Andrew’s interview with Melaine Heathers
What’s a better way to celebrate Family Day than the Family Day Extravaganza at the Mississauga Convention Centre? On this year’s Family Day of February 15th, Voice K had the opportunity to go visit this amazing event that celebrates the day where everyone spends time with their family. With several jaw-dropping performances, such as the fantastic President’s Choice Superdogs, no one should miss out on such an awesome adventure.
The President’s Choice Superdogs show was extremely well coordinated. There were many great performances, and guess who the performers were? Dogs, of course! The audience loved the dogs and were amazed by their abilities to do tricks that people thought dogs could never do. For example, the classic high jump, and the relay between the BowWows and the Woof Woofs was the favourite of many audience members.
There were many vendors all in one room. The ones that stood out were Gymnastic Mississauga, Home Depot, Raptors 905, and Spiderman and Batman from Alpha’s Preschool Academy and Child Care Centre. They all had something in common: entertainment. For example, Home Depot had a big stand and loud hammering sounds, Gymnastics Mississauga played a video of people doing gymnastics. Raptors 905 had a humongous poster, and last but not least, Batman and Spiderman themselves.
Of course we had to go visit a few! Many were fascinating but we chose some favourites:
We had the chance to interview Gymnastics Mississauga, who offers class for kids. The staff at the booth were very well prepared. With eye-catching visuals like YouTube videos, visitors can see what they’re getting themselves into before they actually join.
“[Gymnastics is] such a great sport for kids,” said Victoria, a coach who has been teaching in the program for 3 years. “It keeps them active, works on their flexibility and strength and technique.”
“It’s amazing for the body overall, the changes you see and the ability to do certain activities, it’s amazing,” said Alex, another coach who has been a gymnastic teacher for 5 years.
We also had the chance to interview at the Raptors 905 booth, the Canadian basketball team in the NBA development league. It was really exciting to chat with the office managers and learn about the team and upcoming events.
And last but not least—the Home Depot workshop. There was a crowd of people waiting in line to make something. We interviewed Ron Potvin, the district manager.
“I am the district manager and I get all three of our Mississauga [Home Depot] stores involved,” said Potvin. “My job is to make sure everyone is working together to get this done in a way that is memorable for kids.”
Potvin thinks that his workshop can create memories for families and our future builders that could become leaders in our community, so he believes that this helps people build their leadership to make a change.
The enthusiasm and energy of the visitors filled the day with light and joy. We are glad we visited the festival this year and hope to return for the next one.
