Good morning! This is The Oakville Digest, your trusted guide to everything happening in the beautiful town of Oakville, Ontario.

Here is what to expect in today’s issue:

• 🌕 Blood Moon photos and Pet of the week

• 🎨 Town of Oakville looking for local artists

• 📅 A list of events for the week!

Thanks for being part of our growing community. Let us know what you loved in today’s issue by replying to this email, and….

Let’s dive in!

News

🌕 Stunning Photos of the Recent Blood Moon

Last week's total lunar eclipse, also known as the "Blood Moon," was a breathtaking sight over Oakville and the rest of southern Ontario. The event unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning, with the moon reaching peak eclipse around 3 a.m. As Earth’s shadow fully covered the moon, it took on a deep red hue—an effect caused by sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere.

In case you missed it, the clear skies gave stargazers a perfect view, and many captured incredible photos of the rare celestial event. The striking images showcase the moon’s eerie red glow, making for a truly memorable night in the sky. If you haven’t seen them yet, plenty of stunning pictures are now circulating online, offering a glimpse of the breathtaking eclipse.

🦴 Pet Spotlight: Meet Howie!

Howie is an 8-year-old Mastiff with a big heart and an even bigger love for back scratches! This friendly, playful pup came to the shelter as a stray and is now looking for his forever home. He’s house-trained, food-motivated, and enjoys walks but doesn’t need too much exercise. Howie would be a great fit for a first-time dog owner in any type of home where everyone is 12+.

🧸 Oakville’s Toys "R" Us Bids Farewell

Another piece of childhood nostalgia is disappearing—Oakville’s Toys "R" Us is set to close its doors by the end of April. Located at 290 North Service Road West in Dorval Crossing Plaza, the store has been a go-to for generations of toy shoppers. But with more people buying online, even Geoffrey the Giraffe couldn’t keep up.

With the countdown to closure underway, expect clearance deals to roll in soon. One local shopper summed it up best: “I better use up my gift cards before the shelves are empty!” If you’re feeling nostalgic, now’s the time for one last toy run.

Community Spotlight

🎨 Oakville Seeking Artist for Community Spirit Awards

Calling all local artists! The Town of Oakville is commissioning an artist to design the 2026 and 2027 Community Spirit Awards—an annual program recognizing individuals and groups for their leadership and volunteerism. Each year, the selected artist will create eight one-of-a-kind pieces, with seven presented to award recipients and one added to the town’s permanent collection.

Artists working with wood, painting, ceramics, metal, glass, and other traditional mediums are encouraged to apply. Digital art will not be accepted. Applicants must be 18+ and have a strong connection to Oakville. The selected artist will receive a $4,000 commission and must be available for filming and the June award ceremony. Interested? Apply online by April 15, 2025!

🎻 Calling Young Musicians: OCO’s Concerto Competition is Back!

The Oakville Chamber Orchestra (OCO) is inviting talented young instrumentalists and vocalists to compete in its 2025 Youth Concerto Competition! With cash prizes of up to $500 and the chance to perform with the orchestra, this is an incredible opportunity to showcase your musical talent.

The competition is open to Canadian residents, citizens living abroad, and international students currently in Canada. Applications close on March 27, so if you’ve got the skills, now’s the time to shine! Full details, including video submission guidelines, are available on OCO’s website. Don’t miss your shot to impress Oakville’s music scene!

Weather

Monday, March 17
🌤️ Partly sunny and cooler.
High: 7°C | Low: -1°C​

Tuesday, March 18
☁️ Mostly cloudy and mild.
High: 10°C | Low: -1°C​

Wednesday, March 19
⛅ Warmer with times of clouds and sun.
High: 16°C | Low: 1°C

Events

• Skate Oakville Send Off Party 6:00 PM | March 18 (more info)

  • Location: Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, 3070 Neyagawa Blvd, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate Skate Oakville’s skaters as they prepare for the World and Provincial championships! Watch them perform their routines before the big event. Admission is free—come cheer them on!

• OPL Adult Book Club: Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | March 18 (more info)

  • Location: OPL Glen Abbey Branch, 1415 Third Line, Oakville

  • Description: Love it or hate it, come discuss it! Join fellow book lovers for a lively conversation about Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo. Pick up a copy at Glen Abbey Branch and share your thoughts at our monthly meet-up. Drop-in, no registration required. Ages 18+.

• Business Networking Meet-Up 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | March 19 (more info)

  • Location: Caffe Prego, 3115 Dundas Street West, Mississauga

  • Description: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs in this semi-structured networking event designed to help you build meaningful relationships and grow your business. Bring your 30-second elevator pitch, business cards, and be ready to make valuable connections. Registration: $5. Free onsite parking available.

• Fitness Class: Dance Essentials 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | March 19 (more info)

  • Location: Taste of Colombia, 67 Bronte Road #2, Oakville

  • Description: Strengthen your body, improve flexibility, and refine posture in this ballet-inspired fitness class. Using the ballet barre, core exercises, and posture techniques, this session is designed for both dancers and non-dancers. Wear workout attire, bring water, and wear runners or socks.

• Community Meditation Circle w/ Kale 7:15 PM - 8:30 PM | March 19 (more info)

  • Location: Justin Ellis PT, 5109 Harvester Road #14A, Burlington

  • Description: Join facilitator Kale Black for a guided meditation session designed to help you quiet your mind and relax into the present moment. Using singing bowls, drumming, rainsticks, and soothing music, this session is open to all experience levels.

• Oakville Speed Dating (Ages 38-48F/40-50M) 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | March 19 (more info)

  • Location: Harpers Landing, 481 Cornwall Road, Oakville

  • Description: Meet up to 15 new people in one exciting night with Single in the City! Enjoy a fun and fast-paced evening of dating, complete with appetizers and great conversation.

• Oakville After 5 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | March 20 (more info)

  • Location: The Gingerman Social Eatery, 416 Kerr Street, Oakville

  • Description: Connect with local entrepreneurs at this interactive networking event hosted by LeadTribes Networking. Share who you are, what you do, and discover exciting collaboration opportunities. Whether you're looking to grow your business or build new relationships, this is a great way to expand your network in a supportive environment.

• Adult Book Club: Canary Girls 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | March 20 (more info)

  • Location: Sixteen Mile Branch, 3250 Neyagawa Blvd, Oakville

  • Description: Love it or hate it, come discuss it! This month’s book club pick is Canary Girls by Jennifer Chiaverini. Pick up a copy from the Sixteen Mile Branch and join fellow book lovers for a lively conversation. No registration required—just drop in and share your thoughts! Ages 18+.

• Pasta Making with Chef Enzo Campisi | 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM | March 20 (more info)

  • Location: Mercato Sociale, 257 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville

  • Description: Celebrate the first day of spring with an unforgettable hands-on cooking class! Learn how to make butternut squash ravioli from scratch with Chef Enzo Campisi. Enjoy a welcome tasting of margherita and pear & prosciutto pizza with a glass of wine before diving into pasta-making at the pizza bar.

• Jimmy Rankin Performance 8:00 PM | March 20 (more info)

  • Location: Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, 130 Navy St, Oakville

  • Description: Experience an unforgettable night of music with renowned artist Jimmy Rankin and a lineup of talented Atlantic Canadian songwriters. Set in the style of a Cape Breton Kitchen Party, this intimate songwriters’ circle will bring the rich melodies and stories of the Maritimes to life.

• March Meditation & Sound Bath with Crystals 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | March 21 (more info)

  • Location: Christ First United Church, 1700 Mazo Cres, Mississauga

  • Description: Experience crystal healing energy through a guided meditation with a soothing sound bath featuring singing bowls, chimes, and shakers. A relaxing and immersive way to restore balance and calm the mind.

Thank You!

Thank you for reading The Oakville Digest! We hope you found this edition helpful and insightful. We’d love to hear your feedback or any event suggestions you’d like us to feature in future issues. Don’t forget to share with friends and family, and we’ll see you Wednesday!

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