Fun for families

Wellington arena dishes up family fun

There was plenty of activities for families at the Wellington and District Community Centre on this past Monday for Family Day. The Wellington Rotary Club, the Lions Club, The Wellington Recreation Committee, the HUB and the County all collaborated to bring a day of free and fun events that all the family could enjoy. There was free public skating all day at the rink, and people of all ages and ability laced up their skates and took a turn on the ice. A craft table and games table supervised by Lions Club members kept the younger ones occupied. The Lions Club also sponsored the very popular face-painting event, and kids could then get their portrait taken with the dragon boat team’s inflatable mascot, Harry. The County Fire Department was also on hand with Fire Chief hats for budding firefighters.

(L-R): Felix and Sophia Myderwyk show off their new facepaint.

The Rotary Club had a special reading program set up, and every child who took part got a free book to take home, courtesy of County Kids Read. “Scarborough Rotary member Heather Lennie created the Free Reading Program, and now Rotary clubs around the world are promoting this online reading program for children ages four to 12,” says Liz Bosma-Donovan. “County Kids Read were gracious to offer us free books to give to any kids who come to visit, and the HUB partnered with us to provide their equipment so we could have a toddlerfriendly place.”

The Wellington Recreation Committee also sponsored a Scavenger Hunt, where kids had to find pictures located across the Community Centre and then decode a secret message. About three dozen kids took part in the hunt, and there were prizes available for kids who were able to solve the puzzle.

The highlight event was the free soup lunch at the Highline Hall. In the first event three years ago, the Rotary club members provided most of the soup. Now, other individuals and businesses have stepped up to provide a wide and delicious array of offerings for lunch. This year, 15 businesses or groups, including Idle Wild, Picnic PEC, Tabersnack, Rockn’ Rogers, St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Wellington United Church and the Legion all had hot and tasty soups available. “It’s been overwhelmingly positive,” says Wellington Rotary president Phyo Kyi. “Everybody loves that they can come and share soup and make friends and be part of the community. We made sure that it was all free an that it was building community spirit.”