Macaulay Village family fun event celebrates summer

Children, parents and volunteers celebrated summer at Macaulay Village Park for the 6th annual Macaulay Village Fun Fest.

Casey Heintzman of the Macaulay Village Neighbourhood Group, who organized lawn games, here demonstrating the egg-and-spoon portion of the obstacle course

Anthony Drummond was part of the tree planting party in 2024 and he was proud to stand next to the trees he had planted and see them maturing.

The family-focused event has become a Heights community tradition and this year featured book giveaways and a story walk by County Kids Read, a free barbecue, prepared by the Cherry Valley Park Association, lawn games with the Macaulay Village Neighbourhood Group, kids’ activities and crafts with the Department of Illumination, Baxter Arts Centre, Greater Than County Youth Collective, and Reaching for Rainbows, as well as fun give-aways from the ROC, PELC and Giant Tiger, a water curtain, courtesy of Prince Edward County Fire Rescue and face painting with Paint Me Up.

The first Reading Round-Up in 2021 was hosted by Prince Edward Learning Centre, County Kids Read and the Prince Edward County Public Library. The popular family literacy event has grown every year, connecting families with community resources in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

Lyla and Luca Thyme sporting unicorn and tiger faces

Jo-Anne Munro-Cape (financial empowerment at PELC) and PEC Fresh volunteer Norah Kanga at the barbecue

Nella Casson of the Department of Illumination, which hosts Art Kitchen with fun crafts and snacks

Jennifer Thompson (manager of Giant Tiger in Picton, lead sponsor) and Christine Durant (program coordinator at PELC) pictured at a table

Organizers stated it was wonderful to watch the event grow over the past six years, and to see the park become such a vibrant community space, noting many have pitched in over the years to rejuvenate the area with new play equipment, a shade structure, community garden beds, a little free library, a Miawaki forest and lots of trees.

This year, lead sponsor Giant Tiger of Picton kicked off the event with a donation of $1,000 in gift cards to support PELC learners and clients. The donation is part of the store’s “birthday bash” celebrating 65 years Canada-wide.

Pictured, from left, are: PELC executive director Kathleen Kennedy; Giant Tiger store manager Jennifer Thompson; PELC instructors Lori Farrington and Jennifer Hunter; Giant Tiger cashier Keri Baverstock and PELC Board chair Cameron Bedford.