FunFest returns to Callander this Saturday, and this year’s theme is "Four Seasons of Fun," a riff on the town’s logo, Four Seasons of Reasons.
That’s a lot of fun to compress into one day, but organizers have risen to the challenge, and Mother Nature may even cooperate, for although there’s a 40 per cent chance of rain, there won’t be much precipitation. If rain does fall – less than 1 millimetre forecasted – it should all be a memory by late morning.
Just in time for the parade, which begins rolling down Main Street at 11 a.m. From Main, the procession winds onto Swale Street, en route to the Community Centre – the place to be to kick off FunFest right.
Yes, there will be pancakes. This year, the breakfast is hosted by the Nipissing Roller Derby, and the cakes will hit the griddle from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Between 8 and 9 a.m. the town’s young bakers can also drop off their wares for the cookie contest.
With a belly-full of flapjacks, time to stroll to Centennial Park. Events take place at the park from 10 a.m. to dusk, when the day concludes – weather permitting – with a fireworks display over the bay.
Before the big bang, there’s a vendors’ market until 3 p.m., and the food vendors will open shop from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. People can also bid in a silent auction, and items will be on display at the Community Centre and within the park.
See: The fun never stops at Callander’s FunFest
There will be bouncy castles for the kids, a reptile camp, face painting, and other activities for the young ones. Plus, there’s the ever-present playground equipment, and yes, the splash pad will be open.
Does music factor into the Four Seasons of Fun? Indeed, it does, and from 3 to 5 p.m., the County Band fills the air with music, and from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Joy Band will send some rockin’ vibes your way.
Theatre Out Reach on Stage, perhaps better known as TOROS, will also be on the grounds, so keep an eye out for them and be sure to ask about upcoming productions.
Fifteen minutes before noon O Canada will be played, and following that, Mayor Robb Noon will provide a welcome to the town.
For all the details, visit the municipality’s website.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
