Blue Ridge Family Fun Day brought in a big crowd for face painting, musical performances, horse and buggy rides and fun for the whole family.
On Saturday, Sept 7, at the Blue Ridge Recreation Area, Woodlands County hosted its Family Fun Day, where people of all ages enjoyed the activities, the scenery and the amazing reclamation of what was once a gravel pit.
Heather Anderson, Community Services Coordinator was at the event welcoming every one of the 320 people who attended.
“You're connecting to your family, you're connecting to the environment, you're learning something and you're walking away with some happy memories,” said Anderson when asked about the experience of Family Fun Day.
Reeve Dave Kusch and Councillor Alan Deane from the Woodlands County Council were on hand to meet the visitors and share a conversation.
Visitors were greeted at the reception area with a view of a teepee set up beside a pond and people canoeing.
Activities included Creative face painting with Funtastic Creations by Laura, Fancy Balloon Creations by Rachel’s Party Balloons, and Bouncy Castles by TNT Inflatables.
Spandy Andy was getting everyone disco dancing and Demmi Duprie with Albert the Albertasorus delighted visitors.
Horse and buggy rides around the park and canoeing were popular with visitors. The teepee was a high traffic stop for people where there were stories in the teepee and kid’s crafts.
Woodlands County partnered with the Alberta Government Ministry of Forestry and Parks to have environmental topic booths set up including the Athabasca Water Shed, Alberta Wildfire group and the Ministry information.
Visitors could ask questions about water sustainability, healthy environments, wildfires as well as forestry, wildlife in the area and how their actions could impact the environment.
This is the second year Family Fun Day was held in September and they are seeing increases in attendance over previous years, when the event was held in July for more than 10 years.
Last year there were 250 people who attended the Woodlands Family Fun Day.
The park is open all year with the parking lot maintained through the winter for the cross-country skiers, snowshoeing people and hikers.
