BONNYVILLE – Music and laughter echoed throughout Vezeau Beach Park on Sunday, located at Moose Lake just a few minutes west of Bonnyville.
Some clusters of people were enjoying ice fishing on the lake, fishing rods held firmly in their gloved hands, basking in the sunny weather. Other people brought their skates, gliding across the frozen surface of the lake. The clatter of stones could also be heard as nearby kids played curling. Not far from them, a bonfire burned, its flames offering warmth.
A wagon was drawn by a pair of black horses, offering rides to groups of people, and not far, hot dogs, tomato soup, coffee, and hot chocolate were served in a large tent.
On Feb. 18, the Bonnyville Oilmen's Society held its annual Family Fun Day at the Vezeau Beach Park. The day saw over 300 people attend the event. Terry Straile, a member with the society, says the organization has hosted the event for about 20 years as a way "to give back."
In the past, there have been a couple of cancellations, according to Straile, due to the pandemic for example, or extremely cold weather. "But we couldn't have asked for a better weather this weekend. It's been perfect [and] sunny."
The sentiment was shared by Billy Batten from Philadelphia and Brent Hoshowski from Bonnyville - both are players from the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs, who turned up to help with the event.
"There's a lot of people here. It's nice to see the Bonnyville community coming together," said Batten.
Straile acknowledged the day wouldn't have been possible without volunteers and sponsors lending a hand.
"It just takes a lot of people to put this on," he said, adding, "Hopefully everybody's had a good time."
