BubbleFest promises a blow out
Saturday’s sudsy affair at Merritt Park
Some big fun is bubbling to the surface of Welland Coffee Club.
The club has been meeting every month since April, working on ideas to improve the community. Come Saturday the club will bubble down on all that work with its first event, BubbleFest.
“It’s going to be whimsical,” said Zak Hines, who along with six other organizers — Brad
Ulch, Mark Holmes, Rob Repovs, Lucas Spinosa, Jillian Speck and Tami Hail — have been working to get the event off the ground.
The idea is simple, get as many residents of all ages together for a day of community celebration at Merritt Park all the while blowing bubbles in myriad sizes and amounts.
“We wanted something that was fun, easy and accessible,” said Spinosa, explaining how the group settled on the idea of a mass bubble-blowing gathering.
Bubbles, he said, seem to delight all ages, and are simple enough for anyone to participate. The event isn’t meant to be a huge production, just something simple to bring the community together.
Spinosa noted with sponsors on board, organizers have been able to get loads of prizes together for the affair, with several contests planned for the event.
Guests are invited to bring their dogs for the puppy pop at noon, when whatever dog can chase down and pop the most bubbles will land a prize.
“It’s very informal,” he said. At 1 p.m. the billion-bubble contest will start, challenging participants to blow the most bubbles they can.
People who prefer a more endurance-based challenge can
participate in the longest-lasting bubble competition at 2 p.m., and at 3 p.m. size will definitely matter as the biggest bubble competition starts.
Throughout the event, bubble machines will keep the air filled with floating orbs of soap and water. Welland Museum will be supplying bubble wands for people who don’t bring their own. Organizers are encouraging individuals to bring their own bubble-making contraptions and creations, however.
“We encourage people to get as creative or as strange as they want to,” said Spinosa, pointing out there might be some prizes up for grabs for the more creative bubble-makers in attendance.
There will also be live music throughout the day. Sarah Boulton starts the lineup at 11 a.m., followed by Heather Glabb at noon, Dave Toderick at 1 p.m., Rob Repovs at 2 p.m. and Chris Madronich at 3 p.m.
BubbleFest runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit the Welland BubbleFest Facebook event page.
Welland Coffee Club, a discussion group focused on positive community action, meets the second Tuesday of every month at 4 p.m. at The Black Sheep Lounge on Niagara Street.