‘This is really fun’: Fredericton’s SciFest celebrates learning through science

It may be March Break in New Brunswick, but students are still learning with SciFest.

It’s March Break week in New Brunswick, and families looking for fun activities that everyone can enjoy don’t need to look much further than ‘SciFest.’

Hosted by Science East, the four-day event at the Fredericton Trade and Convention Centre has no shortage of demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities that have no age requirement.

Among the most popular items through the first day of SciFest are the planetarium show, which is done inside a portable dome, and the fan favourite Van de Graaf generator.

“It’s meant to be educational, but fun at the same time,” says Science East executive director Jenn MacDonnell. “It’s meant for families to come explore our exhibits and activities, while at the same time getting exposed to science, scientific thinking, and different exhibits and specimens.”

While MacDonnell says the hope is the event will inspire the next generation to pursue a career in the science field, she loves that people of all ages have been checking out the event.

Diego Tubb is one of the many young scientists checking out the event, and says it’s a great way to kick off his break from school.

“I think it’s really interesting and I’m learning a lot of stuff,” he says. “I hope I’ll be able to come back again.”

It’s a similar sentiment for Alexis Kritikos, who made the drive down from Sackville to take in the various displays.

“This is really fun, I’ve never been here before,” she says. “If this is any indication, it’s going to be a really good trip.”

MacDonnell says hosting the event during a time that kids are off school helps them continue learning while taking a break from their traditional studies, while also offering a chance for families to learn something together.

She adds hosting SciFest in the downtown makes it more accessible for a wider range of people.

“We love having public events like this that welcome all kinds of people to experience Science East activities and exhibits,” says MacDonnell.

SciFest will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday inside the convention centre.

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