For three years now, Our Farm Greenhouses has held a Fun With the Family Day just east of Portage at its location south of the Trans-Canada Highway.

Bhryden Doherty is the event organizer and owner of Concerts on Request. He attended the RM of Portage council meeting last week to see if he can hold the event and obtain permits to continue this in the future in order to give something back to the community.

"It's a full-fledged family fun day this year," says Doherty. "Due to COVID, we're not going to be necessarily doing everything but we have concerts, fireworks, a market garden, bouncy castles, face-painting, petting zoo -- the whole nine yards."

The event's planned for September 5 this year, but in future years they're planning to hold it on every long weekend as weather permits.

Doherty says the RM had legitimate concerns that were COVID-19 related, adding that he's working with Health Canada to ensure they abide by social distancing measures. He adds he wants this to be safe for everyone.

Reeve Kam Blight shares council's remarks and decision on the request.

"It was decided that this event must follow and adhere to the guidelines and regulations put forward by the Province and provincial health organization as they are the experts on this issue," says Blight. "So, we've approved them going forward for a single day -- no overnight camping-type events, etc., and following the provincial health organization's recommendations. We wish them all the best."

The event's planned to be free of charge!