Grandparents Day returns to the Friendship Centre on Sept. 2

Event intended to bridge the divide between young and old with a morning of fun and connection

Participants young and old enjoyed the games, activities and entertainemnt that was part of the St. Marys Friendship Centre and Early ON’s 2024 Grandparents Day. The event will return on Sept. 2.

By Galen Simmons, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For the second year in a row and as part of a local effort to host and promote more intergenerational programming, the Friendship Centre – in partnership with St. Marys Early ON – is hosting Grandparents Day on Sept. 2 from 9-11 a.m.

This event is designed to bring people of all ages together for a joyful morning, fostering community spirit through shared activities and laughter. Featured activities will include face painting, story time, crafts, snacks and a mini magic show by Kooky Kate, a Friendship Centre regular.

“There is an actual Grandparents Day that is celebrated, and it is actually not in September,” said St. Marys senior services manager Jenny Mikita. “I believe it’s in October, and we are playing on the concept of this. Sept. 2 is a PA day for the Avon Maitland District School Board, so Early ON – which is located in the Pyramid Recreation Centre right next to the Friendship Centre – and the Friendship Centre are always looking for ways to collaborate on programming.

“Intergenerational programming is just awesome; seeing the two generations at either end of the age spectrum interact. So, we thought, how can we provide more opportunities to get our older population and our younger population together, or our families to bring their grandparents, or our seniors to bring their grandchildren out?”

In addition to last year’s Grandparents Day, the Friendship Centre and Early ON also hosted an intergeneration concert featuring musician Eric Traplin earlier this summer, which offered another opportunity for young families and older residents to interact and make new connections and friendships.

While the event is called Grandparents Day, Mikita stressed those who attend are not required to bring their grandparents or grandchildren, something that can be difficult for people whose family does not live nearby. Instead, the event is intended to foster connections between total strangers, as well as family and friends.

“It brings people together, Mikita said. “For families that maybe don’t have their grandparents near, they can come to an event where there are seniors. It’s beneficial; they get energy from each other. I know when the kids come over to the Friendship Centre, it’s just awesome to see such great connection.

“There will be grandparents there with their grandchildren and there will be families there with their neighbours or friends or whoever. It’s open for all. If you don’t have a little or a big, still come and meet a new friend.”

In the past, Mikita said intergenerational programming has led to the development of lifelong friendships between young families and older adults.

Mikita says the Friendship Centre and Early ON are always looking for new intergenerational programming, and St. Marys residents should keep their eyes open for more opportunities like this one in the future.

Registration is strongly encouraged through ActiveNet (www.townofstmarys.com/activenet), KEyON (www.townofstmarys.com/keyon) or by calling the St. Marys Friendship Centre at 519-284-3272.