Children's Festival and Dance in the Park a hot party with a cool ending

Organizer Megan Rainford holds one end of the limbo stick
for a long line of kids dancing in the sunshine
T. Lucas photos except where noted

Toni Lucas

A Children's Festival and Dance in the Park was held in the park behind Pincher Creek's Town Hall on the evening of Friday, August 16. The event was hosted by the Town of Pincher Creek Recreation department. The event was free to the public as were many of the attractions.

Y. M. C. A.!

Organizer Megan Rainford said that she was a little concerned about the weather. "When I was setting up here this afternoon, I was getting a little worried, but the clouds cleared for us tonight." The weather held until after 8:00 pm, then the rain came, light at first and creating a rainbow over the event. Then the clouds opened up and heavier rain began to fall, a chilly end to the event. Despite the impromptu finale the event was a huge success. "I think close to 300 people have been here today," said Rainford.

Logan Nelson shows his roping skills

Rainford pointed out the many things that were going on during the event. "Lasting impressions brought their airbrush tattoos and shaved ice, Group Group Youth has a concession set up, we have had face painting, and that has been a busy line all night, a little cowboy crafts, as it is a western event." Other attractions included a DJ, a western photo booth, storytelling, games, balloons and free popcorn. "I think it is going really well, awesome, really. All of the events are really, really busy, and everybody has smiles on their faces."

The DJ held contests all evening for the kids, giving away tickets as prizes for a variety of contests. Kids and parents danced to YMCA, the Macarena, and 'every limbo boy and girl' got to groove to Chubby Checker as the limbo stick got lower, and lower...

Desperado's of the photo booth

The kids had a great time doing crafts, running, playing, dancing, and challenging themselves and each other to games like cow roping and sack races. Kids tunneled though tubes, hula-hooped, and tried to throw rubber snakes in a bucket.  They played soccer, and climbed on the jungle gyms and bounced in the bouncy tents.

McKinney 'Hoops' Ettenhofer

"The volunteer response was phenomenal," said Rainford who explained that it could not have succeeded the way it did without them. Organizations involved included The Town of Pincher Creek Recreation Department, Aboriginal Family Literacy, Brighter Futures, Group Group Youth, Napi Friendship Centre, and Parent Link.

The beginning of the end

Even though the rain had people running for cover, at one point there was a beautiful rainbow demonstrating this event was pure Pincher Creek gold.

Elliot Nemeth photos:

Elliot Nemeth photos