2015 Family Day activities in the Quinte region

By Candice-Rose Gagnon

BELLEVILLE – Here is our guide for what is closed and open on Family Day in the Quinte region on Feb. 16.

Classes will not be held in the Hasting and Prince Edward District School Board or Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board on Family Day.

It also marks the start of Loyalist College’s study week.

Locally, most businesses in this area will be closed since it is a statutory holiday.

Belleville City Transit will not run service Monday and resume Tuesday.

Quinte Mall is also observing the holiday and not opening. All major grocery stores, Metro, Independent Grocer and Walmart is also closed.

There are a number of family-oriented events going on in the Quinte area on the holiday.

Friends of Sandbanks, a local non-profit, is holding Snowfest at Sandbanks Provincial Park in Picton. This is a free family event from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Everyone can try snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and other winter activities outside. Inside, warm up with entertainment, food and drinks located at the Maple Rest Heritage House on Prince Edward County Road 12.

The Royal Canadian Air Force Museum of Canada is hosting Family Portrait Day. Be one of the first 100 people to arrive at the museum and receive a free lunch bag, get a professional photo in old fashioned uniforms, and even take a ride in a flight simulator, all for free. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There is a free skate sponsored by Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre from 2:30p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Batawa Ski Hill has special hours for the long weekend. On Feb. 15, skiing is 9 a.m. to  10 p.m. and on Feb. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Finally, the Belleville Bulls will be playing a Family Day afternoon game against the Kitchener Rangers starting at 2:05 p.m.

Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan have been celebrating a day off in February since 2007. Held on the third Monday of February.