Strathcona Family Day 27 Aug 2011
By Mrs. Kim Mills
Not every kid can say that when they visit their mom or dad at work they get to ride a tank or shoot paintball guns for fun, but for the kids of LdSH(RC) they officially had bragging rights on the 27th of August at the annual Strathcona family day. Not only did they have soldierly fun, but they also had balloon animals, a magician, a petting zoo, face painting, a reptile petting zoo, and pony rides. Once they had tried the various activities and were hungry, they had pizza and a bar-b-que to fill up on. If burgers and hot dogs were too healthy, they had mountains of cotton candy (which saw a very pink candy covered Cpl Skinner handing out) as well as sno-cones and popcorn.
Throughout the day there were many events to be had. There was a show and shine which saw cars like Capt Alex Nitu’s Delorean DMC 12, MCpl Shaun Sullivan’s 1940 Plymouth (which he built), or the winner Cpl Chris Sykes’ 2011 Chevy Silverado 4x4. I have it on good authority at least one of the judges likes “monster trucks”! We also had numerous friends of the Regiment show their own military projects with various jeeps and trucks. For the kids, the carnival games offered a chance for prizes and arcade games kept them busy while mom and dad talked to old friends and new acquaintances. The few brave (kids of all ages) also had a chance to test their pitching arms with a shot to see the CO, LCol Trevor Cadieu and RSM Bill Crabb get soaked by water balloons with a new twist on the old dunk tank. In all there was not a bored kid (or parent) in the Harvey building that day.
The importance of getting together for a day of fun was not lost on any family from a Regiment that has endured an operational tempo like no other CF unit. For many families, the hectic tempo has meant they haven’t had much in the way of family time together. It was very clear that this family day was a gesture of appreciation from the Regiment to the families that support them. The smiling faces of the young and old, as well as the laughter were a clear indication that is was tremendously appreciated by all who came out. Even by those parents who were trying to drag their sugar crazed kids out of the bouncy castles long after the day was finished.