Family fun. What does it mean today? In too many cases, not much it seems.

In an age where fathers are often absent, working mothers are too busy for fun or out partying, and children are glued to televisions, videos and computers, the traditional concept of family life is fading fast. And when family life falls apart, trouble is sure to follow.

Which is why The Centre on Angle Street and the St. George's Community Centre came up with the idea of a weekend of events specifically designed to foster interaction between parents and their children in a fun way.

"That is very important to us,'' community worker at the St. George's Community Centre, Miss Ruby Hill, explained. "We felt that the family unit was being lost in a sense, and we want people to really get back to family -- what it means, and its importance.'' The concept is particularly appropriate in this, the International Year of the Family -- so-declared by the United Nations.

So, on Saturday the west end will buzz with activity as cyclists, walkers and runners make their non-competitive way to the finish line at the Clock Tower building in Dockyard. Thereafter, the action moves to the Maritime Museum, where from 11 a.m. until well into the night a non-stop round of activities and entertainment is planned.

"The walk will begin at Albouys Point in Hamilton at 7.30 a.m., the cycle race will start at the entrance to the Naval Annex in Southampton at 8.30 a.m., and the run will begin at the Royal Naval field in Somerset at 9.30 a.m.,'' Miss Ruby Hill, assistant community worker at the St. George's Community Centre, explained. "Anyone can participate in any of these events, and there is no competition. We want them to be family affairs.'' At the end of the day, those attending Family Day will cast their ballots to decide which two of Bermuda's charities will receive the collected entry fees.

A "bonus'' for morning sports participants will be free admission to the evening festivities.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Museum grounds will open to the public at 12.30 p.m.

with an admission price of $3 for adults and children over 12. Youngsters under 12 will be admitted free. After 5 p.m. the admission fee will rise to $5 for adults and children over 12, and $3 for children aged five to 12.

Within the Maritime Museum grounds, "cultural'' stalls will offer Indian, Oriental, West Indian, American and Bermudian food, and a special "Kiddieland'' area will feature such attractions as train rides, face painting and a fun castle. Grown-ups will be able to enjoy trivial pursuit, bingo, obstacle races and push ball. These activities and more will amuse and stimulate family inter-action until 4.30 p.m.

A full evening's entertainment will begin at 5 p.m. and include something for everyone.

The St. George's Dancerettes -- children who participate in the east end community centre's after-school programme -- will perform family-type rap, while youngsters from both community centres will give a karate demonstration.

Youth to Youth will present a programme of singing and dancing by different groups, designed to "energise'' the crowd through audience participation.

Children from The Centre will sing and participate in a fashion show.

A karaoke competition and the gombeys will help round out the long list of entertainment.

Organisers are also planning to include ever-popular skits in the line-up, and are appealing for help.

"We would like as much public participation as possible, so if anyone is interested in doing something, they can call either the St. George's Community Centre (tel. 297-1754) or The Centre (tel.

292-1343) and let us know,'' Miss Hill explained.

Skits-with-a-message will also be presented by participants in the centres' after-school programmes.

"We have certain familes who are not `recognised' but who attend our after-school programme. They are getting together to make the public aware of certain problems going on on the Island,'' Miss Hill said.

The action-packed Family Day will come to an explosive end with a gala fireworks display at 10 p.m.

On Sunday, the action will move St. George's, where a two-hour gospel concert will take place in the Town Square beginning at 6 p.m.

Choirs from St. Paul's AME church, St. Luke's, the St. George's Seventh-Day Adventist Church and East End Primary School will lift their voices in heavenly praise, as well the Emancipations, the Callabras family, and Tramae Smith & Company.

Mr. Keith Smith will emcee.

"We are looking forward to a great response from the community,'' Miss Hill said, referring to both days. "We feel that the activities we have planned will get families together in one spot and remind them how they should interact with each other and together as a unit.

"The events are also our way of doing something positive in the International Year of the Family.'' Into the bargain, organisers also hope to gain more recognition for the two community centres because at present many people are unaware that they exist and how much takes place there.

BLAZE OF GLORY -- Fireworks will again light up the sky over Dockyard on Saturday night when two community centres combine forces to provide almost 15 hours of activity and entertainment designed to foster family fun.