Barrhead is a treasure on its own, and Captain Hook is on his way to find out if the rumours are true.
On Saturday, June 13, pirates will be taking over Main Street, along with Peter, Tink, and Wendy to try and keep them at bay.
The characters will touch the hearts of both young and old audiences, at least that is what Elaine Dickie, one of the organizers of the event, is hoping for.
Dickie said she is hoping the characters will bring out “the kid in everybody,” and will encourage kids to read the story behind the magic.
Taking on the characters of Peter, Tinker Bell, Wendy, and Hook are theatre troupe members from Starry Night Entertainment.
Dickie said Captain Hook may also be forced to face one of his biggest threats, a character which will be played by Barrhead Composite High school drama students.
If anything, those attending the event should keep their eye on the horizon.
Dickie said that when deciding what characters to bring to the event her first thought was to link it to reading.
“The theme for the TD Canada Trust Summer Reading Program here at the library is play,” Dickie said. “When I think of play, I think of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, who never want to grow up, they just want to play.”
Dickie said she is hoping the characters will just add to the overall family fun atmosphere.
“The Street Festival is supposed to be a day where everybody just comes and has a play day,” she said, adding the characters will be walking Main Street interacting with residents, and even putting on a show in between.
It was through the Communities for Children that Dickie heard of hiring theatre troupes for events like the festival.
“Somebody mentioned that they had been at an event that was for preschoolers and teachers, and they brought out Princess characters,” Dickie said, adding this later led her to Starry Night Entertainment.
“I thought what else is out there, and I found this,” she said, adding this is a first for the area.
“We think it’s going to be an amazing success and it probably won’t be the last,” Dickie added.
This year, the event is adding a hockey radar slapshot game to the list of firsts for the festival.
“It will be something for the older kids to do,” Dickie said, adding the festival has grown and changed over the years.
“It’s really good to see as time progressed it got bigger and bigger, and better and better, and I think now it has a really nice balance, because it’s from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the merchants have their stores open and people are able to shop, and then we have all of these events going on that draws families into the Main Street area.”
The event kicks-off with a pancake breakfast being hosted by the Barrhead Library at the Gazebo from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with the cost still to be determined. Elaine added the proceeds go to a good cause and all the fixings are donated by Pembina West Co-op.
The day also includes sheep shearing, a diaper derby, petting zoo, pony rides, pedal carts, donut decorating, cupcake eating contest, dancers from Footworks and a firefighter challenge for kids to mention just a few of the events.
Stores are also getting into the festive spirit, and will be having a number of items on sale.
“You can come for the whole day, but you can also come for just part of it, but just make sure you come,” Dickie said, adding she encourages families to look in the Leader for a full list of events and times. “Be sure to check the times of all of the events, and come when you are able.”
