At the Better Beginnings Better Futures Family Summer Festival in Victory Park on July 22, children from all over the city laughed, splashed and played their way through a beautiful sunny day.
They had their faces painted, got temporary tattoos, listened to bands like Moonlight Buskers and danced with Claudio Peralta and Blanca and Jheymy Pachamama.
It didn't hurt that there was a pancake breakfast or a lunch time barbecue, either.
Samm De Lorenzo, family resource worker with the Baby’s Breath Program at Better Beginnings, Better Futures, told Sudbury.com the idea was born from the London International Children’s Festival he would attend as a child. But De Lorenzo said the whole day would not be possible without everyone at the organization dedicated to helping children at socio-economic risk.
The festival was free, but also accepted food donations to fill their emergency pantry.
“This is all about bringing the community together and dancing, everyone having a good time, laughing and smiling,” he said. “That's what it's all about.”
Many families brought blankets and sat in the shade for most of the day, enjoying demonstrations by Little Kickers Soccer and the Sudbury Five, who showed off their skills. All of the attendees could have a free haircut by First Choice Haircutters, and SNOLAB offered science demonstrations to young and old alike.
Sudbury.com spoke with a woman who lived nearby; she came to Victory Park because of the joy she could hear through her window.
The result of six months of work and planning, De Lorenzo said it was well worth the effort, and it's a festival that will definitely be back next year.
You can find more information about Better Beginnings Better Futures on their website, found here.
