Family Fun Fest a "blowout success "

There was a penny carnival, bouncy castle and battles activities, craft time and the construction of a Lego city. There was snow golf and tobogganing, not to mention a horse drawn sleigh. There was a toasty bonfire to warm yourself as you sipped hot chocolate and enjoyed a free hot dog, just before going for a free swimming or skating session.

The Fantastic Family Fun Fest, also known as F4, finally arrived in Barrhead over the weekend, and it could not have been more of a success.

Dan the One Man Band was a hit with both parents and children, and Footworks Dance Academy got everyone up and moving with family dance time. The Barrhead Photo Club had continuous creative family photo sessions on the go, and members of the Barrhead 4H club manned the penny carnival.

F4 committee member Dave Mackenzie said he and the other members were hoping to get about 300 people. When the doors to Barrhead Elementary opened at 10 a.m., the steady stream of families began and didn’t let up once throughout the day. As families continued to roll in, the turnout actually doubled the expectations.

“Our numbers as near as we could have figured out were well in excess of 600,” said Mackenzie. “There wasn’t a break, there wasn’t a pause. I would say it was a blowout success.”

Families picked up their passports and traveled about to different activities, collecting a stamp each time they participated. Once they had five stamps, they were able to enter their passport into a draw for some spectacular prizes.

The lucky family of Joceph Versoza was drawn for the grand prize: a family getaway to a camp of choice at Camp Nakuman.

There were also three hefty gift baskets up for grabs, each with an estimated value of about $450. They were filled with grocery store gift cards, swim and bowling passes, a family membership to the library, a family pass to Misty Ridge Ski Hill, games, movies, and much more.

Families of Anna Koopman, Maria Peters, and Jen Davis were the winners of the gift basket draw.

Any kind of event like this where the entire family is able to get involved is important for a community to have, said Mackenzie. One where the parents don’t just drop the kids off, or stand and watch their children play.

“We really wanted to offer some activities where everybody could participate,” he said. “I don’t think families really get that opportunity very much anymore.”

For Mackenzie it brought back fond memories of his own youth, when a similar event such as a carnival would come to town. Parents brought their children for an enjoyable day out, but the kids weren’t the only ones who joined in the activities.

“It was just good old fashioned family fun,” said Mackenzie. “I certainly saw that same kind of atmosphere at this event.”

Mackenzie said the F4 committee worked hard to give the community an event to remember, and no one came up short with their duties.

“All the committee members I spoke to were absolutely ecstatic with the response of the community,” he said. “Everyone did an outstanding job with what they were in charge of. They worked hard on this and did a fantastic job.”

With the positive response members of F4 received, Mackenzie said the F4 committee’s team effort paid off. So much in fact, Barrhead may be in for a second Family Fun Fest next year.

“I would have to say in my feeling, and the comments that I got from people all day long, I think people would be looking forward to another one of these,” said Mackenzie.

Barrhead will just have to wait and see.