It’s promised to be a fun year for kids at the Oak Bay Tea Party at Willows Beach.
Additional free activities and attractions for children have been added to the event list this year. Among them, a Frisbee and hula hoop demo on the beach, a Victoria Symphony “petting zoo” and the return of the Kids Craft Centre.
“The society wanted to have something in place for parents,” said Sandy Germain, chair. “Because let’s face it, most events, if you’ve got two or three children, can be a little expensive.”
On Sunday between noon and 4 p.m., the Victoria Symphony “petting zoo” allows children to try out different musical instruments. It’s meant to be a fun and relaxing way to spark interest in music.
Apart from free activities, there will be the usual midway, a favourite for all ages. Shooting Star Amusements owner Justin Wagner highlighted this year’s brand new 2024 gondola wheel, the Star Wheel, which holds 40 people. From up there, “you’ll have a beautiful view of the ocean.”
Additional fun includes games, carnival food, a duck pond, a kids roller coaster, bouncy castles, zero gravity, bumper cars and a total of 18 rides and attractions.
Not only is there fun for youth, but youth also play a large role in the festival as volunteers including as operators of the Kids Craft Centre.
“[Last year], they turned it into an amazing, amazing thing. They had kids making Father’s Day cards, and at the end of the weekend, they let me know everything they wanted for this year,” Germain said.
The Girl Guides, who are fundraising for planned trips, have been assisting in the Tea Tent since as long as Germain can remember.
“Since I’ve been involved, so we’re talking 27 years.”
Then at the bike valet, the same group of students from Glenlyon Norfolk School have been volunteering since they were in Grade 7.
“Now they’re graduating this year,” Germain said.
On Friday of the festival, four young up-and-coming bands made up of high school students in the area will perform on the stage.
“It’s good for them … an opportunity to be on stage and have an audience,” Germain said.
In the annual event’s 62 years, Germain said historically the main thing for kids was mainly the amusement rides, but this year organizers are being especially intentional about bringing in new activities.
“We’ve evolved,” she said. “It’s a family community event; it’s always been geared towards families. We just are seeing ways that we can enhance on what’s there for kids.”
The 2024 Oak Bay Tea Party runs May 31 to June 2, at Willows Beach. Learn more at oakbayteaparty.com.
READ MORE: Alongside new thrills, Saanich Fair to serve beer for 1st time in 156 years