Members of the Kiwanis Club and Interpretive Program teamed up to bring Kiwanis Family Day back to Police Point park for the first time since 2020. Families could participate in a variety of activities including a scavenger hunt, a wildlife kit building workshop and a $1 hot dog lunch.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
The sudden chilly spell that arrived over the weekend didn’t deter Hatters from getting out to enjoy Family Day at a variety of community spaces across the city.
Those willing to brave the outdoors headed to Police Point Park to take part in Medicine Hat Kiwanis Club’s first Family Day celebration since the pandemic, with the event hosted in partnership with the Medicine Hat Interpretive Program.
Members of both organizations worked together to provide families a variety of activities to enjoy, including an outdoor scavenger hunt, wildlife kit building workshops, free hot chocolate and cookies and a $1 hot dog lunch.
Longtime Kiwanis Club member Jim MacFarlane said he was surprised by the number of people who came out, especially as weather didn’t allow for free ski and snowshoe rental, an activity regularly offered at the event.
“I didn’t expect too many people,” MacFarlane told the News. “But, because with COVID we’ve been gone for two years, I think more people are interested.”
Fellow Kiwanis member Barry Finkelman said he and many other event volunteers were pleased to see community members again and hoped their efforts made Family Day memorable for those who attended.
“It’s a day for people to come out, spend the day with their family and just enjoy what Police Point has to offer,” Finkelman said.
Attendees of all ages appeared to be enjoying the event. Hatter Brianne Dirk said it gave her an opportunity to spend time with her family, and said the wildlife kit building workshop allowed her to share one of her hobbies, building, with her daughters and their Spanish exchange student.
Meanwhile, young Hatters Norah Sandor and Lucy Bardal most enjoyed going on an adventure through the park to locate scavenger hunt items.
“We want to do the scavenger hunt,” Sandor said while she and Bardal took a short break inside the Nature Centre to warm up. “We got five already.”
Families who prefer the indoors had several events to choose from as admission to Big Marble Go Centre and the city’s downtown YMCA was free for several hours Monday.
Both centres were bustling with fun-loving families; at approximately noon, the YMCA even had a lineup of Hatters outside awaiting admission.
Neither crowds nor lines seemed to damper the spirit of those celebrating, however.
“We really enjoy Family Day,” said Miranda Nielson, whose family chose to celebrate at Big Marble Go Centre. “(It’s a great day) to take advantage of what Medicine Hat has to offer.”
