Families enjoy weekend events in Ottawa as summer vacation winds down

From Navatara's Indian Food Festival, to the Capital Fair, CTV’s Camille Wilson looks at some of the events happening this weekend in the capital region.

It’s the final days of summer vacation and there are still lots to do in the city of Ottawa.

It’s busy out there with many events to choose from as we head into the last week of summer vacation for many and back to school right around the corner.

• What’s happening in Ottawa this weekend: Aug. 22-24

When the Capital Fair comes to town, many know the summer is wrapping up. Hundreds of families out at the Capital Fair this weekend for the final days.

“We usually have a lot of plans over the summer and coming to the fair to wrap up the summer is usually something we do every year,” says Philip Quan, attending the Capital Fair.

Quan says they look forward to going on the Ferris Wheel together as a family and doing the bumper cars as a last hooray.

“But the kids are looking forward to going back to school as well and getting back into that routine,” says Quan.

Families come from near and far for the one of the biggest end of summer events in Ottawa.

“This is our last day in Ottawa visiting. We’re heading back to B.C., we are enjoying the last day in Ottawa,” says Lauren Moore.

“I was visiting with my grandma and grandpa. It was my first time on a plane. I’m excited to eat and to go on rides,” says Morgan, visiting from Alberta.

However, Morgan says she’s ready to go back to school.

“I enjoyed my summer. I’m ready for it to end but I’m kind of nervous about school,” says Morgan.

The fair is filled with many rides, food vendors and shows for the whole family.

“Everyone’s been so positive. We’re celebrating 50 years at the Gloucester Agricultural Society, and everyone stays having a great time when they come down,” says Mark Lamourux, general manager of the Capital Fair.

Also going on in the Ottawa area is The Indian Food Festival.

“Here you will find flavours from many corners of India. Different types of cuisine which you might have not tried before. This is your place to be,” says Sagar Vora, organizer of the Indian food festival of Ottawa.

Apart from food, there’s face painting, henna tattoos, yoga and vendors. The evenings are filled with performances.

“The perfect place to spend quality time with family and friends. We have taken care of a variety of food,” says Vora. “There is some good juice options as well, dessert options after all the flavours that you accumulate.”

For Varsha and her family, this is an annual celebration that they attend all three days, and they are glad to get all of the same foods they would get in India.

“It’s wonderful. We just wait for an entire year to be here, especially when it’s towards the end of the summer vacation. We love the food. We love the vibes, music, Bollywood music and dance,” says Varsha.

Varsha says they moved to Canada eight years ago and it’s nice to pass on the flavours and tradition to her son, who also loves to see the Indian dance and enjoy Bollywood music.