Despite the frigid temperatures, area families and individuals were out in droves on Monday, February 17, joining in organized events or simply making a day of it for themselves.
Point Pelee National Park was busier than a normal Monday and other venues throughout the region felt an uptick in attendance — especially those who held Family Day-specific activities.
Although it’s not a national holiday, Family Day is technically a statutory holiday in Ontario and has been since 2008.
In short, not everyone gets it off. Federal employees, for instance, do not get it off. Some private sector employers opt for the August Civic Holiday in lieu of Family Day.
Family Day in Ontario was established in 2008, 18 years after Alberta first started observing it.
All provinces and territories now have some version of a February holiday.
Three-year-old Kolby Korotva gets a hug from Skye, her favourite Paw Patrol character, at the 12th annual Family Fun Day hosted by LakePoint Family Church at the Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre
SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand
The Bacon family was well prepared for the -8 degree weather at the tip of Point Pelee on Family Day as they climbed to the top of the tip tower. From left are Tamsin, Leo, Ash and Imogen, all of Belle River.
SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand
Giving his sister Rylee a roll in the toddler games area at the Family Fun Day is Dalton Smith.
SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand
Valerie Vriesen was out for some exercise and enjoying the wintery scene at Point Pelee National Park.
SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand
Lakeside Park in Kingsville was busy despite the freezing temperatures. The Freeman family of Ruthven took to the hills for some tobogganing fun on Monday, with sisters Ivy and Isla enjoying the ride.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
