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Family at Laurier Brantford Purple and Gold Party
More than 1,400 guests celebrate Laurier Brantford’s second annual Purple and Gold Party

More than 1,400 guests celebrate Laurier Brantford’s second annual Purple and Gold Party

Feb. 17, 2026

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Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus welcomed an enthusiastic crowd of more than 1,400 to the second annual Purple and Gold Party, a free, family-friendly celebration on Feb. 15 that was part of the City of Brantford’s Winter Fun Fest.

Held from 1 to 5 p.m. in the lower-level atrium of One Market (1 Market St.), the event transformed the space into a colourful playground filled with laughter and activity. Attendees enjoyed face-painting, balloon animals, bouncy castles and crafting stations that kept visitors of all ages engaged throughout the afternoon.

Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy and Vice-President: Student Affairs Kate McCrae Bristol

Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy and Vice-President: Student Affairs Kate McCrae Bristol.

“The turnout exceeded our expectations and showed just how strong the connection is between Laurier and the broader Brantford community,” says Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy. “This event continues to be a wonderful way to bring people together in celebration of our shared spirit and collaboration.”

A child paints at the Purple and Gold Party's Crock a Doodle station

A budding artist paints tiles at the Crock A Doodle station.

New attractions this year included a Crock A Doodle pottery painting station and magic demonstrations by Doug “The Great” Hunt, a Guinness World Record holder for stilt walking. Also joining in the fun were student volunteers from Laurier’s Master of Applied Computing program, who led children in crafting beaded bracelets that displayed their initials in binary code.

A child and father at the Purple and Gold Party colouring station.

Colouring pages turned Laurier Brantford's Forever Golden mural into a blank canvas for creative minds.

At an “info expo” overlooking the atrium, parents were invited to explore community resources and programming at Laurier-affiliated organizations, including the Laurier Brantford YMCA, Kids Can Fly, and Laurier’s Child and Adolescent Research and Education (CARE) Lab and Centre for Leading Research in Education (CLRiE).

Guests mingle with Laurier's mascot, Midas, at the Purple and Gold Party

Midas was on hand to mingle with guests from campus and the broader community.

Throughout the afternoon, a pop-up Hawk Shop bustled as guests snapped up plush Golden Hawks — tiny takes on Laurier’s mascot, Midas, who was greeting fans nearby — and stocked up on purple and gold winter wear. The Wilfrid Laurier Students’ Union-run Belmont Restaurant offered warm drinks and snacks for purchase, providing a cozy complement to the high-energy activities and helping make the party a memorable experience for everyone.

The success of this year’s Purple and Gold Party builds on the momentum of the inaugural event celebrating the 25th anniversary of Laurier’s Brantford campus and highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to community engagement.

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