Laurier Brantford invites community to second annual Purple and Gold Party

Jan. 22, 2026
For Immediate Release

BRANTFORD — Wilfrid Laurier University welcomes the community for an afternoon of free, family-friendly activities on Feb. 15 as part of the City of Brantford’s Winter Fun Fest. 

The second annual Purple and Gold Party will transform the lower-level atrium of One Market (1 Market St., Brantford) into a playground for children of all ages, complete with face-painting, balloon animals and bouncy castles. The Wilfrid Laurier Students’ Union-run Belmont Restaurant will also be open, with hot drinks and snacks available for purchase. 

“We’re thrilled to host a party for the entire community to celebrate the strong bond Laurier has with the City of Brantford,” said Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “This is our way of saying thank you to everyone in Brantford for more than a quarter century of collaboration and successes.” 

New for this year’s event is a Crock A Doodle pottery painting activity and magic demonstrations from Brantford’s Doug “The Great” Hunt, who holds a Guinness World Record for stilt walking. The expanded programming builds on the success of last year’s inaugural Purple and Gold Party, which drew approximately 500 community members, including Laurier faculty, staff, alumni and students. 

Guests are encouraged to explore the full program for the City of Brantford’s Winter Fun Fest, which includes horse-drawn trolley rides through downtown and a s’mores station in Harmony Square. 

The Purple and Gold Party takes place Feb. 15 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the lower level atrium at One Market. Guests can access the event via the doors at the corner of Dalhousie and Market streets.  

Dalhousie Street from Clarence to Market streets will be closed to traffic for the duration of Winter Fun Fest. Free parking is available at the Market Centre Parkade (59 Icomm Dr.).