Tom Henihan
Express Staff
@SmokyRiverExprs
McLennan Family Day got underway at 3 p.m. in the Elks Hall, with a packed house of bingo enthusiasts in friendly contention to win one of the many prizes donated by local businesses.
Sponsored by McLennan Parks and Recreation Board, the Town of McLennan, Dan the Stickman, Royal Purple, McLennan Fire Department and McLennan Trade and Recreation Fair, McLennan Family Day event was, once again, a celebration of community as much as it was a celebration of the family.
During bingo, which was very much a family affair with parents and kids involved in the game and Magie Gervais officiating as bingo caller, the atmosphere was animated and fun, with a plentiful supply of popcorn, juice and coffee.
Local volunteers worked the floor, providing people with bingo cards, offering assistance and helping to verify each bingo call. At the end of the free bingo, those kids lucky enough to have their names called won door prizes.
Following bingo, a hotdog supper was served at the Elks Hall after which many went to the H.W. Fish Arena for the free family skate from 5.30 to 6.30 p.m.
Dan the Stickman and the McLennan Trade and Recreation Fair coordinated a Robin Hood themed bonfire on the lakeshore that went from 5.30 to 8 p.m. Along with celebrating Family Day, the bonfire was to promote community awareness and to create momentum in anticipation of a McLennan Trade and Recreation Fair, tentatively scheduled for later this year.
Many who attended the bonfire got in character, dressing in burlap smocks reminiscent of the legendary Robin Hood and his merry men of Sherwood Forest.
The grand finale fireworks, launched after dark at around 7.p.m, held everyone’s rapt attention, especially the kids for approximately 20 minutes, before tired parents and children headed home, having enjoyed an eventful Family Day celebration.
McLennan families and community members enjoying the Robin Hood themed Family Day bonfire at the lakeshore.
Parents and kids arriving at the Family Day bonfire and fireworks display.
McLennan Family Day got started with a full house bingo event at the Elks Hall.