It was a long and tiring day for both volunteers and those participating in Family Day events at the Penticton Community Centre on Monday.
By the end of it all, everyone had a smile on their face. It is why those involved with making it happen deserve a pat on the back.
According to Kelly Hopkins, acting recreation business supervisor, over the six hours 1,306 people attended events ranging from a street hockey game featuring the Penticton Vees (and some equipment donation from Pacific Sport), activities in the pool, crafts, board games, family movie showings and more.
Last year’s total was 600 participants involved in the all-inclusive packages (1,126 people in total), so 2015 represented a significant increase much to the delight of organizers. Family Day was originally created to give people time to spend with their families but it also provides a day off between New Year’s Day and Good Friday, and Penticton took full advantage of it.
“The feedback we were getting throughout the day was amazing, people were so enjoying the time they were spending with their families and the different things we had available for everybody, it didn’t matter what your age was,” said Hopkins.
Coldwell Banker Okanagan Realty returned as the title sponsor for Family Day activities, now in their third year. Coldwell Banker continues to give back to the community, involving local public schools by donating four complimentary passes per school for the event to help 28 families in the community.
Both Hopkins and Cutler credited the participation of the Vees and advanced marketing to get the word out.
As Joni Cutler commented, everyone is looking forward to see how the event evolves next year.
“Bigger and better,” she said.