Fun in the Sun 2000 is heating up.
After kicking off with Culturama last Saturday, and continuing with the FITS Queen entertainment night Sunday and then “Those Two Guys” comedy duo at the Legion on Monday, next up is Mall Days tomorrow on the 200 and 300 block of Scott Street.
The event promises to be jam-packed with sidewalk sales, a three-on-three basketball tourney, clowns, balloons, a bun-throwing contest, a giant slide and bouncing dome, 50/50 street bingo, and scavenger hunt.
If it rains, Malls Days will be held Friday.
The annual Teddy Bear Picnic, featuring games, music, face-painting, and an appearance by “Franklin the Turtle,” will go Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Fort Frances Public Library.
More than 200 tickets have been sold so far, and librarian Margaret Sedgwick said this morning that more tickets, which cost $3, may or may not be purchased before Friday, as organizers are concerned about having so many children inside the building if it rains.
Of course, Fun in the Sun festivities culminate Saturday with Canada Day.
“We’re very happy with what we have set up for July 1,” said FITS committee chair Paul Bock. “The bathtub race is getting bigger and better, there will be more food, and the water-ski team we had a few years ago is back.
“Plus, there’ll be lots for the kids to do,” he pledged.
The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 7-9:30 a.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion. Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for kids under 12.
Then the Canada Day parade–featuring a FITS “Cupcake Float” as well as queen contestants Amy Flatt, Nicole Jewell, Natalie Lundon, Shailynn McMahon, Nicole Rogozinski, and Alexis Vandetti–will leave the from the old CN station at 11 a.m. and go down Scott Street to the Memorial Sports Centre.
The rest of the day’s activities then move out to Pither’s Point, starting with a 50/50 bingo under the tent from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Kids will have lots to do on such things as a giant slide and bouncing castle, as well as playing games throughout the afternoon. Pinewood Sports also will have a giant water trampoline for people to try out.
The FITS Queen picnic basket auction will begin at 1 p.m. at La Place Rendez-Vous, with the crowning planned for 2:30 p.m. there.
Vandetti already captured the talent portion with a ballet en pointe to Faith Hill’s “Breathe” on Sunday night at the Townshend Theatre.
Also around 2 p.m., the Prior Lake Water-ski Show will see professional water-skiers wow spectators on Sand Bay, followed by the bathtub races at 3:30 p.m.
And as always, a fireworks display will top off the Canada Day celebrations at dusk (around 10 p.m.)