Grovenor Community Fall Fest 2011

By Tejay Gardiner

GROVENOR — The delayed opening of the Grovenor Skate Park didn’t dampen the fun at the Grovenor Fall Fest Saturday; there were plenty of distractions.

Face painting, balloon art and traditional carnival snacks like popcorn, pink-candy floss and snow cones had kids smiling. One parent called out to a crowd of teenagers for “volunteer” babysitters to help put her child to bed after the “sugar high”.

Two-year-old Crysta Kuperis found it hard to focus on her hamburger and fresh fruit with the blur of activity around her.

“She loves a party,” said Crysta’s mom.

But the kids weren’t the only ones enjoying the Fall Fest activities and treats; Fall Fest is an all-ages event.

For the “big” kids, the festival means a cheap meal out and a chance to mingle with neighbours. For busy residents, Fall Fest can be the only chance to visit with fellow community members throughout the year.

“Fall Fest is an amazing opportunity for residents to come together,” said Jennifer McLaughlin, Grovenor community president.  “For some people this is the first time during the year to see each other.”

For Santana McDermott, the most enjoyable part of Fall Fest is the fireworks.  She likes to bring a blanket and enjoy the show with her kids.

“We don’t usually go to the fireworks downtown,” she said.  “It’s too crowded and here it is more relaxed.”

McDermott’s three-year-old son, Claiden Carter, entertained a small crowd during the free belly-dance lesson. Carter’s joy was priceless as he swung his hips and laughed out loud while dancing with his mom.

It is obvious that the families of Grovenor adore this event.

Leanne Konkin has been helping organize Fall Fest activities for the past four out of five years.  She took last year off when she had her son Parker.  Leanne said local businesses really stepped up this year with some fantastic donations. The donations were a big help, especially after the expense of the recent renovations to the community hall.

The Grovenor community is also looking forward to the opening of the skate park, which has been delayed due to uncooperative weather barring construction.

The new spray park, however, was ready to go and was unveiled just in time for Fall Fest. Although the sprinklers weren’t running, the kids had fun climbing on the equipment and the cemented area provided the perfect surface for games of ball hockey and soccer.

The Grovenor Fall Fest is an annual event and the biggest event of the year for the community, attracting between 200 and 400 residents and guests.