Trident June 15 2009 - Tridentnews.ca

6TRIDENT, JULY 15, 2009DND Family Days comes to lifeBy Benjamin J. DeLongTrident StaffCrowds bustled back andforth, from one end of thedockyard to the other, busylearning from info booths, ridingcarnival rides (not to mentionRHIB rides), and enjoyingfree treats at the 13th annualDND Family Days.There was a lot to attract anolder crowd out, but a lot offun was to be had specificallyby children. Many prizeswere catered to youth—NintendoWii stations, iPods, andbicycles. There was also awealth of information onkids’ safety, including ahands-on lesson, in front of alive, contained fire, on howto use a fire extinguisher.“I’ve received several callsfrom principals today aboutkids playing hooky,” saidRAdm Maddison, JTFA Commander,with a smile. “It’sgreat that family membersare here to support our menEmerson Drive entertained at the Friday night concert.and women in uniform, andrecognize their service toour country.”On Friday night, GeorgeCanyon and Emerson Driveplayed a string of countrysongs to enthusiastic fans.Canyon played mostly originalsongs, but also coveredStevie Wonder’s Superstition,and Johnny Cash’s FolsumPrison Blues, to whichmuch of the audience joinedin singing. A grateful Canyonended his performance saying,“In my opinion, we’vegot the best military in theworld.”What did you have to sayabout this year’s DND FamilyDays?“My favourite part of FamilyDays is just hangingaround, playing with friends.I’m also glad I won a bike thisyear. This is the first time I’vewon anything.” - Nick, 13.“This is good for the community.It’s good to hearabout the different trades andhave a chance to visit theships. You learn so manythings. For instance, I didn’tknow they can land helicopterson ships.” - Alain, 50.“It was great. I was on aboat, and it went 73,500miles per hour. I got to seeanimals at the petting zoo,too. That was my favouritepart.” - Spencer, 6.“I won a mystery prizefrom Cambridge Suites: it’s asewing kit. I was hoping for afree night, but a sewing kitworks well, too.” - Rose, 41.Amanda and Lauren at the petting zoo, a favourite stop forall ages.PHOTOS: PAULA TEMPELAARS TRIDENT STAFF