BY TAMMY TOOR
Besides the summer season, the holiday season is my favourite time of year. There is a sense of excitement in the air, and it gives us a chance to reconnect with family, friends and our community.
It’s a particularly busy season for staff at parks and recreation. Here is a quick guide to things happening to help you plan out your holiday activities. We’d love for you to join us.
- Special holiday programs - if you have an elementary school child, your child should soon be receiving our winter programs and events flyer full of special event and program details to keep you and your family active during the winter break. It includes a two-for-one public admission coupon, and it has a few January program ideas as you settle back into your routine after the holidays.
- Winter wonderland - From Dec. 26-30, Frank Crane Arena will be transformed into a ‘Candyland’ theme with public skating sessions costing only $1 (some are free). This is a great activity for the whole family. Come and see why this annual event has become so popular with the community. For a schedule, click here.
- Finale 2018 - The city’s biggest and best family New Year’s Eve party takes place at Beban Park with an ’80s dance party theme complete with a live DJ pumping out the music. We will have two countdowns – one at 8 p.m. and another at 10 p.m. Enjoy an evening of live entertainment with princess visits and Clever Trever (clown, juggler and artist). In addition, you can swim, skate, jump on a bouncy castle, make crafts, get your face painted and so much more. Tickets are only $32 for a family of five or $10 individually. Wear your best ’80s costume for a chance to win some great prizes. I can’t think of a better way to bring in 2019 with the entire family.
From all of us here at parks and recreation, we wish you and your family the best of the holiday season and a happy, healthy and active new year.
Tammy Toor is a graphics and communications specialist with the City of Nanaimo’s parks and recreation department.