Centreville event celebrates families and community
Despite a wet forecast, McCain Foods hosted its annual Family Day at the Western Valley Multiplex on Saturday, July 6. The day was full of face painting, rides, fun, laughter, and fries.
At 10 a.m., McCain Foods and Day and Ross employees and their families were treated to face painting, carnival rides, and food. At 2 p.m., the doors were opened to the public.
McCain Foods began hosting its Family Day a couple of years after opening in 1957. The special day is a time for families and the community to have fun.
Kathy Graham, a McCain Foods employee and Family Day organizer, says the corporation plays a huge community role in the region.
“My father used to say there would be nothing in Carleton County if it weren’t for McCains,” said Graham.
The event was free for employees, and public tickets for the day were $5 per person or $20 per family. All proceeds from the event went to the Valley Food Bank. Graham said the community has never been shy in showing its support.
“Last year, we raised about $12,000, and we are hoping to raise more for it this year,” said Graham.
This year’s Family Day was more than just a repeat of the past. There were some exciting new additions to the activity list. The Freddy Photo Booth was a big hit with the kids. For the first time, the McCain Foods Fire Brigade brought in a fire simulation from the fire marshal’s office to educate children on what to do during a fire.
Brigade member Matthew Flewelling and his team toured people through their trailer, which had artificial smoke and fire, to teach everyone how to handle real fire emergencies.
“We’re teaching kids,” said Flewelling. “It’s good for adults as well as kids too.”
Family Day favourites that returned were rides like Star Trooper, the Faires Wheel, and Bungee Jumping, which had large waiting lines. Children were happy to get their faces painted. The face paint tent remained busy throughout the day, transforming children into their favourite animals or superheroes.
Jessica Berry has been working for Day and Ross for five years. This was her fourth year attending Family Day with her children.
“I love bringing my kids and connecting with my other coworkers,” said Berry.
Although it rained later on in the day, people of the community still showed up for the public hours between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Graham said she enjoys seeing community members enjoy themselves and is happy to be a part of it all.
“I just love seeing the families and the children having fun,” said Graham.
