Family Day; Unplugged

Times Reporter 

 

In a world where staying connected is becoming more and more prominent, many organizations are suggesting going unplugged. That’s an idea that’s being adopted by the Family Day event organizers this year. 

“We’re doing Family Day Unplugged and it’s an initiative that’s starting in the province to get families to spend more time together, away from the TV and away from the computer, and out and doing things that involve nature, or physical activity,” said Tracy Simpson, community services coordinator with the town.  

People are being asked to put down their devices and head out to take part in one of the five fun family events planned. The province is asking people to log onto www.fcssaa.org on Feb. 18 and log how many hours you went unplugged. All you need to give is your name, where you live and your age. Each community as a whole will be tracked to see how they compare to other communities in the province.  

The actual Family Day activities take place on Feb. 17 and this year all groups who host events are working together to bring a full day of activities to the community.

“Historically we’ve always had events on Family Day, the Cheadle Lions have been doing their breakfast for years, the HEAL coalition has been doing their Great Skate,” said Simpson.

“So what we did this year is we just wanted to bring everyone to the table so we could share our resources and kind of coordinate our schedules so it is more of a day festival than little activities kind of everywhere.”

The morning begins with the Cheadle Lions breakfast at the Civic Centre at 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. The Youth Club of Strathmore will host a kid’s carnival at the same time. 

The Great Skate starts at noon and there will also be ice fishing on the lake with the fire department for seniors and kids under the age of 16.  

“Everything on the day is free, you can come and spend the whole day and not spend any money,” said Simpson.

After the Great Skate and the ice fishing the Five for Life coalition is hosting a free family swim at the Aquatic Centre from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

There will also be a draw for a prize pack for those who partake in some of the Family Day activities. 

“At the breakfast you can come and get a passport and then every activity will have a stamp and if you get all your stamps, I think we said three stamps, your name will get entered into a draw and your family can win a prize pack,” said Simpson. 

The prize pack will be filled with stuff families can do together at home. For now the ice fishing and skating aspects of the day are up in the air. 

“Right now the ice isn’t safe for anyone, so we’re working on some back-up plans, but that’s the plan as of right now,” said Simpson. 

She is trying to connect with a couple of different groups in town to see about maybe just doing activities in the park, just in case the ice isn’t ready.  There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, a fire pit and live music at Kinsmen Park. Simpson said there will be plenty of things to do, even if you can’t go skating that day. If it is chilly out there will be hot chocolate and hot soup available to the park patrons.