As parents and children look for interesting and innovative ways to fill their summer days this year, Haldimand County is taking a virtual approach to programs and activities.

Beginning Monday, July 20, staff will be releasing videos on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for the next six (6) weeks, sharing activity options for children and families including ‘staycation’ day-trips and itineraries, sports and craft ideas, ‘how-to’ webinars and more. Three (3) contests will take place each week, and one Grand prize winner to be drawn at the end of summer. All details related to summer programming and how to participate is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/summer2020/.

Every week will feature 3 videos and 3 contests. ‘A Day in Haldimand’ (Mondays), ‘Discovery Days’ (Wednesdays) and ‘Throwback Thursday’ (Thursdays).

‘A Day in Haldimand’ will highlight one or two towns in the County and the facilities, activities and local restaurants currently open (with their safety guidelines) that will help make your day trip an event. Use the itinerary provided or mix it up, as this activity is part of the first weekly contest. Families can submit a photo or video showing how they engaged in one of the many different things to do from that particular week’s itinerary. The winning submission will receive a $25 gift card, to be selected from a list of local businesses.

‘Discovery Days’ will include activities that families and children can engage in together, such as crafts, experiments, games, and more. “Discovery Days” includes the second weekly contest, with families asked to submit a photo or video of the activities completed from that week’s video. The winning submission will receive a $5 gift card for a summer treat!

For ‘Throwback Thursday’, participants can go back in time and enjoy a Heritage Minute or interesting fact from Haldimand County’s Archives. Make sure you are watching these videos because they may include a special clue for our third weekly contest. A lucky winner will receive a Haldimand County swag bag.

Residents are encouraged to regularly check the County’s website (HaldimandCounty.ca) and social media accounts for updates related to virtual summer programming and the exciting ways to explore and enjoy summer in Haldimand!