The 19th annual Lucas Holtom Carnival returns to Brampton on Saturday, July 13.

Kicking off at 11 a.m. at Leander Park, the event boasts a wide selection of free activities for both kids and adults, including an obstacle course, nine-hole mini putt, inflatables, a splash zone and a performance by Treehouse TV performer Markus.

Hosted by the North Bramalea United Church, the carnival was established in 2001 in memory of two-year-old Lucas, who died in 2000 in Pine Lake, Alta., when his family was caught in a tornado. His parents, Jamie and Katrina, created the event so families could spend a fun, stress-free day together.

“We felt [Lucas] had a life filled with joy even though he was only two-years-old,” said Jamie Holtom, a minister at the church.

“We wanted everyone to feel the same joy.”

Since moving to Brampton in 1998 with his wife Katrina, Holtom has become well known for his community advocacy and charity work. He was named Brampton’s citizen of the year for 2014.

Food will be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to the nearby Journey Neighbourhood Centre at 9 Ardglen Dr., where Holtom serves as a board member. The Journey is a Christian-based organization committed to bringing hope and transformation to the Ardglen Drive and Orenda Court communities through relevant programming, property transformation and advocacy for residents.

This year, the event will begin with the renaming of Leander Park to Lucas Holtom Children’s Park, with a plaque and memorial being presented at 11:30 a.m.

“Our desire with the renaming is for the hope of the carnival to be felt all year around,” Holtom said.

In addition to activities and food, Brampton-based companies and organizations devoted to families and children will set up kiosks throughout the park.