Look for lots of happy people at the head of South River this Saturday

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

One of the prettiest patches of ground on the north side of Conception Bay will celebrate the best of the summer on Saturday, as the town holds South River Day.

There will be free food and drinks at the event, including a barbecue of hamburgers and hotdogs, along with fresh fruit, water, juice boxes, and soda. Live entertainment will also be featured, with performances by several members of Sheila’s Brush, including Ryan Snow, who is on the South River town council, and Jim Pike.

The many fun activities at the celebration for children include facepainting and balloon twisting along with a bouncy castle. At the most recent South River council meeting, Councillor Pat Curran also suggested the Town bring back an element that went over well with children at the event last year: a box filled with small toys. Each child got a toy upon arrival, and they were so delighted with them, it was decided to carry the toybox into this year’s celebration, as well.

Thanks to the collaboration of The Newfoundland Pony Pals Project, pony rides and a petting zoo will also be available at the event. The project was started by the Newfoundland Pony Heritage Pasture located in South River, and its purpose is to promote, protect and preserve the Newfoundland Pony, which is endangered. Those who attend South River Day can meet the animals who are a part of our province’s culture and history. In addition to ponies, the petting zoo arranged by the Pony Pals will feature small goats and or pigs. The Town is donating $500 to the Pony Pals, as it did after they collaborated on last year’s South River Day.

Council will also be selling 50/50 tickets during South River Day. The proceeds will be donated to the local food bank.