Second annual RR Family Fun Day is Monday

By Ken Johnston
Editor

While Rainy River’s winter carnival may have gone the way of the Do Do Bird, a new annual event is set to kick off its second year next Monday.
Rainy River Family Day has been planned to coincide with the newly created Ontario holiday with the same name (Family Day) on Feb. 16th.
Recreation Director Meghan Shanks told the Record this week that a full day of activities for the entire family have been scheduled. They start at 10 a.m. with the First Annual Shiver on the River 5km run. Registration can be done ahead of the event by calling 852-4446. Or particpants can register between 9-10 a.m. that day at the Rec. Centre. Shanks said the idea is the brainchild of Jeff Fraser. All ages can participate by either walking or running the course which will begin at the Rec. Ctr. There is a $10 registration fee and medals will be awarded. All proceeds will go towards the Rec. Ctr.
At noon, four hours of family fun, ranging from crafts to outdoor activities, will begin. Shanks will be taking kids 9 and over outside to participate in fun interactive physical games. “There will be prizes for these activities which will include things like Smoosh Races and Pipsqueak and Charlie games,” said Shanks.
Indoors the Rainy River Toy and Public Libraries will be hosting activities for kids 8 and under. “They will be doing board games, face painting, story time, crafts and much more!” There will also be Nintendo Wii games as well as Karoake there.
All kids must be accompanied by a guardian and with the idea being to do activities as a family, Shanks is confident there will be plenty of adults and kids there. There is a $2 per person or $5 per family admission charge to help cover expenses for the day.
The Northern Lights Credit Union has donated hot chocolate and cookies for the afternoon. Unlike last year there will be no free lunch this year. However, a special low cost lunch for runners/walkers will be available for a nominal fee. The Rec. Ctr. canteen will also be open all day as well.
At 2 p.m. a really fun family relay will be held. Groups of eight people will team up to particpate in an eight legg relay which may feature activities like the three-legged race, etc.
To wrap the day up at 3 p.m. there will be public skating for one hour.
Shanks said that the event is full of fun for the entire family and now all she needs is for everyone to come out and particpate.
She is also looking for a few volunteers to help with the family relay and to marshall during the Shiver on the River Run. To help out call her at 852-4446.