THUNDER BAY – Combine hundreds of kids on a day off school and numerous bouncy castles, and what do you get? The 2020 FamJam, complete with smiling faces, clowns, and, yes, a bit of organized chaos. The Family Day event directed all that energy toward a good cause this year, raising food donations for the Shelter House.
About 500 children attended the event at the CLE Colliseum last year, and organizer Ken Jones, who operates Funtastic Castles, expected to see similar numbers on Monday. He says it’s as simple as wanting to give kids a good time, adding that all that bouncing is a healthy outlet for the sometimes tremendous energy of kids who might otherwise be indoors on the provincial holiday.
“We’ve got something for the little kids, something for the bigger kids,” he says. “It’s just a fun family time, I see the parents walk out with smiles on their faces – that’s important.”
Jones also used the opportunity to support an organization he believes in, offering free admission for adults with the donation of food items for Thunder Bay’s Shelter House. He says it’s a small way to pitch in for a worthy cause.
Beyond the popular inflatable castles, Jones partnered with Thunder Bay Gymnastics, who brought their tumble bug equipment for pre-school children. The event also offered activities including caricatures, face painting, hair braiding, along with crafts and colouring.
Nine-year-old Winter Lusignan, with hair freshly braided, said it’s a great way to spend the day off.
“I just love coming out here every year, because you meet a bunch of new friends,” she said.
Her cousin Kyra Caouette, 10, agreed: “It’s amazing – it’s a good way to spend your family day.”
