James Toop, 9, jumps in an inflated trampolin at the Boys and Girls Club Kids Day held at Mills Park Sunday. More than 300 kids came and were able to have their faces painted, enjoyed free hot dogs and played with their parents for most of the day. Photo by Brian Corley
Despite a blustery August day, the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada's celebration of National Kids Day 2002 at Mills Park on Sunday was a huge success.
"I am thrilled with the turnout," said a beaming Diane McCoy, area director. "Everyone had a wonderful time."
Beginning last year, National Kids Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in August and "is a day to celebrate and honor children through the gift of meaningful time," according to the web site, kidsday.net.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America, in collaboration with Kids Peace, and other leading youth-serving, community and educational organizations, is spearheading National Kids Day. This year's honorary chairwoman is first lady Laura Bush.
"This is a day to reinforce that children matter -- that their ideas and
dreams are important and worthwhile. I hope National Kids Day becomes one of the greatest days of the summer for America's children," said Bush.
Carson City Mayor Ray Masayko was on hand to proclaim the the city as a "National Kids Day community."
McCoy said the celebration included free hot dogs, chips and drinks, face- and hair-painting booths and a giant bouncing castle.
Bouncing was what Adam Hampton, 8, liked to do best.
"I had a really good time in the castle," a face-painted Adam said as he happily slurped his soda. He was at the park when the event first began at 10 p.m. and was one of the last to leave with his mother and sister at 2 p.m.
McCoy said at least 350 children and their families showed up for the event, clearing organizers out of 500 hots dogs donated to the club by the Carson City Airport Authority and hundreds of sodas.
Other participants of the event were the Carson City Parks and Recreation department who offered the park for free and helped serve food to the masses, Western Nevada Community College and the 4-H Club.
"This provides a positive environment for parents and kids to have a fun time at no charge," McCoy said.
The Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada is a non-profit organization. A years membership costs only $10 and offers after-school activities such as computers, arts and sports. The Carson City club has 1,600 child-members and works in cooperation with other community programs such as Girl Scouts, cooperative extension, computer corps and Ron Wood Family Resource Center.