Communities in the North Okanagan have rallied around sponsorship to put on Family Day activities Monday, Feb. 17.
The Province of BC notified BC Parks and Recreation Association in January that they will no longer be providing Family Day Grants, and the move has impacted a few municipalities.
But not the District of Coldstream.
"We were very fortunate to have a number of local businesses provide sponsorship to help offset this impact of losing $1,000 in funding," said the district. "Got to love our community."
The cities of Vernon and Enderby are also going ahead with family day events, thanks to sponsorship, but as of Wednesday, Feb. 12, there are no events planned for the Village of Lumby, City of Armstrong, and Township of Spallumcheen, due to the funding cuts.
The Morning Star also reached out to the District of Falkland to see if anything is planned.
Coldstream is hosting its second annual Family Fun Day Monday, Feb. 17, starting 12:30 p.m. with Circus Arts in the Coldstream Community Hall with former Cirque du Soleil performer Alvin Tam. A Bubble Wonders show takes place at 1:30 while games and colouring will be at the hall all afternoon, along with refreshments and snacks.
Sponsors include Meier's Used Building Products; R.E Postill and Sons, Maven Lane, Vernon Family Dental and the District of Coldstream.
Enderby is also going ahead with plans for Monday at the John Pritchard Memorial Sports Complex.
"We also found out in mid-January that the annual Family Day government grants would not be available," said the city. "We had already planned our Family Day event and luckily have such great community support, so we can continue with the plans."
Weather permitting, some family games will be set up outside the curling club/arena.
Family Skating (must have skates, helmets recommended is from 10 a.m. to 11:30. Family Shinny Hockey (must have skates, helmet, shin pads, gloves and stick) is from 11:30 to 12 p.m. Crafts and games takes place in the curling lounge from 10 to 12. Come Try Curling (clean indoor shoes required) from 10:20 to 12.
Generous Enderby sponsors include City of Enderby, Enderby and District Recreation Services, Enderby and District Community Resource Center, Enderby Curling Club and Enderby Tim Hortons.
Vernon is offering free family swims and free family skates Monday, Feb. 17:
- Free Family Day Swim: 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm at Vernon Aquatic Centre;
- Free Family Day Skating at Kal Tire Place North, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m..
For more events happening around the community, check out the city’s activities and events calendar, and Tourism Vernon’s things-to-do calendar.
In celebration of Family Day, you and your squad are invited to work out at Planet Fitness, on 27th Street.
Anyone over 13 years of age is welcome to work out for free from Feb. 7-21. Minors must be with an adult.
"All fitness levels can work out at Planet Fitness – no matter where you are on your fitness journey," said the gym.
Restrictions apply. See club for details.
