St. Catharines Downtown Association

Samuel Potapczyk was getting a serious rise out of being hurled and tossed with abandon on the bouncers at Market Square.

Samuel, 2, was in his element Monday at the Fun-for-Food Family Day event in downtown St. Catharines.

His contented look afterward — munching deep into a ball of cotton candy — said it all.

"He loved being in there," said his St. Catharines grandfather Billy Gervais.

"You should have seen him in action, he was jumping around and running all over the place."

Nearby, Nigel Radick was raving about some near-impossible rabbit and card tricks performed by Welland magician Steven Huess.

"He made three bunnies into one big bunny," said Nigel, 6, his eyes wide with amazement. "It's amazing.'

Patrons were also asked to donate food and money to Community Care of St. Catharines Thorold in a free gathering that included clowns, magicians, crafts, music and a ballcap-wearing Santa.

Jennifer Argentino, senior sales representative for event host Niagara Inflatables and Games, said 5,000 pounds of food and $500 was collected last year. Organizers said they collected around 6,000 pounds of food, with six schools pitching in to donate non-perishable food collected in advance. Prince Philip School of St. Catharines alone brought in 1,200 pounds.

Please see full story by D. Fraser in The St. Catharines Standard at: