6 Friday, May 31, 2024brooklintowncrier.com As the parent of a teen, the fair brings mixed feelings. On one hand, there are memories of my own teenage years when I attended a fair in my hometown. Those fun recollections are mixed with my experimentation and a little heartache. The year I turned 15, I begged my parents to let me attend the fair with my three best friends. We'd each chosen two outfits: a parent-approved one to leave the house in and another to wear at the fair. Not one to normally wear a tube top, I borrowed my friend's for the night. I was thrilled but also worried my mom might find out. With money for ride tickets, I also planned on getting cotton candy. I was to hit every ride and look at cute boys. We got on a few rides and had some food. Then one of my friends got sick and called her mom to pick her up. That left the other three of us to hit more rides. After the spinning crazy ride we nicknamed the "Vomitron," we started talking to two boys. We enjoyed the attention and the new found confidence of our independence. Let's face it: talking to cute boys is much easier without Mom or Dad looking on. My friends wanted to hang with them but, being the third wheel, I wasn't so keen. That's when I noticed my neighbours attempting to win a stuffie at the ring toss. I waved and the children were excited to see me as I often babysat them. I spent the rest of the night riding little kid rides, playing games and winning goldfish. I had a blast enjoying the family time, kind of wishing I had instead gone to the fair with my own. I ask my teen daughter about her fair plans this weekend. "We might go on Saturday night," she says. "Just the three of us." Last year, she'd gone in a large group. Unable to come to a consensus on what to do, they stood around most of the night. So this year, deciding that a small group is preferable, she's going with her two besties. As I listen to them make plans, I hear that the fair outfit, hidden under the parent-approved one, is still a thing. And, it turns out a "Vomitron" still exists. Enjoy the fair! Brooklin Family Matters: by Leanne Brown A Teen's View of the Fair Durham Region residents are invited to celebrate the Region's 50th anniversary by attending our free, in-person family fun events on Saturday, June 15. When: Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine). Where: Doors Open will be taking place at the following Regional sites: Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant 901 McKay Road, Pickering Activities include a tour of this award-winning plant and information booths. Pre-registration is required for the tour and entry. Sign up on EventBrite: https:// w w w . e v e n t b r i t e . c a / e / doors-open-durham-tour- of-duffin-creek-water-pol- lution-control-plant-tickets- 897346085297?aff=oddtdtcre- ator. Durham York Energy Centre 1835 Energy Drive, Courtice Activities include a waste collection truck on display, information booths, children's activities and the opportunity to tour the facility. Registration is required for the tour portion only. Sign up for the tour on EventBrite: h t t p s : / / w w w. e v e n t b r i t e . c a / e / d u r h a m - y o r k - e n e r - gy-centre-open-house-tick- ets-861652264117?aff=oddtdt- creator. Regional Headquarters 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby Activities include an ice-cream truck and food vendors; face painting and temporary tattoo stations; a photo booth and children's activities. There will also be a truck and equipment display onsite and tours of Regional Council Chambers. Scugog Depot 10 Goodwood Road, Port Perry Activities include a public works truck and equipment display and a vehicle simulator. No pre-registration is required. Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) celebrates 50 years as well this year and welcomes residents to join them at Iroquois Park Sports Centre (500 Victoria Street West, Whitby) on June 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for interactive displays and to learn more about the services they provide to our communities. Why: The Doors Open event is part of the Region of Durham's 50th anniversary celebrations and will provide residents with fun opportunities to learn about some of the many services the Region provides. To learn more about Doors Open and to register for tours, visit durham.ca/DoorsOpen. For more information on the Region's 50th anniversary celebrations visit durham.ca/50years. Durham Hosts Doors Open To Celebrate 50th Anniversary