It’s been three years since the last time Sarnia Kids Funfest and the community hosted its return Saturday.
“It’s been so steady all day, which is awesome,” said Rachel Veilleux, the city’s community services co-ordinator. “I know pre-pandemic we were always in the 3,000- to 5,000-person range just over the five hours. Seems like it’s on pace for about that. It’s been awesome.”
Veilleux said about 40 community vendors participated in the 25th edition of the free community event from 9 am to 2 pm at Clearwater Park.
“They’re businesses, they’re clubs, they’re organizations that cater to kids ages 12 and under and their families,” she said. “Each one of them has some kind of interactive activity for the kids to enjoy.”
Peter Mennie, a magician based out of nearby London, performed on stage near a long line of children, who were patiently waiting for their turn during a warm afternoon to grab a bow and arrow at the Sarnia School of Archery’s booth. A few steps further into the park were live animals, including rabbits, brought on site by Heaven’s Wildlife Rescue.
Leading up to a giant inflatable slide were booths featuring the Bluewater Gymnastics Club and Camp Female Firefighters in Training, an upcoming day camp for females interested in getting firsthand experience in firefighting.
“Really anything you can think of that kids might enjoy,” Veilleux said.
The event featured different zones in the park including sport and demonstration, science and environmental, pre-school, and community organizations. Touch-a-truck, featuring a school bus, a garbage truck, a city fire truck and a Bobtail transport truck, was a new addition.
It’s a free event, with the city paying for it, although participants had the option of buying food from various vendors.
Along with the city, Kids Funfest – dedicated to the healthy development of children – is organized by a volunteer committee
-with files from Paul Morden