Family Day

Many Windsor Residents are are getting ready to enjoy a long weekend as the province marks its second statutory holiday of the year.

On Feb.17, many businesses will shut down to allow for the seventh consecutive Family Day. In 2008, Premier Dalton McGuinty introduced the statutory holiday to be celebrated the third Monday of every February.

“There is nothing more valuable to families than time together,” said McGuinty in a 2008 press release. And yet it seems tougher than ever to find, with so many of us living such busy lives.”

According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, although the economy isn’t at its finest, they believe Ontario is strong enough to accommodate an extra public holiday.

Christina Girard, 23, said she doesn’t mind being paid to spend time with her loved ones and is looking forward to bringing her son to the new Adventure Bay Family Water Park.

“Family Day is a wonderful holiday because it allows time for those parents who work all the time to have a chance to get to spend a little extra time with their family,” said Jessica Kenney, 25, a new mom. “However, it shouldn’t take a holiday to make time for your family, it should be your number one priority.”

While most municipal offices are closed, as are libraries and LCBO outlets, towns and businesses are offering a lot of free fun for parents to keep children occupied.

At the Lakeshore arena from 1 to 3 p.m. free skating is accompanied by free hotdogs and face painting. Tecumseh is offering free skating from 1 to 3 p.m. with free hot chocolate for the first 150 skaters. There is free skating at Lanspeary Lions Rink in Windsor from 4 to 5 p.m.

Devonshire Mall has a number of activities and shows for families from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Along with a clown, photo booth, face painting and a magician, the big feature is JiggiJump, which will do two 30-minute shows. JiggiJump is a troupe of actors who sing, dance and exercise in a television show on CBC and do interactive tours.

While Adventure Bay isn’t free, it might become the day’s top choice among kids. The Waterpark features slides, a lazy river, toddler pool and surfing from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Gordon Orr, the president of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island said the facility can handle a great deal of visitors and residents shouldn’t stay away thinking it might be too busy.

For a list of Family Day events go to www.visitwindsoressex.com.