Skip to content

Rink full of toys enchant tots

The Recreation Centre’s red rink was awash with a brightly coloured, throng of tots and toys at the second biannual Bike and Bounce event.
59916stettler160927-STI-BikeBounce
Chase Davidson's face is a study in intense concentration as he guides his bike down the slide.

Stettler Recreation Centre’s red rink, which had not yet been iced, was awash with a brightly coloured, hectic throng of tots and toys at the second biannual Bike and Bounce event, hosted by ParentLink and the Spooktacular Halloween party.

The event, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, saw about 250 parents and tots come through the rink, where kids played with giant balls, rode bicycles and tricycles, and bounced on many of the several bouncy houses taking up one quarter of the rink.

“A lot of toys were borrowed from a local dayhome,” said Lisa Goodkey, ParentLink coordinator. “Some of the bouncy houses belonged to us, others came from local groups and individuals.”

It’s the second time the event has been held in Stettler, with the first one happening earlier this year in April. Attendance is up from the first event, solidifying it as a popular excursion for parents and kids. Whether or not the event becomes regular depends on the cost and how much the organization fundraises through the annual Spooktacular Halloween party. The funds raised from that party help offset the cost of toys and venue rental, a cost shouldered by ParentLink in order to keep the event free.

“(The event) gives a great opportunity for kids to socialize with their peers, and parents get a chance to know each other and make friends, too,” Goodkey said.

There was almost always a short queue for most of the bouncy houses, the popular springy air-filled toys popular with the kids.

“The kids just love them,” Goodkey said. “A lot of people can’t afford to own their own bouncy houses, or they don’t have space for them.”

The Early Childhood Coalition’s toy library was also set up on site, giving parents a chance to preview some of the items in the toy library and consider signing up for the fun-centred lending organiation.

Bike and Bounce, as an event, sprouted from an idea that came in the form of a complaint that there were no indoor playgrounds for parents to use with their kids during the winter season, Goodkey noted.

The annual Spooktacular party takes place on Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Christ King gymnasium. Parents can get tickets for $5 ahead of the event, or can buy them for $8 at the door. The event features crafts, playtime, prizes, a photo booth and treat bags, to name a few of the attractions.