Well, it wasn’t the regular Family Day event normally hosted by Lac La Biche County’s Family and Community Support Services.
COVID-19 restrictions meant the municipal department’s staff couldn’t pack the Alexander Hamilton Park last Sunday with fun events like they’ve done in the past. They also couldn’t pack the Bold Center with events for a warmer version of the family-themed holiday like they did last year as temperatures turned chilly.
But FCSS staff still managed to ‘pack’ a little fun into Family Day this year.
Dozens of Family Fun Packs were created by FCSS staff and handed out to community members in the days leading up to the Feb. 15 holiday. The packs were free, and included games, treats, and art for all ages to enjoy. Christine Martin, Community Outreach Worker with FCSS, says with the popular community event cancelled because of the pandemic restrictions, this was the next best thing.
“The annual Family Day Festival has always been a very well-attended event in the community, so we knew that there would be interest if we offered an alternative while keeping the residents safe,” said Martin. “The Lac La Biche County recreation department and FCSS worked together to build the kits to be dispersed to families throughout the County.”
There were 150 packs made and according to Martin they were claimed quickly by residents in the County.
Scavenger hunt and games
The packs were just one part of the planning for the Family Day event. FCSS also hosted an online scavenger hunt and photo contest on their social media site. Martin says that they are just doing their best to keep up with the COVID-19 restrictions while still trying to create something for residents to look forward to.
“Due to COVID-19, we adapted to be able to offer families something to do that promotes connection and having fun, while still adhering to Alberta Health Services regulations,” said Martin.
