CityScene The Beavis Family Fun Day Giving All Children a Chance to Enjoy Chippewa Thunder Bay Historical Museum By Aranka Golphy Chippewa Park, circa late 1930s. I n the summer months, Chippewa Park is a popular des- tination for Thunder Bay families seeking an escape from the scorching concrete of the city. This has been the case since way back when streetcars made their way from Westfort out to the park. Bill Beavis remembers those days of his boyhood fondly, even though he could barely afford the three cent streetcar fare that covered the trip. “We enjoyed watching the animals, playing on the big swings, slides, and teeter-totters as well as 38 The Walleye fun on the beach and swimming,” Beavis recounts. Beavis’ memories of the park and his desire to promote it inspired him to start the Beavis Family Fun Day in partnership with Friends of Chippewa Park, an annual event that takes place in July. Beavis says his vision for the day included “games with prizes for the children, music, coffee, juice, cake, and door prizes.” The celebra- tion has since grown to include free admission to a car show, scavenger hunt, face painting, crafts, and dem- onstrations. Beavis’s daughter Bonnie Shipston is thrilled with the growth of the event over the last six years. “This year will be bigger than ever,” she says. “We are expecting upwards of 1000 visitors to pass through the park for the Fun Day festivities.” Everyone is welcome to the 6th an- nual Beavis Family Fun Day, which will take place July 20 from 1 pm–4 pm at Chippewa Park.