City of Kitchener set to honour children’s entertainer

There is a good chance that if you or your children are under the age of 35 and grew-up in Waterloo Region, you know Erick Traplin very well.

The musician has been entertaining kids in the region and across Ontario for over 35 years, and the City of Kitchener wants to recognize his contributions to the community.

Erick Traplin Day will take over Carl Zehr Square at Kitchener City Hall on Sunday, June 8.

Live music, roaming performers, games and activities will keep the whole family entertained throughout the afternoon. At 1 p.m. there will be a heartfelt thank-you celebration for Erick featuring special guests and a community tribute.

Steve Roth, special events manager, City of Kitchener told 570 NewsRadio this is a special celebration for several reasons.

“As far as I know, it’s the first time in this Region the City of Kitchener is partnering with the City of Cambridge, the City of Waterloo, Kitchener Blues Fest, the Kitchener Public Library, Kitchener Multicultural Centre, Kitchener Octoberfest, the Township of Wilmot, we’re all coming together to say ‘Erick Traplin, you are something special’.”

Roth said his is among the hundreds of families Traplin has touched over the years.

“It’s been 20 years since I brought my kids to these Erick Traplin Shows and I can still probably fake my way through three of four songs. He connects with the kids. He’s engaging them to be part of the show. There is an absolute connection. He loves the kids.”

A major component of the celebration is the community tribute.

The public is invited to share written memories, videos and pictures of Traplin performing over the years.

They can be submitted through EngageWR.