Growing up as a child from age 4 – every summer in #Bala, #Muskoka, I have, of course, some specials memories. Going to Cunninghams (now purksplace) for worms to fish and fish and fish, would be one…. but often, on rainy days (and others too) I’d be fortunate to go visit Paul Arnie at the #BalaArcade.
Paul, the Bala Arcade owner, if you do not know him, is ageless. My wonderful wife thinks he has a magic potion in the back, an elixir, because he has not aged. He was there when I was a child, then our 2 children, now our 3 grandchildren. July 26th was MAGIC, as my eldest grandson and i walked in, just as Paul opened the store, and all the lights came on – around the store and on ALL the machines – the games in full color regalia – the sites and sounds – oh my!! It was a scene out of Willy Wonka ! Finns eyes (and mine too ) LIT UP….
I must admit that i was so surprised that Peppy the clown and the old fortune teller still worked! Paul must be an engineer as well!!
Pictures can tell a story too but hopefully these words conjure some fun images. My grandson ‘won’ many special tickets for his prowess at the games and walked out with a prize selected with the help from the ‘ageless one’. Today I felt 5 years old again… with a tear in my eye as I actually write this. Bala is indeed, a special village full of adventure, and things to get out and enjoy!