After a success raid last Father’s Day, a crew of young buccaneers are planning another siege of the SS Sicamous.
The historic paddlewheeler is hosting the second annual Penticton Pirate Fest on June 21 to coincide with Father’s Day.
“We want to make Father’s Day more memorable,” said Jessie Dunlop, assistant manager at the SS Sicamous. “We’re planning on holding it on the same date each year, so it’ll be something families can do every year.”
Since last year’s inaugural event, Dunlop said some small kinks have been ironed out and the 2015 event is going to be even better.
“The adults really seemed to love being pirates as well.”
Kids will be able to take a running start before hitting a 60-foot long slip ’n’ slide, which will launch kids from the entrance of the Sicamous into the lake.
“So they should bring towels as well.”
They’ll be able to bring out their inner pirate with the activities on hand – face painters will be replicating the scruff and scars you would find on a pirate, and crafting activities will give kids the chance to create their own pirate hat and map. However, the young pirates should arrive already wearing pirate outfits, as there will be a costume contest run the master of ceremonies DJ Nathan Shakes, who’ll be spinning pirate beats all afternoon.
Kids will have the chance to try out many pastimes favourited by pirates such as a balancing challenge while walking the plank, hunt for buried treasure and paddle boarding. There will also be pirate food and prizes from many local donors. To partake in all of the activities costs $5 per child, and the money raised will support the restoration of the SS Sicamous.
“There are lots of children’s activities and fun to be had and it’s all for a good cause.”
The Sicamous’s next door neighbour, LocoLanding, is also involved in the Penticton Pirate Fest, by allowing dad’s free use of their new attraction, Jump Off.
“Their new activity allows people to jump from two stories high, providing an adrenaline you may have never had before,” Dunlop said. “Almost like walking the plank.”
“LocoLanding is proud to partner with the SS Sicamous to create a family friendly event on Father’s Day,” said Diana Stirling, owner of LocoLanding Adventure Park. “Our hope is that this turns into an annual Pirate Fest to celebrate the SS Sicamous on Father’s Day.”
The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m.
More events
In addition to Pirate Fest, there’ll be much more fun to be had on Father’s Day in Penticton.
For dad’s who would rather take on the role of a farmer than a matey, Andy’s Animal Acres is offering them free admission and snacks from Tim Hortons, though costs will apply to other members of the family.
“Some new animals have joined the farm family recently including two llamas –Baby Bop and her son Golden,” reads a press release from the farm. “As well, baby ducklings, baby goats, lambs, guinea pigs and Dudley the micro pig have arrived this spring.”
Incumbent family members residing at Andy’s Animal Acres include bunnies, guinea pigs, sheep, horses of all sizes, pot belly pigs, chickens, ducks and goats.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and admission costs $7 per person, or $25 for a family of four. Babies under a year old are free.
For a traditional dose of Father’s Day fun, the Discovery House is inviting the public again to its’ Father’s Day Event.
They’ll be offering a barbecue lunch and face painting while hosting games of road hockey, and pitting father-against-son through their dunk tank. Before taunting the throwers, victims of the dunk tank will raise pledges in support of the organization. Ask for a pledge sheet by emailing prrs@shaw.ca.
Admission is by donation. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Discovery House’s location, 397 Wade Ave. W.
