By Doreen Marion Gee

Mark September 20, 2008 on your calendar because it is party time at South Park School! It is the Festival of Families, a celebration of community for everyone, whether single, senior, partner or parent. The festival philosophy is that we are all part of some kind of family - whether traditional or global. This Festival is all about getting out and connecting with others and having a lot of fun along the way. There will be lots of good music, great food, and activities. The event is also celebrating BC's 150th birthday and people from all levels of government have been invited: The Head of the United Nations, Prime Minister Harper, Premier Campbell, and the Mayor among others.

The Festival is also a means to raise money for South Park School programs and operating costs. Two stages of live entertainment include Valdy, Shari Ulrich, and many others. A KidZone will keep the children busy with activities like "tattoo parlour" and "bouncy castles". The event boasts gourmet food from bouillabaise to hoagies from first class restaurants like The Temple. A Community Corner will have information from many non - profits. You can indulge yourself with chocolates from "Terrible Truffles" or other fares from many Craft Fair participants.

A major goal is to make this Festival accessible and affordable. All costs are kept at a minimum. Pancakes and hotdogs will be a dollar and two bucks for a hamburger! A maximum cost of five dollars will be charged for the restaurant meals and seniors eat for free from 5 to 6 PM at the South Park BBQ Pit. All the kids' activities and raffle tickets are just a dollar. The regular admission prices are $30 for a family pass, $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children.

Come on out and play at the South Park School and Playground on Saturday, September 20, from 9 AM to 6 PM. Join your James Bay family in all the excitement. This should be great for the kid in all of us!