HALDIMAND—Families across Haldimand enjoyed this year’s Family Day holiday with games, activities, music, food, and more. Those looking to get out of the house for that quality time had plenty of options on Monday, February 16, 2026, including the Dunnville Optimist’s Carnvial in the Dunnville Optimist Hall and the Selkirk Heritage Day event in the Selkirk Centennial Community Centre.
Selkirk
12-year-old Gemma McConachie churning milk into butter, which was then sold by donation at the Selkirk event. 
Julie Tune, one of the several musicians that played ditties of days gone by, playing a 126-year-old fiddle/violin that was gifted to her by her father. 
Sharon Derkach slicing bread made by Janis Heaslip, with the public able to buy a slice with some fresh butter or with a sausage and sauerkraut. 
Lois Gifford in period dress showing off some dolls and other toys that would have been around in the early 1900s. 
Anna Makrides trying out the art of dossing, a method of finding the buried that is similar to divining, a method of finding water. 
Local writer, educator, and Butler Rangers reenactor Zig Misiak with a display of his children’s books. 
Micheal Berry from Ruthven Park National Historic Site in Cayuga, who was on hand to talk about the historical property with a variety of skeletons found on site.
SELKIRK—Tradition and family were at the centre of the annual Selkirk Heritage Day event, held on Family Day, February 16, 2026 at the Selkirk Centennial Community Hall. The event was organized by North Erie Shore Historical Society and offered demonstrations, heritage exhibits and games, crafts, music, refreshments, and more. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J. Newstead
Dunnville
Colson (4) plays “Chuck the Chicken” like a pro at the Dunnville Optimist event, getting three in the target! 
Aliya (4) gets her face painted by Corrie Cunningham, aka Ontario Juggler. 
Optimists (l-r) Tom Pettigrew, Kim Plante, and Anne Vanderknyff. 
Odin (left) and Freya show off their prizes. 
Sisters Adalia and Ellie Marchese play mini golf together.
By Alexa Gerrie
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—Laughter, games, and lots of winter fun could be found at the Optimist Hall in Dunnville this Family Day.
Approximately 150 people enjoyed a playful afternoon with games, prizes, and memories that will last a lifetime. For just one dollar, guests received five tickets to try their luck at the games. Prizes included games, books, clothes, dolls, art supplies — and the big ticket item, a giant teddy bear. Many prizes were generously donated by Optimists. Fun music and cheerful laughter filled the hall as kids hurried from booth to booth with games such as Plinko, ring toss, and fishpond, along with free activities like face painting, balloon art, and a colouring table. Families could then fuel up with classic carnival refreshments like hotdogs, chilli, chips, cookies, and pop.
The Optimist Club is well known for their commitment to supporting the community. In a time when the cost of entertainment can be a barrier, hosting accessible community events is more important than ever. Kim Plante, Optimist and organizer of the carnival, explained that the goal was to create an event where anyone could participate, regardless of budget. While fundraising was not the primary objective, any proceeds from the day will be put back into the community through future Optimist initiatives.
In its fifth year, the Family Day Carnival was more successful than ever. Judging by the smiles and giggles inside, it will be a yearly tradition many look forward to coming back to.
