The Fraser Valley Family Day event is back and bigger than ever at the Langley Events Centre on Monday, Feb. 8, says organizer Dana Matheson.
“It’s going to be really good this year, lots is happening,” said Matheson, owner of Langley-based C&D Logistics and a father of two.
This year, the event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but now includes the Rivermen’s hockey game next door in the arena at 1 p.m., followed by a free skate with the Rivermen players at 3:30 p.m. The day is by donation with 100 per cent of proceeds going to local charities.
JRFM Radio has come on as a sponsor and plans to bring musical guests.
The fieldhouse will once again be filled with activity stations ranging from bouncy castles, a velcro wall and Sumo wrestling to obstacle courses and a tug-of-war.
Matheson organized this event last year as a way to give back to the community and because there wasn’t much going on during the Family Day long weekend.
“It’s celebrating family and the community,” he said.
Sports fans will get a chance to meet with Grey Cup winner Justin Sorensen as well as BC Lions players. Members of the Stealth lacrosse team and Langley Rams will also be there, along with their mascots.
There will be a designated section for toddlers, with activities specifically for them.
“Toddlers weren’t properly addressed in last year’s event so we’ve changed that,” said Matheson.
Township firefighters will be there with their fire truck, letting kids spray the hose and try to rescue someone from the smoke room.
Next door in the gym there will be face painting and a photo booth and local businesses will have tables, handing out food and products as well as getting to know the visitors.
Mr. Canuck, Mark Donnelly, will sing the national anthem at both the Rivermen game and at the Family Day event.
This year, Matheson has partnered with LEC, which means the event logistics will be worked out through them and the entire facility will be dedicated to the event.
“Last year we believe there were around 2,000 people who came out. This year, we’d love it if we could reach 30,000,” he said.
Matheson is the recent winner of the Langley Chamber of Commerce Under 40 Business Person of the Year. He is involved with numerous charities, including Kimz Angels.
Angels founder Kim Snow will be at the fieldhouse, accepting donations of food and baby essentials to fill her truck.
Last year, the event raised $11,000 for local charities. This year, Township Firefighters Charitable Foundation, Basics For Babies and Life Ready are the chosen charities.
If you run a Langley business and are interested in being a vendor, email dana@cdlogistics.ca