A1

By Hanne Armstrong

Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

Speak Up

No one is too old or too young to come out and soak up the fun and community atmosphere of SunFest in Riverview. Beginning on Saturday, June 27, Riverview will be in a state of non-stop festival which only slows to make way for a huge Canada Day party.

Enlarge Photo

photo contributed

Family fun in the sun is a main goal of Riverview SunFest, which begins June 25.

"This year we have a number of new activities and events," says Parks and Recreation Youth and Community Co-ordinator Paulette Tingley. "There's lots to be excited about."

Two of the things that Paulette is excited about are weekend events. The Riverview Tennis Club joins SunFest for the first time with an all-day Open House on Saturday, June 27. Come, get the feel of a racket or two, and find out if tennis might be a sport for you.

Then on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Mighty Riverview Machines joins the SunFest lineup. Ever think you'd like a close up and personal look at some of the public works machines that you usually scramble to get out of the way of? This is your chance. You can ask questions of the staff, and there will be toy helmets for the kids. Even the Dobson Arena zamboni will be there. Fire trucks and boats will also be on display, and the fire department is offering rides in both. You can also try your hand at changing a tire on small cars provided by Glow Parties at the Pit Stop Challenge, and be sure to stay for the barbecue.

Monday's first new event is for the very young. All children and their teddy bears are invited to the Teddy Bear Picnic at Patricia Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. There'll be stories and snacks, and of course, your bear can meet others and make friends. Brand new bears are also welcome, and will be given as donations to the IWK.

When you get hungry on Monday evening, you have a couple of options, both of them new this year. The Wag 'N Wash Health Pet Centre will be hosting a multi-menu barbecue right outside Isaac's Run Dog Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you can't find it, just follow your dog, who'll be following his nose. Or, you can head to the bonfire, wiener and marshmallow roast on the Dobson Trail. This event has proven so popular at Winterlude, that the Boy Scouts have been asked to organize it for SunFest.

"On Tuesday we're happy to have an event that's returning as part of SunFest after a two-year absence," says Paulette. "The Caseley Cup Golf Tournament, Texas Scramble style, tees off at 10 a.m. at the Maplewood Golf Club. Participants have to register with Parks and Recreation before June 25. This is a chance to meet other golfers and to win prizes."

Tuesday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Dixieland Ramblers will be performing at the Lakeview Manor's Strawberry Social, another welcome first for SunFest. Whether you come for a chat and stay for the music, or the other way around, you'll be glad you came.

The day rounds out with Community Open Mic Night and barbecue, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Do you sing? Dance? Tell stories? Tell jokes? Step up to the mic and share your secret or not-so secret talents with your community, and help make this new event a success.

Of course there are lots of returning events at SunFest, too. The Super Sundae Swim, the free outdoor movie, and the Soap Slide are just a few of the perennially popular things to take part in during the festival. And then, when Canada Day rolls onto the stage on July 1, it's full of returning favourites too. There'll be dignitaries who promise to keep things short, face-painting, birthday cake, music and bounces galore.

"What's new for Canada Day this year," says Paulette, "is that we're going with a theme: pirates. Having a theme was popular for Labour Day last year, so we're incorporating that into Canada Day. But you don't have to be a pirate to come out and have fun. The bounces this year all have pirate-type themes, and some, like The Treasures of the Caribbean, have both obstacles and a slide." And of course the day, and the kick-off to summer, end with Tri-Community Fireworks scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. For full information on all events, go to riverviewsunfest.ca or call 387-2024.