Family Day is back
Fun was had by all at the previous Family Day event. Courtesy Samantha Pepin
As the school year comes to a close, community members can once again look forward to a festive day of family fun, with the Kanesatake Health Center (KHC) Family Day event returning for the first time since 2023.
“It always turns out to be a really, really fun family event, so we definitely felt like that was missing,” said Jadyn Lauder, child and youth program coordinator at KHC. “We’re so excited to bring it back this year.”
The June 20 event will move ahead rain or shine, with hundreds expected to turn out to the Powwow Grounds for face painting, fun bounces, local booths, a traditional social, a free barbecue lunch, a mechanical bull, and a strawberry bake-off.
“I always absolutely love our strawberry bake-off,” said Lauder. “You don’t realize how big it is until you get to that point where the judges are trying it and they’re marking scores.”
There is both a youth and adult category for the bake-off, and registration is required ahead of time by June 18 to participate.
Strawberry fanatics who are not on the judging panel will also have an opportunity to sample the seasonal delicacy at Quench It Drinks, which specializes in fresh, homemade strawberry drink. The business is one of the many vendors that will be on hand at the event in addition to KHC booths letting community members know about available services.
Courtesy Kanesatake Health Center
“I am looking forward to my second time vending at Kanesatake’s Family Day event,” said Ruby Powless, who founded and operates Quench It Drinks.
“It brings a great amount of appreciation and joy to be back serving up my signature drinks to families in the community. I enjoy the company that the event brings as well as the entertainment that comes with it.”
Local artists and artisans will also be on hand, with community members like Kaysun Oke hosting booths.
“It’s just a good time for all ages,” said Oke, who will be bringing her children to enjoy the festivities. They had a blast last time, she said.
“It’s a great way for everyone to come together in a positive environment. It’s all good vibes, and the kids get to see each other outside of school settings and continue to have fun, creating memories for the community.”
Oke will be showcasing prints, jewelry with caribou tuft, quill work, and pyrography wearable art.
“I’m just so happy to be able to participate as a vendor in my community and just connect and showcase my work at the same time,” she said.
Adding to the cultural offering, for this year’s traditional social the KHC has invited the Kanehsatà:ke Traditional Women Singers to participate in the event, so community members will be in for a treat.
“Expect a day of enjoying outdoors,” said Lauder, suggesting people bring chairs or blankets.
With school over, it’s a great opportunity for youth to let loose, Lauder said.
“School is tough for a lot of these kids, so it’s kind of nice to see them run wild and free. I couldn’t ask for more at the end of the day, them just being kids,” she said.
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Kanesatake Family Day will take place at the Kanesatake Powwow Grounds from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 20.
Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
