Entertainment, games, pet contests and more will be at Maffeo Sutton Park on the Sunday of Labour Day weekend as part of a new event.
"We felt we needed to do something for the Labour Day weekend," said Kim Smythe, the lead organizer. "We go through a very busy July, and a little bit of a busy August and everything seems to stop dead."
Smythe said that after noticing a lack of events during Labour Day weekend in past years, he approached the Rotary Club of Nanaimo North, whose volunteers expressed interest in participating. From there, sponsors were brought on board.
Starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1, the event will be emceed by magician Craig McKee, with performances by five-time Juno nominees Bobs and Lolo, Canadian Folk Music Award winners Fiddelium, the Big Mess, String Fever, High Moon Moan and Footprints of the Wolf.
At 2 p.m. there will be a best-dressed pet contest, inclusive of all pets whether furry, feathered or scaly. For the animals without a costume, there's the tricks and talents category. Prizes include passes for Hullo ferries and a gift basket of pet treats.
During the event, there will be bouncy castles, a vendor’s market, food trucks and community kiosks that will feature local non-profit organizations highlighting opportunities in sports, art, education and community services.
"It's for families of all ages. We're going to have sports demonstrations, we have the [Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak Club] there doing demonstrations and signing people up for fall courses, so we'll have a lot of that sign-up activity happening too."
Programming runs until 5 p.m. All activities are free, but donations will be accepted to go toward the Rotary club's food security initiatives for local youths. The club will be on-site with a traditional corn roast.
"I'd like people to know there's something fun, exciting, educational and interactive to do on the Labour Day weekend right here in good ol' Nanaimo," Smythe said.
Information is updated at http://nanaimofamilyfunday.com. For information on vendor participation, interested parties are asked to e-mail eventguy@shaw.ca.
