Tom Henihan
Express Staff
For people 26 years old and younger Alberta Family Day has always been a holiday they have always taken for granted. Older Albertans may remember that Premier Don Getty’s decision in 1989 to have a statutory holiday in honour of the family was met with some resistance, especially by employers due to the expense of an additional statutory holiday.
However, a compromise was reached, with Heritage Day relegated from a statutory to a civic holiday and the first Family Day being celebrated in 1990.
Today, there are no disagreements around Family Day as people enthusiastically get together with family and friends to participate in activities with their kids and with the community.
On February 19 at 2pm under the motto, “the best times are always found with friends and family gather round,” McLennan Family Day celebrations get underway and the lineup of activities is as varied and exciting as previous years.
The kids who were disappointed on Santa Day because of the cancelation of the hayride due to extremely cold weather, will now have the opportunity to make up for it as the sleigh ride event has been added to the Family Day lineup between 5 and 7pm.
All events and available refreshments associated with Family Day celebrations are free.
The day will begin with family skating at W.H. Fish Arena. At 3pm to 6pm hot chocolate, coffee, juice and popcorn will be available at the Elks Hall and at 4.30 to 6pm hot dogs will also be served.
Also at the Elks Hall, family bingo with prizes will take place between 3 to 4.30pm
The bonfire and fireworks display will take place at the lakeshore with the bonfire beginning at 5pm and the fireworks scheduled for 7pm.
McLennan Parks and Recreation Board organize and are one of the sponsors of McLennan Family Day celebrations. Other sponsors are The Royal Purple, The Town of McLennan, Smoky River Regional Fire Department, Dan the Stickman and McLennan Trade and Recreation Fair.
