Ever gaze into the night sky and wonder about constellations and planets? The galaxy can often appear far too big to navigate or comprehend.
Help, however, is on its way in the shape of a portable planetarium.
It will be set up in Barrhead for Fantastic Family Fun Fest on Saturday, Feb. 1.
The Edmonton planetarium promises to be a star attraction at Barrhead Cares Coalition’s second F4 Day, which will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Another highlight will be laser tagging, a game combining hide-and-seek and tag, with competitors using super cool gear, including phasers. It should prove a blast for teenagers who fancy themselves as snipers.
Younger children, however, may find a third new attraction more appealing: a petting zoo at the Agrena. And if electronic games excite you, then how about trying your hand at Angry Birds?
Of course, there will also be all the fun features that made last year’s inaugural event such a standout success – a penny carnival, horse-drawn sleigh rides, bouncy boxing face, face-painting, a balloon artist, free swimming, skating, family photo sessions with Barrhead Photo Club, mocktails and much more.
Don’t worry if the weather is a little chilly, you will be able warm yourself by a bonfire outside the Agrena, sip hot chocolate and enjoy a hot dog.
F4 committee member Dave McKenzie said the event will have a “break the winter blues” theme.
To help bring a feeling of sunshine and warmth to the day, volunteers will be dressed in Hawaiian outfits and garlanded with leis.
“It will be fun, family entertainment,” said McKenzie. “We encourage people to come out and enjoy themselves. Bring the kids along – they will have a blast.”
McKenzie said last year the committee had hoped for about 300 visitors. Instead, the turnout more than doubled expectations. The final attendance figure hovered about 700.
“I will never forget the look on one boy’s face last year when I asked him whether he enjoyed himself,” said McKenzie. “He just smiled and said ‘awesome’.”
With the addition of exciting new attractions, hopes are high of doing even better this year.
Details for 2014’s F4 are still being finalized and will be released nearer the date.
It is known the venues will be the same: the Agrena, Barrhead Elementary School gym and the library, where craft time will take place. There will also be billiards at the Seniors Drop-in Centre.
Families will again receive passports to be stamped at each activity. Once they have five stamps, they will be able to enter their passports into a draw and win gift baskets, filled with goodies, including games and store cards.
One lucky family will also win a grand prize: a getaway to Camp Nakuman.
Don’t forget all the activities are free. The only fee will be for a lunch at the BES gym.
McKenzie said laying on F4 required the participation of many organizations. Brochures and pamphlets about these groups will be spread out on tables.
“A lot of volunteers will be donating their time to ensure the day goes as well as possible,” he added.
