Tara Jeffrey
Thousands of youngsters are expected to flock to Canatara Park this summer for the first-ever Kiwanis Kids Free Day at the Farm.
“We’ve been sponsoring the Children’s Animal Farm in Canatara for 50 years and this is Canada’s 150th, so we wanted to do something special at the farm this year,” said Ken Stothers, chair of July 8 event.
“It’s always been a great little place for kids, so we decided to create a fantastic, free day for them, and it just went from there.”
The event, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes free food, entertainment and a slew of activities that includes everything from pony rides to giant inflatables, and much more, thanks to a growing list of sponsors.
“The Bicycle Shop is running BMX track activities, and Best Buy is setting up a tent with all kinds of tech stuff for kids,” said Stothers, pointing to other notable sponsors like Bluewater Power and the Sarnia Construction Association.
“It’s really coming together; I think we’re going to have quite the day.”
Steeves and Rozema has pitched in to help pay for three school buses, providing free shuttle to children and parents in parts of the city who may not otherwise be able to attend.
Kiwanis Club members had initially asked the City of Sarnia to help cover 50% of busing costs, but council voted to cover 25%.
“We shopped around and in fact, one of the bus companies in Point Edward worked out a price that was less than the discounted price from the city, so that’s how we ended up with three school buses,” Stothers said.
Based on attendance at successful events like Easter in the Park and Christmas on the Farm, Stothers said they’re anticipating 4,000 and 5,000 children and parents.
“Everything is free,” he said. “It’s going to be a great day, that’s for sure.”
For more information including sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected].