Pittock hosts water festival

Liam and Todd give last-minute canoeing instructions to Emily, Rayma and Thomas. (Ron Yuzark Photo)

Ron Yuzark, Echo Correspondent

Families from across Oxford County came together on the evening of May 15 for an unforgettable experience at Family Night, hosted at the Pittock Conservation Area as part of the Oxford Children’s Water Festival.

Running from 5 to 8 p.m., the free event offered a perfect blend of education and entertainment, engaging children and youth with hands-on activities focused on the importance of water conservation.

Event highlights included:

• Water-themed activity stations where children explored the science and significance of water through interactive learning.

• Canoeing on Pittock Reservoir, giving attendees a chance to paddle on the scenic waters.

• Live birds of prey shows by the Canadian Raptor Conservancy, thrilling the crowd with up-close encounters and soaring performances.

• Community partner booths, where local environmental organizations shared resources and tips on protecting our water.

• Big trucks on display, giving curious kids a chance to see (and sometimes climb aboard) impressive work vehicles.

• Food trucks that served up a tasty variety of treats, making it a night to remember for both kids and adults.

Organizers were thrilled with the turnout and the enthusiasm shown by participants of all ages. “This event is all about making learning fun and engaging for young people, while helping families connect with the natural world around them,” said one organizer. “We were so excited to see the community come together to celebrate and learn about water in such an interactive way.”

The Oxford Children’s Water Festival continues its mission to inspire future stewards of the environment—one splash at a time.