Deadlines: First Instalment Due Tomorrow
Like clockwork, property taxes are due—the first interim instalment deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 26. Pay up online, by phone, at your bank, by mail, or in person at City Hall or Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the late fees—future you will thank you!

QUINTE WEST

🏗️ Quinte West streamlines development process
Quinte West has launched a new pre-consultation process to help developers and homeowners navigate planning applications. The free, optional meetings allow applicants to discuss projects with city staff before submitting formal applications—helping avoid delays and costly revisions. (Quinte News)

PEC

Nothing today!

That’s it friends — thanks for reading and share this with someone who you’d like to go dancing under the stars with.

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