🔦 In This Issue of Kingston Spotlight
Events
Spirit of Winter: Springer Market Square is basically Narnia right now. Go for the wobbly skating, stay for the fire-toasted s'mores. (Runs until Feb 28).
Kingstonlicious: Local chefs are showing off. This weekend’s events are sold out, but you can still snag tickets for the Valentine’s Food Tours if you hurry!
The Twosome Run: A 5K "date" this Sunday at SLC. It’s romantic, provided your idea of romance involves heavy breathing in sub-zero temperatures.
Community Pride
Jay Dearborn: This Yarker native is Italy-bound! He’s officially representing Canada in Bobsleigh at the 2026 Winter Olympics. 🏅
Nathan Kashira: This Regi student was just named a finalist for the $100,000 Loran Scholarship. He's one of only 90 in the country—basically a neighborhood genius. 🎓
📅 Events
❄️ Spirit of Winter: Enchanted
Kingston is basically a Snow Globe right now!
The Spirit of Winter: Enchanted is officially taking over Springer Market Square, and it’s running from now until February 28th.
It’s basically a real-life fairy tale, but with better snacks. Here’s the lowdown on why you should grab your puffer jacket and head out, with or without the kiddos:
The Enchanted Forest: Market Street has been transformed into a glowing forest full of lights and "whimsical creatures" (perfect for that selfie you know you’re going to take).
Skating Under the Stars: Lace up those skates and hit the ice at the Square. If you’re more "waddling penguin" than "graceful swan," don't worry—the lights make everyone look like a pro.
Firepits & S’mores: Yes, actual fire. Yes, actual marshmallows. Toast them to golden perfection (or set them on fire, we don’t judge) on select evenings.
Snow Dome Village: Think of these as fancy, heated bubbles where you can sit with your crew, sip drinks, and feel very VIP while the snow falls outside.
Indigenous Storytelling: Get cozy and listen to beautiful, immersive stories that bring the "Stories of Winter" to life.
Adult "Spirits": Local spots are serving up specialty "Spirit of Winter" drinks. Some have caffeine, some have... well, other spirits. 🍹
Where: Springer Market Square & Market Street
When: Now through February 28th
🏃♂️ The Ultimate Relationship Test (aka The Twosome Run)
If you think a "romantic date" involves freezing your toes off while gasping for air, have I got the event for you! The KRRA Twosome Run 5K is happening this Sunday, February 8th.
Whether you’re actually a couple, just "running buddies," or you’ve recruited a friend who owes you a favor, it’s the perfect way to earn that Valentine’s chocolate a few days early.
The Deets:
What: A 5K run where you can compete as a pair (or solo, if you’re a lone wolf).
When: Sunday, February 8th @ 10:00 AM.
Where: St. Lawrence College (Kingston Campus).
The Vibe: High energy, slightly chilly, and 100% more productive than staying in bed.
The "Twosome" Catch: You and your partner's times are added together. So, choose someone fast—or someone you really, really like talking to while panting.
Pro Tip: If you can survive a 5K in Kingston in February without arguing about who set the pace too fast, your relationship is basically indestructible.
😋 Kingstonlicious
If the Spirit of Winter is a treat for your eyes, Kingstonlicious is the main course for your soul. It’s that magical time of year when our local chefs team up to prove that Kingston is secretly a food capital of the world.
Think special prix fixe menus, chef collaborations, and enough deliciousness to make you forget it’s -10°C outside.
⚠️ FOMO Alert:
Kingstonians are clearly hungry because the big events are selling out faster than a tray of free samples at Costco:
Feb 8th: "The Perfect Board" (Cheese & Charcuterie 101) is officially SOLD OUT. 🧀
Feb 10th: "Teen Chef's Ticket" is also SOLD OUT. 🧑🍳
The Good News?
You can still save your Valentine’s Day (and your reputation as a great planner). As of right now, you might still be able to snag tickets for:
A Taste of Kingston: Family-Friendly Food Tours (Feb 14-16): It’s a guided stroll through downtown where you get to eat your way through the city's best spots. It’s perfect for a date, a family outing, or just an excuse to eat four lunches in one afternoon.
🙌 Local Legends
🏅 Jay Dearborn from Yarker / Perth Road is Going to the Olympics in Italy!
Ever wonder what it's like to hurtle down an ice track in a metal tube at speeds that would make your driving instructor faint? Ask Jay Dearborn.
Our very own Yarker native and current Perth Road resident just got the official nod to represent Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games! This isn't Jay's first time on the world stage (he's a returning Olympian), but it never gets old seeing one of our own chasing gold.
While the rest of us are carefully shuffling across icy parking lots to avoid a wipeout, Jay is doing it at 130km/h for glory. We’re officially claiming him as our local hero for 2026.
🎓 Is Nathan Kashira Kingston’s $100,000 Teenager?
Remember what you were doing in high school? I was mostly trying to remember my locker combination and hoping nobody noticed my latest breakout. Meanwhile, Kingston’s own Nathan Kashira is out here being named a Loran Scholars finalist.
If you aren't familiar with the Loran, it’s basically the "Olympic Gold" of Canadian scholarships. It’s a $100,000 investment in students who show massive character, service, and leadership potential.
Nathan (a student at Regiopolis-Notre Dame) was picked as one of only 90 finalists from over 3,000 applicants across the country. He’s heading to the national selections soon, and honestly, he’s making the rest of us look a little bit like slackers.
We’re rooting for you, Nathan! Go show them that Kingston breeds the best.
👯 Friends Don’t Let Friends Have Boring Weekends
If you’re vibing with this newsletter, don't be a content hoarder! Forward this email to a friend so they can stop asking you "what's there to do?" every Saturday morning.
We’ll get to keep the spotlight shining on our awesome community. It’s basically good karma in a link.
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