Searching the internet for Family Day activities, Greg and Pam Plant of Caledonia decided to visit Brantford for a family skate with their six-year-old daughter Annabelle.
While a free public skate was offered at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, sunshine and milder temperatures drew the Plant family to Harmony Square.
“We’ve never been here before. It’s nice,” said Pam Plant. “We’ve had a good day spending time together as a family.”
Formerly a Toronto resident, Greg Plant said the square was well thought out surrounded by apartments.
“It’s great to share it with people who can look out their windows. It builds community and it’s nice to explore here.
“For this time of the year, it’s such a really nice day to be outside,” he observed. “We weren’t sure (the rink) would be open, but it was. We’re really happy.”
Mike Huynh of Brantford held his four-year-old daughter Vanessa’s hands as he helped her become familiar with wearing skates, while her sister Sophia, 10, skated confidently on her own.
“We normally come once a week on the weekend to put in some exercise and learn to skate,” he said. “We want them to be able to skate. It’s a good skill to have and in the winter, an activity they can have with friends.”
Attendance swelled to about 1,000 people by the evening for entertainers including ventriloquism and magic performed by The BarryO Kidshow; a reading of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, and a DJ dance party.
Fireworks were set off from both Colborne Street – which was closed to traffic — and the parking garage. The display had been originally scheduled for New Year’s Eve, but was canceled due to inclement weather.
After taking part in a free public skate at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Center in the afternoon, Lawrence Xurieb of Brantford brought his three-year-old daughter Ivy to Harmony Square.
“We have our fluffy blankets and coffee,” Xurieb said as they got comfortable on a bench to wait for the fireworks to begin at 7:30 pm
“Family Day, to me, is taking the day to appreciate loved ones, especially the ones close to you. It’s a sense of security, community, and homebody-ness.”