The Bonnyville Community Awareness and Registration Event highlighted some of the ways residents can get involved in their community.
Over 60 local groups, organizations, and businesses offered information on what they do and registered residents for their programs at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre on Thursday, Sept. 5.
This was the first year the evening was organized by the Centennial Centre after the Bonnyville Community Learning Council (BCLC) dissolved late last year.
“We took over after the great work the BCLC had done throughout the years, and we had a really great foundation to build on,” explained Sue Wojcik, marketing manager for the C2.
Attendee Naomi Huxley came with her children to “find some fun activities for the kids after school.”
“We found a lot of great ones. We found pottery, swim club, youth basketball, drawing, sewing, and badminton,” she expressed.
Although her young ones were a little overwhelmed with all of their choices, it just confirmed for Huxley that Bonnyville has a lot to offer the community.
Booths were spread throughout the AECOM Field House. The demo area was a popular draw for those in attendance, as different activities were showcased throughout the evening.
For some groups, such as the Bonnyville Synchrodettes, community registration night is the event to go to find new members and to let people know it’s available.
“It helps promote the sport, get some new people interested, and highlights a different sport that a lot of people don’t know about in the community,” detailed Sheri Platz, president of the local synchronized swimming club.
The Kinosoo Blizzards Ski Team were also kept busy answering questions from those curious about their club.
“A lot of people have actually heard about us through family and friends,” explained Bev Holoboff, secretary for the group. “Many new people came through and they already knew a lot. They just basically grabbed information, a pamphlet, and signed up.”
Monique Levesque, president for the Blizzards, said they fielded a number of questions from attendees.
“It gives us exposure to the public. A lot of people don’t know there’s a ski team in Cold Lake or the area, so it just gives us an opportunity to showcase ourselves.”
Over the years, registration night has become a staple once school’s back in session.
“People kind of get back into the swing of things, back into routines, and they’re ready to get their kids, and themselves, signed up for activities,” Wojcik noted.
By the time the evening was over, groups had new members and families left more informed about what’s available in their own backyard.
