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Events across region bring out families on Family Day

Families were at dozens of free activities on Family Day, offered by recreation centres, museums and attractions across the region. Children of all ages packed every room at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre for their Family Arts Festival. Last year, B.C.

Families were at dozens of free activities on Family Day, offered by recreation centres, museums and attractions across the region.

Children of all ages packed every room at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre for their Family Arts Festival.

Last year, B.C.’s February statutory holiday fell on the second Monday of the month. This year it is aligned to provinces that observe the holiday on the third Monday: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.

Mike Lee was visiting from out of town, to be with his daughter, Kaitlin Leger, and his three grandchildren, Sophia, 10, Jocelyn, 7 and Aria, 5.

Even in the busy activity room, Lee could easily point out his grandchildren — they had yellow outfits on.

“It’s something of a family tradition,” said Lee. “My wife made yellow outfits for our kids when they were growing up as well. Never lost one yet.”

The retiree, who hails from Grand Bay-Westfield in New Brunswick, said he was pleasantly surprised to see the large crowd.

Members of the Shan-e-Punjab Dance School were part of the entertainment line-up of the arts festival. “Dancing gives the kids an opportunity to showcase their talents and culture,” said Hansdeep Bawa, whose eight-year-old daughter, Banni, is part of the dance troupe. “It’s neat that they are able to dress up and feel proud about performing in front of an audience.”

Bawa embraced the spirit of the day. “After Banni’s performance we’re going home so she can spend time with her cousins who are visiting from Victoria and the Lower Mainland,” she said. “We will celebrate Family Day as a family.”

Last year, the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre welcomed around 2,000 families for a day.

“Creativity is at the heart of what we are hoping to accomplish — for all ages. Often, we have to encourage parents to get in there with their kids,” said Brenda Weatherston, community arts programmer at the centre.