Pirates, clowns, science and snakes at Gore Park

This article was originally published in CBC Hamilton, Aug. 22, 2012

Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a pirate this week in Gore Park.

Or a magician. Or even some reptiles in downtown Hamilton.

The Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement Area (BIA) is hosting its first Kids Week event, which runs from Wednesday to Saturday in Gore Park.

It is a week of informative and interactive activities dedicated to kids and free to all. This is the first time the BIA has run a week of kids-focused activities.

“Last year, we had a Pirate Day, but that was it. We decided to do a Kids Week to try to bring a little fun for the kids, and to show the families that downtown Hamilton is changing for the better and is really starting to clean up,” said Dan Ross, marketing assistant and Gore Park promenade co-ordinator.

Hamiltonians can expect a variety of activities at Kids Week, from face painting and plinko games to main acts such as Calvin’s Magic, Mad Science, and the Traveling Reptile Show. Local food trucks and vendors will also be selling their merchandise.

Ross is looking forward to Thursday, as Roots2Leaf will be promoting a new program for youths at risk.

Roots2Leafs will offer workshops on creative writing, urban arts, beat production and break dancing, at The New Globe, a youth-led centre downtown. Events are free for 13 to 22 year-olds.

“We’re excited to see this program start to take shape,” said Ross. “The summer is coming to an end, and we would like them to enjoy it while it lasts.

Also, if they have a great time, we do hope that their parents and themselves will start to come back to the core more often,” said Ross.

Visit Downtown Hamilton BIA’s website for a list of Kids Week activities.