UNITY - Even with temperatures at -20 C, the brilliant sun and no wind provided a great day for families to gather for some winter fun as Unity and District Heritage Museum hosted a family fun day as part of the Family Day holiday. The event was free for all who attended thanks to the museum. It was estimated that around 100 attended the afternoon event Feb. 21 and the event was filled with laughter and smiles.
Guests were greeted with a colourful sign painted on the snow welcoming people to the museum. Azure McGonigle, museum volunteer, greeted people at the Adanac Hall where hot dogs, hot chocolate and coffee were being served. Folks from the Unity Baptist Church volunteered for this task in the kitchen.
There was plenty to offer outdoors for attendees. Moguls were created in the parking lot, street hockey was played on the snow and many enjoyed Luke and Duke, the horses pulling the wagon rides around the property. Museum president, Pat Uzelman, along with co-driver Lindsay Mackay continued driving the team or horses as long as there were riders who wanted to go for a loop.
A bonfire was set up for guests to warm their toes and hands, or enjoy a visit while children played around them. Unity volunteer firefighter, Billy Pitt, was tasked with getting the fire built and lit and he, along with fellow firefighter, Victor Bellegarde kept watch on the bonfire for the afternoon’s event.
Indoor games were also an option inside the hall. Some folks who had been sledding or skating on the recreation options bordering the museum wandered over to take part in some of the fun.
This was the third time the museum committee sponsored and hosted this community event, beginning in 2019, but having to forego 2021 due to a prime peak in the pandemic.
As one participant stated, “It was a pleasant restart to what will make a great annual event and we thank the museum board and volunteers for their efforts in this enjoyable afternoon.”
