🔦 In This Issue of Kingston Spotlight
Local Business Spotlight
🚁 Stunning Aerial Views for Your Event or Business | Aanii Nichii Drones
Kingston & Area Local News
🏅 Limestone to the Alps: 5 Kingston-Area Legends at Milano-Cortina
Events in and around Kingston
🌙 A Recipe for Kindness: Partners in Mission & Ramadan | Starting Feb 18
🏮 Crying Horses & Lion Dances: Lunar New Year | Saturday, February 21
🏒 Hockey with Heart: Fronts Fight Cancer | Saturday, February 21
🌶️ Wings, Wit, and Afterburn: KBC Hot Sauce Contest | Sunday, February 22
🧘 Community Care: Living With Chronic Conditions | Starting Monday, February 23
🔦 Local Business Spotlight
🚁📸 Stunning Aerial Views for Your Event or Business by Aanii Nichii Drones
Meet Paul Carl, the pilot behind the "Safety Orange" drones with the bear paw logo you might see soaring over Kingston. The name of his business, Aanii Nichii, literally translates to "Hello, Friend" in Anishinaabemowin—and that friendly, community-first perspective is exactly how he runs his operation.
What started as a hobby has grown into a meaningful social enterprise. His real passion lies in using his "bird's-eye view" for good.
Community Impact: Besides recording amazing video of all kinds of events large and small, Paul works closely with local food projects, such as the Highway 15 Indigenous Food Sovereignty Garden.
Safety & Speed: Paul is one of the few local pilots with a Standing SFOC for Advertised Events. While other pilots might need 30-60 days to get government approval for an event shoot, Paul can often be cleared in just 5 days.
Award-Winning Eye: He’s not just a pilot; he’s an artist. Paul was the 2025 Silver Winner in the "Community Votes" Photographer category—competing against everyone on the ground!
📍📰 Kingston & Area Local News
🏅 Local Legends: 5 Kingston-Area Olympians at Milano-Cortina
The world is watching Milano and Cortina, but our eyes are glued to the local talent representing the greater Kingston area. From the bobsleigh tracks to the figure skating rinks, these athletes and coaches are carrying the limestone city's spirit onto the global stage.
Hallie Clarke (Skeleton): The Belleville native and youngest world title holder in history is a major medal threat in the skeleton.
Jay Dearborn (Bobsleigh): A former CFL player and Yarker local now piloting the Canadian sled. He also serves as an ambassador for BGC South East!
Trennt Michaud (Figure Skating): Making his Olympic pairs debut as a reigning Canadian champion alongside Lia Pereira.
Cameron Spalding (Snowboarding): The Havelock local arrives coming off a breakout season as the World Cup Crystal Globe winner in Slopestyle.
Bruce Cassidy (Hockey Coach): Former Kingston Frontenacs head coach (2006-08) is lending his veteran expertise to Canada’s Men’s Hockey bench.
Source: Visit Kingston
📅 Events In and Around Kingston
🌙 Ramadan in the Limestone City, Helping Partners in Mission
📅 Feb 18 – March 19, 2026
Ramadan begins Wednesday, February 18th, marking a month of reflection, fasting, and deep community connection for Kingston’s Muslim neighbors. Whether you’re observing the fast or simply want to support your fellow Kingstonians, here is what’s happening locally:
Nightly Gatherings: The Islamic Centre of Kingston (ICK) will be hosting nightly Isha and Taraweeh prayers. They start at 8:00 PM this week, eventually shifting to 9:00 PM as the days get longer.
The "Give 30" Campaign: This local favorite is back for its 13th year! The concept is beautifully simple: everyone (Muslim or otherwise) is encouraged to take the money they would normally spend on coffee, snacks, or lunch during the day and donate it to the Partners in Mission Food Bank.
It’s a great reminder that while the fast is spiritual, the impact on our local food security is very real.
Quick Links:
🏮 Lunar New Year: Welcoming the Year of the Horse
📅 Saturday, February 21, 2026
Downtown Kingston is coming alive this Saturday to celebrate the Lunar New Year. We are officially entering the Year of the Horse, and there is plenty of action happening along Princess Street and beyond:
The "Unhappy Horse" Scavenger Hunt: In a "cheeky" turn of events, 30 participating businesses are hiding "Crying Horse" plushies (a viral sensation from China caused by a sewing mistake). If you find seven of these sad-but-cute little guys, you can enter to win one of your own!
The Lion Dance: Catch a captivating performance by the Tallack Martial Arts Lion Dance Team in Springer Market Square at 3:00 PM.
Family Fun at the Library: Head to the Central Branch (130 Johnson St) from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for Kung Fu demos, dual-language storytime, and crafts.
Local Food & Drink Specials:
AquaTerra: Sip on a "Golden Lychee Martini" or snack on Char Siu Beef skewers.
Miss Bao: Enjoy a special tasting menu on Saturday, or check out their Lunar New Year Market on Sunday, Feb 22.
Tango Nuevo: Don't miss the Matcha Mochi dessert feature.
Quick Links:
🌶️ Some Like It Hot: The 27th Annual KBC Hot Sauce Contest
📅 Sunday, February 22, 2026 @ 1:00 PM
The legendary Kingston Brewing Company (34 Clarence St) is turning up the heat this Sunday. Whether you're a "chili-head" with a secret family recipe or just someone who enjoys watching people question their life choices while eating spicy wings, this is the place to be.
The Main Event (2:00 PM): The 27th Annual Hot Sauce Contest. Locals bring their best homemade sauces to be judged for Best Sauce, Best Name, and the coveted People's Choice. (Note: Entry fee is $5).
New for 2026 (1:00 PM): The 1st Annual Hot Wing Eating Contest. Hosted by local comedian Ryan Dennee, brave contestants must tackle 7 "insanely hot" wings. There’s a 20-minute limit and a brutal 2-minute "afterburn" period where no drinks are allowed.
The Deadline: If you want to enter a sauce, you must submit it at the pub by Friday, February 20 with a full list of ingredients.
Quick Links:
🏒 Fronts Fight Cancer Night
📅 Saturday, February 21, 2026 @ 4:05 PM
The Kingston Frontenacs are hosting their annual Fronts Fight Cancer night this Saturday at Slush Puppie Place as they take on the Niagara IceDogs. It’s always an emotional and powerful evening at the rink.
The Tribute Tunnel: You can submit the names of loved ones who have fought, are currently fighting, or have lost their battle with cancer. These names will be featured on "I Fight For" signs lining the tunnel the players walk through from the locker room to the ice.
Support the Cause: Beyond the game, these nights often include special jersey auctions or local fundraising initiatives for cancer research and support in the KFL&A region.
Quick Links:
🧘 Living Well: Free Chronic Condition Workshop
📅 Starts Monday, February 23, 2026 @ 1:00 PM
If you or someone you care for is navigating life with a chronic condition (like diabetes, heart disease, or even persistent fatigue), the Kingston Community Health Centres (KCHC) are launching a valuable resource this coming Monday.
The Workshop: This is a FREE 6-week virtual series designed to help you manage symptoms, communicate better with doctors, and improve your daily quality of life.
The Perks: Participants get a free copy of the book Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions and a relaxation audio file.
Peer-Led: The sessions are led by trained volunteers who are living with chronic conditions themselves, so it's less "lecture" and more "community support."
Quick Links:
🔁 ICYMI: These Events Are Still Happening
👉 Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty February 20, 2026.
👉 Almost Home Benefit Concert February 21, 2026.
👉 Spirit of Winter: Enchanted Now until February 28, 2026.
👉 Kingstonlicious Now until March 28, 2026.
🌊 This Newsletter is just the tip of the iceberg
Beyond the Inbox ➕
I find way more "local gold" every week than I can actually fit in this newsletter without turning it into a novel! If you want the daily updates, extra tips, and the cool stuff that didn't make the cut, come hang out with us on our social channels.
👉 Follow us at:
Facebook @KingstonSpotlight
Instagram @KingstonSpotlight (just started)
YouTube and TikTok (planned)
🍕 Be the friend with the actual plans
Do your friends and circle a solid and forward this their way. You’ll be the hero of the group chat, and they’ll have a good reason to put down the remote.
👉 Spread the love: https://kingstonspotlight.ca