The sun shines on Blue Ridge Family Fun Day

By Ashley Clementovich

It was a perfect summer’s day for the Blue Ridge Family Fun Day last Saturday. People streamed steadily into the Blue Ridge Recreation Area making their first stop at the information booth run by Woodlands County’s Community Liaison Program Co-ordinator Heather Anderson. The intent of the day was to give families an activity-filled outdoor day in the recreation area which was transformed from a gravel pit into the beautiful park it is today. “Mayor Ron Govenlock is very proud of the investment and the partnership that came together to build the Blue Ridge Recreation Area. It’s an opportunity for our visitors, and an opportunity for our residents to get outside and enjoy everything that we have to offer. It’s a very proud investment from council,” said Anderson.

There were two horse drawn wagons taking visitors on a relaxed-paced tour of the park and lakes while canoeists were paddling enjoying the beautiful weather. Everyone was given a map which pictured and listed all the numbered booths throughout the park. Some booths were geared towards arts and crafts while others were informational on topics such as water pollution and invasive species. Children lined up to have their faces painted, or make gnome houses out of paper flowerpots, moss, buttons, and glitter. Another tent gave everyone a chance to practice his or her musical skills in a drumming circle.

You could also get your cardio workout in and get an adrenaline rush at the Wildfire Obstacle Course. Alberta Wildfire members got the kids ready strapping helmets on and wrapping them in oversized coats. Donning their new gear, children would run down the hill, practice their fire hose skills, and flap back up as fast as they could to do a ring toss. It was a race that left parents and firefighters with a smile.

Lisa Allan from the Athabasca Watershed Council provided a booth with a landscape model that kids could “pollute” with various substances after which the model was sprayed with water. As the debris flowed down to the lakes and rivers, the kids could see the degradation effects of pollution on large bodies of water. Allan noted that their goal was to promote safe drinking water, healthy aquatic ecosystems, and quality water supplies for a sustainable economy.

At the Environment and Parks tent, children identified different species of fish and scat. They also learned about invasive species such as zebra mussels, and how they can sterilize the water of all life.

After so much crafting, running, and learning, everyone fueled up on free hot dogs, cookies, and watermelon. Upon leaving, everyone was given a spruce seedpod as a gift to take home and plant. It was a great memento to remind families to attend next year’s Blue Ridge Family Fun Day.