THUNDER BAY -- Bill Beavis wants the spirit of Chippewa Park to live on.
Five years ago Beavis was nominated to join the board of directors for the Friends of Chippewa Park community organization but he turned it down because he felt his age and health would prevent him from taking on the responsibility.
So instead he decided to come up with a different way of contributing to the park.
That led to the creation of the Bill Beavis Family Fun Day, the sixth edition of the annual event was held at the park on Sunday.
“It’s really attracted people and our interest is to promote Chippewa to a lot of the community. It’s a great place and there are a lot of activities available for children,” he said.
There was free cake and refreshments available, as well as face painting and clowns with balloon animals for children.
The family has organized the event in conjunction with the Friends of Chippewa Park as a way to attract new visitors and show off the space.
But the foremost concern is having fun, said Bonnie Shipston, his daughter.
“It’s one day a year where we all come out and play,” Shipston said.
“There’s entertainment on the back stage. There are games and prizes for the children.”
The Northern Ontario Classic Cruisers held a car show on park grounds as well on Sunday, which also generated a large amount of traffic.
