Happy Days on Henderson to host 20th bash

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This article was published 07/06/2022 (358 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ELMWOOD

Elmwood’s “must attend” event of the summer is coming up.

On Sat., June 11, the 20th Happy Days on Henderson will take place on the Lord Selkirk School field (170-180 Poplar Ave.). The annual event, which was first launched in June 2000, has been on hold the past two summers, owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to get the kids out and have some fun, as well as for residents to access valuable resources and connect with others in the community,” Arlene Reid, events co-ordinator for the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, said. “It’s a lot of fun.”

The annual event is organized by a committee, which includes Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, Tots in Elmwood, Efficiency Manitoba, Glenelm Neighbourhood Association, Beautify Elmwood, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Healthy Together Now, City of Winnipeg, Lord Selkirk School, and Lac Du Bonnet Lions Club. Other contributors include Manitoba Association of Parent Councils, Mills Insurance, and the Local Colour Art Group.

“The committee as a whole is really excited,” Reid said.

Reid, who is also a Winnipeg School Division trustee for Elmwood, said that while she has been involved in organizing the event for years, this is the first year she will be working the event.

“I always took my kids, but they’re older now,” she said.

Along with bouncers, face painting and live music, 24 community organizations will be on hand providing information on services they provide to the community. There will be a free hot dog lunch, as well as fruit, water, and coffee. A draw for a gently used kid’s bike will be held, and Bike Winnipeg will also be on hand, with the organization’s cargo and bike trailer festival.

“We also have some special things this year,” Reid added. “We will be having a dunk tank, as a donation, to dunk your city councillor or MLA.”

Coun. Jason Schreyer (Elmwood-East Kildonan) and Concordia MLA Matt Wiebe have agreed to sit in the dunk tank chair, as has Reid herself.

“I’m ready,” she laughed, noting a few more local representatives may yet agree to be dunked for a donation to the local organization.

While the event is coming up quickly, Reid noted that there is always a need for more volunteers to help ensure things run smoothly on June 11. If interested, email happydaysonhenderson@gmail.com or call 204-669-0750.