Several bouncy castles will be operational as always at Lantzville's annual Minetown Day event on Saturday, Aug. 17. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Minetown Day

Lantzville pride shines through with Minetown Day

Aug 17, 2024 | 7:56 AM

LANTZVILLE — For nearly 50 years people in Lantzville and the surrounding area gather for a popular community-driven annual celebration.

Minetown Day happens on Saturday, Aug. 17, with most of the events taking place at Huddlestone Park on Lantzville Rd.

“In Huddlestone Park from 11:00 to 3:00 we’ve got competitions, we’ve got food trucks, local vendors and face-painting. I’ve heard rumours there might be a little petting farm this year,” Robyn Hewer of the Seaside Community Society and Minetown Day planning committee told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Bouncy castles, live music and various games happen throughout the day at Huddlestone Park, Hewer noted.

2024 Minetown Day schedule of events. (Seaside Community Society)

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The fun starts off with a pancake breakfast at the Lantzville Legion from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the bike parade at 10:30 a.m., which Hewer noted has been adjusted this year.

“We’ve added a new prize category this year for the best adult entrant, so we’re encouraging kids and kids at heart, everyone of all ages to take part.”

Initially launched in the mid-1970s to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lantzville Hotel (present-day Lantzville Pub), Hewer said Minetown Day is designed to be inclusive, fun and affordable.

She said the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Lantzville bus route is provided free of charge on Saturday.

“It’s really evolved into a community event where local businesses, community members come together, and we aim to provide an affordable day of family fun for everyone.”

Hewer expanded on the generosity of the business community in Lantzville for providing their time and financial support to make Minetown Day so successful.

She said assistance from the District of Lantzville is also important in sustaining the beloved event.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to come spend the day, have some fun and not have to spend a ton of money,” Hewer said.

As a result of the Minetown Day bike parade, Lantzville Rd. will be closed to vehicular traffic between the north side of the intersection of Ware Rd. to Huddlestone Rd. on Saturday between 10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m.

A watermelon eating contests is one of several Minetown Day traditions (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes