The people came in waves, starting at 11 a.m. and they filled their afternoon with food and fun until 4 p.m. Saturday was Algoma Steel Inc.’s annual Family Day and there was something for everyone at this year’s event, held at the No. 2 Gate Administration grounds.

Employees, retirees and their families were treated to lunch, live entertainment and a host of activities for kids including train rides, mini putt golf, face painting, t-shirt drawing and inflatables. Heavy machinery
used in the steelworks were also on display.

Genevieve Middleton, 2, holds perfectly still while artist Ashley Mitchell gingerly applies paint at the Face Painting station, during ASI’s Family Day, Saturday.

Xiaoping Ma, left, and Lijun Guo, right, join six-year-old CeCe Ma at the Shirt Drawing table at ASI’s Family Day, Saturday. Xiaoping works in the Product Development Group in ASI’s Strategy Department.

Nine-year-old Rylan Azpiroz gets some instruction at the Mini Putt from his father, Chris. Chris Azpirov is a Thin-Cast Technician in ASI’s Direct Strip Production Complex. On hot summer days, temps in the mill can reach 50 C or more. “This is nice,” he said, of Saturday’s sun and and pleasant 22 C temps.
The weather, featuring bright sun and pleasant temps around 22 C, was a great match for the day’s plans.
“Super amazing,” said Nicole L’Heureux, after watching her six-year-old son Koen demonstrate he can handle a fire hose from one of the city’s fire trucks. “It’s so much fun for the kids. We’re really proud to work here and be a part of the community.”

Algoma Steel Chief Executive Officer Michael Garcia was among the many volunteers who helped make the company’s Family Day a success, Saturday.

Koen L’Heureux, 6, operates a fire hose Saturday at ASI’s Family Day, while Emergency Response Officer Jesse Pringle provides guidance. Koen attended the event with his parents Jean-Paul (Ironmaking) and Nicole.

There was plenty of food with mini donuts from Lil’ Orbits, Elliott’s Ice Cream, Fratelli’s pizza, burgers from Burger Don, Pino’s with sausage and hot dogs (served by Giovanni’s) and Angry Joe’s with pulled pork sandwiches.
ASI CEO Michael Garcia thanked the many volunteers for making Saturday a “fantastic day.” ASI has hosted a company Family Day since 2004