logo
How Lime Ridge mall matters to Hamiltonians: From wedding rings, movies to Bata Shoes

How Lime Ridge mall matters to Hamiltonians: From wedding rings, movies to Bata Shoes

Ever shopped at Midnight Madness?
Hamiltonians have memories, and the
recent sale of Lime Ridge
mall to
new owners
has brought those feelings forefront.
Podcast: Lime Ridge Mall has been sold. Now what?
The mall has always been
about discovery and community
. Where else could you meet your future spouse? See a movie? Hang in an arcade? Shop till you drop?
We
asked readers
for their thoughts and memories on the 40-plus year old Hamilton Mountain mall.
Here are some responses:
'Midnight Madness! I was in my teens when I worked at Bata Shoes and we would all wear pajamas as we worked. Some of my longest friendships are with people I worked with at Lime Ridge. In fact, my maid of honour when I got married was someone I met when working at Athlete's World. The mall was more than just a place to shop. For those of us that worked there, it was our own little community!' says Kristin Scarfone
'I remember the 'Eaton's uncrates the Sun' sales and decorations each spring. My parents and our family would go to the Eaton's buffet (fabulous roast beef and mac and cheese) and then shop. I miss those old days and I miss being with my parents there. When my mom ended up in Wentworth Heights, I would take her on outings to Limeridge for fun. She loved the open space, the refreshments we would buy and the chance to shop,' recalls Dawn Martens.
'I grew up close to Lime Ridge, so we were always there, from going with my parents as a kid to hanging around there as a teenager. Used to walk through daily on my way home from school, going to movies, eating in the food court... Then, going with my two young sons as they've grown up. A lifetime of memories in that building,' says another reader.
'The old Santa setup, the fountains, arcade and cinema,' writes Mike.
'Arcade, working at HMV, meeting girls at the mall or going there to meet ones that worked at the mall,' says Johnny Lawrence.
'Shopping at at Marks and Spencer.'
'Any time spent at the food court.'
'Working at HMV on Boxing Day!'
Making memories at Lime Ridge mall. Here, a 2-year-old Sydney Maas was first in line at Lime Ridge Mall to meet Santa in this file photo.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Goodbye Cheapies, BiWay, Chester's Beers of the World: Here are reader memories of old hot spots they miss
Goodbye Cheapies, BiWay, Chester's Beers of the World: Here are reader memories of old hot spots they miss

Hamilton Spectator

timea day ago

  • Hamilton Spectator

Goodbye Cheapies, BiWay, Chester's Beers of the World: Here are reader memories of old hot spots they miss

Cheapies has left a record-shaped hole in Hamilton's heart since it closed in 2020. However, it's not the only spot that locals miss dearly. Recommendations from Hamiltonians on Reddit, and from Metroland staff, have brought up more fond memories of old hits. Reader feedback to this piece has also brought up some other old favourites. Walter says: 'I miss the Palace and Casino arcades as well as the Tivoli, Odeon, Century and Hyland movie theatres. I also miss the McDonald's at King and John as well as Wendy's which was close by.' Hyland theatre Hyland Theatre in 1997 Sandra: 'So many stores and businesses in the core and in Jackson Square, and there was Robinsons and Zellers on James Street.' Stuart: 'The Jock Shop, John Street just north of King, the original pro sports jersey store…..amazing owner….' Kim: ' Barefoot Babies on Ottawa Street is still missed by myself and many others. The people I met and things I learned from the staff (such as how to use a baby carrier) helped shape me into the parent I am today, for which I am very thankful. It helped me more than I can describe.' Here are some others that might be on the list. In 1989, Cheapies was relocated to the former location of this local spot. Chicken Roost was a barn-themed restaurant that served downtown Hamilton from 1948 to 1986. The spot had signature chicken dishes, ranging from chicken on a bun to its chicken soup. Those with a sweet tooth could also enjoy its ice cream puffs and fudge sauces. The Spec has reminisced about the spot enough to share some of its favourite recipes. After 33 years in business, Westdale's 'Valhalla for gamers' went out of business in 2013. Rose Kriedemann played hard for 33 years, but just couldn't win against new technologies Bayshore began at a time when specialty toys and board games were some of the most popular ways to pass time. According to owner Rosie Kriedemann, the rise of social media and eCommerce was the writing on the wall. During its heyday, Bayshore Hobbies had a second location on Concession Street and hosted a trade show. This music store was founded by Sam Sniderman, who died in 2012 at the age of 92. Sam The Record Man founder Sam Sniderman dies at 92 During his time, Sniderman emerged as a controversial figure, but his impact on the music scene can't be denied. The store had three locations in Hamilton, with the James Street North location being one of the most popular. Sniderman faced criticism for his attempts to demolish the lobby and atrium of the historic Tivoli Theatre, which was next door to the James Street North location. Sam Sniderman, founder of Sam the Record Man, was born 94 years ago Sunday. Sniderman was also known as an 'irascible' character, 'but he could also be most charming.' The chain went bankrupt in 2001 and, as expected, the rise of digital downloads were a key factor. BiWay is remembered as an affordable outlet for clothes, ranging from adult clothes to baby outfits. During its time, it had locations in Centre Mall and Westcliffe Mall. Hamiltonians may also remember the location downtown off James and Cannon. The Biway on James Street North and a former fur store next door also closed and remained vacant in July 1998. For punk fans, Star Records may also be known as the spot where Teenage Head personally packaged their first single . Former Forgotten Rebel Chris (Pogo Au Gogo) Houston will guide you through some of Hamilton's Star Records is a talking point in any discussion of Canadian punk rock history. The former site of Star Records is a staple on the Hamilton Punk History Walking Tour, a two-hour trek around the downtown core led by Chris Houston, a former member of Forgotten Rebel. Payne Music opened in 1954 and lasted for almost 60 years, closing in 2013. The King Street East spot was owned by Bob Payne, who was 86 when the shop closed. Payne cited his age and declining profits as his main reasons for shutting down. Payne Music opened its doors in 1954 'It used to be that I'd stay open until nine on Thursdays and Fridays, but I had to stop that. There are no customers out there.' While in business, Payne Music had visits from artists such as drummer Buddy Rich and actress/singer Jayne Mansfield. Chester's opened in 1982 and quickly became popular for its wide selection — the bar offered over 200 beers. In 2013, the 60 King St. E. location moved its restaurant and bar next door, to Finger's Bar and Grill. Both establishments had the same owners, and were brought under one umbrella with the Chester's name. As one reader said, 'In its day, it had the best beer selection in the province.' One of Hamilton's most well-known beer bars is changing hands. The business was sold in 2015. The new owners initially said they would keep the large inventory and modernize the building's look. However, the bar has remained closed since. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .

Why Funny Christmas Jumpers Are the Ultimate Icebreaker at Holiday Parties
Why Funny Christmas Jumpers Are the Ultimate Icebreaker at Holiday Parties

Time Business News

time2 days ago

  • Time Business News

Why Funny Christmas Jumpers Are the Ultimate Icebreaker at Holiday Parties

The holiday season brings more than just presents, food, and time off work—it's also the time of year when people gather for holiday parties. Whether it's with coworkers, friends, or family, these gatherings can sometimes feel a little awkward at first. That's where funny Christmas jumpers come in. More than just clothing, they are colorful conversation starters that set the tone for fun, laughter, and holiday cheer. Wearing one helps break the ice, make people smile, and get the party started on the right note. In a world where first impressions count, a jumper covered in dancing reindeer or blinking lights might just be the friendliest way to say, 'Let's celebrate!' The tradition of wearing festive sweaters dates back to the 1950s and 1960s when TV personalities began sporting holiday-themed apparel. These early versions were more charming than hilarious—think snowflakes, reindeer, and trees neatly stitched into warm wool. By the 1980s, they became more exaggerated and even a little over-the-top, filled with sparkles, pom-poms, and jingle bells. At first, people wore them seriously, without irony. But eventually, the style became associated with kitsch. Somewhere in the 2000s, the ironic love for these sweaters sparked a fashion trend: enter the funny Christmas jumpers movement. People began throwing 'Ugly Christmas Sweater' parties, and the competition for the silliest, most outrageous jumper was born. Retailers caught on and started designing sweaters specifically to get laughs—ones with interactive parts, holiday puns, and absurd characters. What started as a nostalgic nod to grandma's knitting has become a global phenomenon and a holiday staple. These jumpers evolved from tacky to trendy, and now they're one of the most anticipated fashion choices of the festive season. Laughter is one of the easiest ways to bond with others. It's natural, it's free, and it breaks down barriers in seconds. That's why wearing funny Christmas jumpers is such a smart move at parties. Imagine walking into a room full of strangers, unsure of what to say or do. But then someone notices your sweater—maybe it has a cat tangled in tinsel or Santa doing yoga—and suddenly, you're both laughing. It turns a stiff atmosphere into a relaxed one instantly. Funny outfits give people a reason to approach you, comment, and strike up conversations. They offer a shared moment of silliness, which makes everything feel more human and lighthearted. You don't need to be a great speaker or a social butterfly when your jumper says it all for you. It's a creative shortcut to making friends and feeling included. Psychologists say humor increases feelings of safety and reduces stress, both of which are helpful in social situations. That's especially important during the holidays when people often feel overwhelmed or anxious. A room full of people in ridiculous sweaters creates a sense of community and shared experience, making everyone feel more relaxed and open. One of the best parts of wearing funny Christmas jumpers is the opportunity to express your personality in a way that's light-hearted and festive. Some people go for jumpers with silly jokes or puns like 'Sleigh My Name' or 'Resting Grinch Face.' Others prefer the visual humor—like a sweater with a built-in 3D fireplace or elves having a snowball fight. Then there are those who take it to the next level with lights, music, or even motion sensors. The possibilities are endless. Holiday fashion doesn't usually allow for much creativity beyond color schemes and accessories. But with these jumpers, you can be as wild or weird as you want. People love to showcase their style, their sense of humor, or their favorite characters. From retro cartoons to pop culture references, there's a funny Christmas jumper out there for everyone. This playful form of self-expression allows people to show a little more of who they are without saying a word. And it's not just about showing off—it's also about giving joy. Seeing someone laugh at your jumper is like giving them a little holiday gift. That's the beauty of it: you're making people smile simply by being yourself and embracing the goofy fun of the season. It reminds us all not to take things too seriously and to enjoy the present moment. Traditions give the holidays meaning. They help us create memories that stick with us long after the decorations come down. Wearing funny Christmas jumpers has become one of those cherished traditions for many families, friend groups, and even office teams. People look forward to pulling their favorite sweater out of storage every year or shopping for a new one to top last year's outfit. This trend has turned into an annual ritual that people of all ages can enjoy. Schools have Christmas jumper days. Offices have themed dress-up contests. Families have matching sets for their holiday photos. These jumpers are no longer just clothes—they're part of shared stories. Maybe your dad wears the same silly elf sweater every year. Or maybe your best friend makes their own from scratch with glitter and glue guns. These moments become part of your holiday history. And it's not just about fun—it's also about connection. The act of choosing a jumper together, laughing over each other's choices, and snapping photos creates bonds and strengthens relationships. It's something you can count on year after year, a tradition that brings people together in the spirit of joy and playfulness. Even when times are tough, these small traditions offer a sense of stability and happiness. In a season filled with hustle and bustle, stress and shopping lists, funny Christmas jumpers offer something refreshing: joy. They are more than garments—they are symbols of humor, togetherness, and creativity. They bring people together, spark conversations, and make unforgettable memories. Whether you're walking into a room full of strangers or spending time with loved ones, wearing a ridiculous jumper might just be the best way to spread cheer. They remind us that the holidays aren't just about perfection—they're about connection. And what better way to connect than with laughter? So this year, wear the reindeer with the disco ball nose. Rock the sweater that sings 'Jingle Bells.' Be bold, be silly, and be festive. Because when it comes to breaking the ice and warming hearts, nothing does it quite like a funny Christmas jumper. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Parents Share Biggest Lies They Tell Kids
Parents Share Biggest Lies They Tell Kids

Buzz Feed

time5 days ago

  • Buzz Feed

Parents Share Biggest Lies They Tell Kids

Sometimes a parent's got to do what a parent's got to do. Whether their kiddo is throwing a seemingly endless temper tantrum or refusing to eat their veggies, parents have to occasionally get a little creative with their version of the "truth..." That's why when TikTok user (and former NFL quarterback) @mattleinartqb said, "I'm bored. Tell me the biggest lies you tell your kids. I'm not talking about Santa or the Easter Bunny. I want the ones that you're taking to the grave," thousands of parents took to the comment section to share the weirdly useful and wildly creative "mistruths" they tell their children. Without further ado, here are 23 of their best stories: "When my daughters were six and three, they both slept with my partner and me, so I had them start sleeping on the floor instead. A couple of days in, they got the flu, so I told them they were allergic to carpet and they started sleeping in their own beds!" "I forgot all about it until my oldest was 21 and called to let me know she was not allergic to the kind of carpet in her boyfriend's house.I finally told her the truth. I didn't mean for them to believe it that long — I just forgot. I then got a call from my other daughter telling me that she couldn't believe I lied to them like that!"—tori_jones_ "I used to tell my son that oil or chewing gum spots in the parking lot were kids who didn't hold their mommy's hand when they were walking in traffic." "Whenever I don't want to watch one of my daughters' shows, I tell her the characters are sleeping: 'Sorry, Paw Patrol are sleeping!'" "My son was a picky eater and would never eat homemade pizza. When he was about three, I made a pizza and told him it was Batman's special recipe. He ate that sh*t up. He still asks me for Batman pizza today and he's SEVENTEEN." —eunice38350 "I told my kids that the hazard button in the car was an ejection button for the passenger seat and that it would shoot them straight through the roof! They never touched anything around it and believed me until they were around 10." "For every bite of vegetables they ate during dinner, they could stay up five minutes later. They didn't know how to tell time, so it worked." "I told my niece that if you break a pinky promise, your pinky will fall off. When she eventually lied, she went wild trying to hold her pinky on because she thought she was going to lose it." —cass_a_bration "My parents told my sister the ice cream man was actually the music man. He plays music to make people happy, and he only has his music on when he's out of ice cream." "I told my daughter when new teeth grow in, they create new tastes. Now she tries to figure out which new foods she will like every time a new tooth comes in." "I told my kids that all mommies have eyes in the back of their heads. We were at a rest stop once, and I asked the woman ahead of us in line if it was true, and she said, 'Yes, it's true.' ALL of the moms around us agreed." "It was an unspoken support group and my daughter wholeheartedly believed it!"—npe2021 "My husband used to tell our kids that if they picked their noses, the boogers would bite their fingers and make them crooked. Then he would show them his old broken finger and say, 'See!'" "I made up a fictional character called Mr. Bugs, and when my son is behaving badly, I always tell him, 'I'm calling Mr. Bugs to deliver bugs to your bedroom, so when you wake up, you'll have them all over your room.' He shapes up real quick." "My son choked on bacon when he was six and refused to eat after that. When we were going on day four, I decided I had to do something to get him to eat, so I introduced him to anti-choking medication (watered-down syrup) in a medicine bottle with a legitimate-looking label that had his name on it." "He is 15 now and still reminisces about how that medicine saved him."—ffdh509 "We live in a semi-rural area, so there are wild rabbits all around the house. I told my son they're all Easter Bunny spies who report back daily, all year." "I'm not a parent, but when I was learning the difference between left and right, my parents told me if I put my shoe on the wrong foot, I'd grow an extra toe." "I told my daughter the only man she could trust was her daddy because he graduated from 'man school' and got a diploma (a homemade wallet-size 'man card'). Only certain men can get such a prestigious award, and he's legit because he has the card in his wallet to prove it." — "If we go somewhere that has a playground or a bounce house and we don't have time to play, I tell my kids that we didn't buy tickets like the other children, and they're definitely sold out by now." "I text 'Santa' with pictures of toys my kids like; that way, we don't have to fight about toys at every single store. Closer to Christmas, we text Santa again with the top two or three toys they wanted all year. It helps with Christmas shopping too!" "Our family went to Disney parks often when we were kids. My dad told us that he knew Mickey Mouse personally and if we went to sleep early, he would take our autograph books to him before he went to bed and get them signed, so we never had to wait in long lines." "It took 25 years for us to realize that my dad just used his left hand to sign 'Mickey's' name."—carlymathes12 "When you pee in a pool, you have to raise your hand to let others know what you are doing, so they know to stay away." "We have a family gnome. He lives in the kitchen or pantry. We even have a house just for him. If my kids don't clean up their things, he'll take them away and give them to kids who will take care of them." "He also magically fixes/replaces things when they get broken if you ask him really nicely and do good deeds. When you're extra good, he'll randomly leave trinkets, candy, etc."—sapphirecailleach "They think the car doesn't start unless their seatbelt is fastened. Facts." "My son has a scar on his arm, and I told him that is where I put a tracking device in him so I always know where he is." "He will be 15 this year, and I still tell him that — he still doesn't know if it's true or not.—lmt8310 Which one of these lies was your favorite? Parents, what's the biggest lie you've ever told your kid(s)? Tell us in the comments or answer anonymously using the form below!

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store