If you’re looking for some good quality, wholesome fun for the whole family this weekend, look no further than Bayou Park in Severn Township.
On Saturday, Aug. 24 the Bayou Park Ratepayers Association (BPRA) is hosting the Family Fun Day and Pig Roast, its largest annual fundraising event. From a bouncy castle and zip line to live music and a fireworks spectacle, there will be a wide range of activities for kids and adults alike, organizers say.
“The fireworks we do are amazing,” says Andrew Kinnear, president of the BPRA, noting the individual operating this aspect is experienced in pyrotechnics.
Positive feedback from a previous pig roast made it easy for the association to decide this year’s barbecue. There is a small fee for the dinner, but the rest of the event is free.
“Bring your friends from out of town,” urges Kinnear. “It’s a night you don’t have to cook and you’re in cottage country!”
Most importantly, if you are interested in the meal part, purchasing a ticket in advance allows the organization to properly plan and prevent food waste.
“It ensures that we have the right amount of food, but if you’re not planning to stay for the supper you can just show up and that’s totally fine," he said.
Since Bayou Park is not owned by a municipality, the BPRA uses proceeds for maintaining and protecting the park, community engagement, and emergency funds or future planning.
“Like, if a tree needs to come down because of emerald ash borers,” or if there is a decision to buy “a floating dock for the kids to swim on,” Kinnear says that fundraising is necessary to help pay for such things.
Proceeds from the dinner and raffle at this event also goes to the BPRA operating expenses for future engagements at no cost to participants; such as Halloween treats and hot drinks in the pumpkin patch or the Christmas lights contest with prizes.
“This park is part of our community. It’s a beautiful place," said Kinnear.
This annual Family Fun Day is “very fluid and welcoming in terms of people coming and going,” Kinnear explained, noting it exhibits the love and kindness characteristic of the area, “and it’s a blast,” he says.
You can check out their webpage and get tickets for the dinner here.
