Bouncy castles, face painting, art classes, a magician, buskers, aerialists and wrestling – all under one roof?
That's what a Fantastic Fathers Family Father's Day Charity Extravaganza looks like.
"It's definitely our flagship, Super Bowl-calibre style for us," said Steve Brown, co-founder of Fantastic Fathers. "There's obviously a community need for something to do on Father's Day weekend, and this is it."
The family-focused and community-driven event is expected to bring thousands of people of all ages to the St. Clair College SportsPlex on June 20 for a day of fun, entertainment and enjoyment. The activities, which run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., are geared to an audience of 12 and under, but brings in events that both parents and kids can enjoy together.
"It's family-friendly, but not just for fathers and kids," said Seth Perera, also a co-founder of Fantastic Fathers. "Dads are welcome, moms, cousins, grandparents – whoever you are, just come on out."
The first year, organizers planned for 500 people. 2,000 showed up. That's when Brown and Perera knew they were onto something big.
"It went so well on the very first year that we did it, that it led to everything else that we've done along the way," said Brown, noting that included a venue change to St. Clair College, which provided a larger indoor space.
"We moved to St. Clair College, and they welcomed us with open arms. It's just such an awesome facility," Brown said. "It's a friendship type of feel: They're happy to have us and we're happy to be there. It's a community College and it's a community event, so it just all it all ties in and makes sense, and we've been there ever since. It's our home for this event."
Fantastic Fathers' events are 95 per cent sponsor driven and the organization relies on local businesses and individuals to create the free event.
"It's very imperative to have strong community partners and people to share our vision," said Perera. "Father's Day, even when I was a kid, was like buy your dad a tie, and make him a craft in your classroom. And that stuff still goes on, but doing something that I see other families enjoy, giving them a place to spend quality time together, that's what the day is all about."
"This event is at the heart of what St. Clair College does," said John Fairley, Sr. Vice President of Communications and Community Relations at St. Clair College. "To have our SportsPlex become a hub in the community and opening our doors to families for a free event helps meet the needs of this community and defines what a community college truly stands for."
Fantastic Fathers also gives back to the St. Clair College Community, providing annual scholarships to students through the St. Clair College Foundation.
"What Fantastic Fathers has done year after year makes them a true community champion," Fairley said. "Bigger than that, what they do for families of all types to provide a fun event really helps this partnership and community thrive."
Most of the events run throughout the day, but the second annual Windsor Soapbox Derby Association Race goes from 11 a.m. to noon, and the Sarah Parks Horsemanship pony rides take place from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is capped off by a special wrestling performance from 2-3 put on by Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling.
The free event on Saturday, June 20, runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the SportsPlex at Main Windsor Campus. Event details can be found here.
