Spring Fling featured activites for all ages
By Chris Simon

From Salsa Tots to senior citizens, there was something for everyone at Essa Township's annual Spring Fling.

Essa's parks and recreation department hosted the Spring Fling, which gives residents and people living in surrounding municipalities a chance to sign-up for the various sporting and recreational activities taking place in the township over the next few months.

Even representatives from privately run organizations, like Cobra FC and Thornton Ball Hockey were on hand, signing up interested players.

However, the township was also offering registration for several programs, ranging from drama, bully proofing and drawing workshops to exercise clubs, square dancing, karate and basketball.

"One new program we're going to be running is Salsa Babies and Salsa Tots," said township recreation program coordinator Diane Straus. ""Today's (attendance) has been great, it's been very steady."

The event, which attracted several local people, is one of the most important times for Essa program registration throughout the year, she said.

"This is great, it gives people the chance to sign-up at the same time. It's sort of a one-stop shop," said Straus.

Essa offers programs for people of all ages.

Non-residents are also allowed to sign-up for recreational programs, with no extra cost, said Straus.

Others say the Spring Fling is an important date for their league. Cobra FC president Bryan Haas expects about 500 players between four and 18 years old to register in the soccer league this year. The teams need to be set by the end of March, meaning residents have only a few more weeks to sign-up.

"The Spring Fling is a good chance for people to come and sign-up," he said. "It's a good chance to meet some of the people who run it. We have to have registrations a lot earlier than people realize, so this is a good way to help advertise that and set all our teams."

Many of the programs offered by Essa and the organizations featured at the Spring Fling are still open for registration. For more information, visit www.essatownship.on.ca.