For more than 30 years, children and their families have been encouraged to gather with each other at the Annual Preschool Carnival. The community event, which takes place at Willingdon Beach (or Powell River Recreation Complex if weather does not cooperate), has been a long-running celebration of all things preschool-related.
“The event is something this community has done for a long time,” says organizer and Early Childhood Educators of BC member Roxanne Penner. “The neat thing is that now parents remember going to the carnival when they were children, so generation after generation has been able to go to this.”
All good carnivals include fun, and the Annual Preschool Carnival is no exception. The free event is chock full of activities and games for the kids, a visit from ORCA Bus and prize draws throughout the two-hour event. The grand-prize draw again this year is a swimming pool filled with toys. Raffle tickets are $2, or three for $5, and the draws take place at 11:30 am.
In years past, more than 100 children from community preschools and daycares have attended with their families, says Penner, who has organized the event for more than two decades.
“It’s really nice to see parents bring out their children and their grandchildren,” she says. “It’s a great chance for parents to mingle with other parents, and children from all the different centres from throughout Powell River can all come together.”
Due to the number of children attending the event, Penner asks that all children attending have their preschool or daycare’s coloured name tag pinned to their clothing. Families are encouraged to stick around for the event and join in the fun, she says. Also, children can dress in costume if they wish, but it is not mandatory.
Each local preschool and daycare is invited to host an activity for the carnival and community partners come together to make the annual event a success, says Penner.
“It takes all of Powell River to put this on,” she says, “so thanks to the community partners in this, and for all of the donations for the draw prizes.”
Annual Preschool Carnival
When: Wednesday, June 8, 10 am-12 pm
Where: Willingdon Beach (if rain, Powell River Recreation Complex)
Entry: Free
Info: 604.414.5757
