Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
The Town of Peace River is gearing up to host its annual Family Fest on Feb. 17 at the Baytex Energy Centre.
“The Community Services department of the Town of Peace River, which includes great programs like the Recreation Department, FCSS, the Peace Region Family Resource Network and the Peace Regional Pool, have come together to put on a fun-filled free family event for families in our community,” says Peace River FCSS programmer Tamara Brunham.
“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate families, promote all the great programing we offer and just thank the community by putting on this great event.”
The celebration, rightfully being held in conjunction with the province’s Family Day, will feature horse and sleigh rides provided by Peace Draft Horse Club, public skating, swimming opportunities and so much more.
“There is something for everyone,” Brunham says.
“We have indoor and outdoor activities, sporty things, crafty and creative things, different activities for all ages. It doesn’t matter if your children are one or 17 there is something for families to have fun doing together at Family Fest.”
Another activity being offered includes Stick N’ Puck with the Navigators on the outdoor rink. This provides the chance for people to play shinny hockey with players from the Navigators hockey team.
“Indoors there will be public skating – no hockey sticks or pucks – so participants can skate around safely,” says Brunham.
“On the outdoor rink, however, hockey enthusiasts are welcome to bring their stick and helmets to play shinny.”
A Pirate-themed swim will be held from 2:30-4:30 p.m., and various youth activities and crafting will be held in the FRN HUB. Brunham explains the FRN HUB is the home of the Peace Region Family Resource Network. She says PRFRN is a government-funded organization that provides free programing and support services for families with children 0-18 years.
“Our play centre will be open during Family Fest with fun and engaging activities for children 0-6 (years) and our staff will also fill the multipurpose room at the Baytex with crafting and games for seven and up,” she says.
“It’s great for our programs to work together to put on a big event for the community because it often introduces families to all the great programing, we offer all throughout the year.”
The Town is also welcoming buskers to perform during the day. These are people who perform music in the street or public place for donations.
“Last year in our feedback forms we had quite a few requests for music,” Brunham says.
“This year, our organizers thought inviting local musicians to set up around the Baytex and perform as participants enjoy activities might be a great way to test out the musical request. We have had a few interested musicians reach out so we are really hoping to get some secured for the day.”
Brunham says the Community Service Department does a ton of programs, workshops, activities and events and she is hoping people will attend, enjoy the provided events and then check out all of the programs offered throughout the year.
“It’s important to us to remove as many barriers for families as we can and to be able to spend the day entertaining your family and not have to spend any money is the best way to make it accessible to everyone,” she says.
“FCSS is making buttons with Family Fest the public to gain public exposure about the program but also giving participants something to take home with them to celebrate and remember the fun from the day.”
Brunham explains the origins of the Family Day event come from the Peace Region Family Resource Network. When their program was a Parent Link Centre, they used Family Day to hold their annual birthday party with a free event for families.
“As Parent Link ended and the Family Resource Network began, they moved into Baytex Energy Centre, partnered with the recreation department and then FCSS and the small free birthday event grew into Family Fest,” she explains.
“Keeping the event free has always been the most important part to the Family Resource Network and it has been amazing that the other partners joining have made that be able to continue.”
Also available during the event is free Tim Hortons coffee or hot chocolate, door prizes, free hotdogs, and many other family-friendly attractions.
Brunham and the team of organizers is hoping families choose to attend their event from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Feb. 17.