There was no shortage of family fun on Monday as Islander’s enjoyed a short mid-winter break.
Islander Day was celebrated across P.E.I. with a number of planned events and activities which took place in Summerside, Charlottetown, Stratford and Wood Islands.
Lindsey Lebreton, who lives near Fort Augustus, said she brings her family to the Islander Day activities each year.
During the free family skate at Simmon’s Sports Centre in Charlottetown, Lebreton, whose six-year-old son, Mason MacAulay, was excited to meet city mascot Charlie Town, said she appreciates the winter holiday.
“It’s nice to get a family day to have everyone together, no work, no school,” she said, adding following the skate, she and her family were hitting up the Bell Aliant Centre for one of the two free family swims being offered.
Islanders also made their way to The Alley at the Murphy’s Community Centre to enjoy glow-in-the-dark bowling.
Charlottetown resident, Olga Zahoroniy, brought her 12-year-old twin girls, Angelika and Veronika and her five-year-old son, Nikita, to the bowling alley.
“I like this day, it’s a fun day,” she said. “It’s cool, it’s good for the children.”
The twins, who attend Queen Charlotte Intermediate School, enjoyed knocking down pins.
“It’s fun,” they said in unison.
“You get to throw balls and get strikes,” Angelika added.
The family was excited to attend a family swim and then take in a free movie at City Cinema following their game.
The City of Charlottetown once again partnered with the Island Storm on a family tailgate party at the Eastlink Centre on Islander Day. Before the Storm game, families enjoyed free barbecued hot dogs and bouncy castles.
Along with physical activities, Islanders had the chance to take in performances by a variety of young local singers, dancers and musicians during a free family-based show at The Guild in Charlottetown.
Those enjoying the day off could also take part in a free snowshoeing activity at Victoria Park, offered by the Charlottetown Parks and Recreation Department as part of their Winter Active campaign.
Islander Day is a statutory holiday on P.E.I. which began in 2009 and takes place annually on the third Monday in February.
