Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – It was a fun-filled day for community children and their parents Sept. 20 as the first-ever Forum/Kiwanis Fun Day was held in the Star City.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
SINGER/SONGWRITER RICK CHARETTE, left, was joined on stage Sept. 20 by local children and Al the Alligator for the singing of “Alligator in the Elevator.” Charette, who has released 10 albums, two children’s picture books, and two live concert videos, performed at the first-ever Forum/Kiwanis Fun Day, which featured numerous games and activities for children and families.
Unlike most events where there is an entry fee for parents but children are admitted free, admission to the Fun Day was $10 for children while parents were admitted at no charge.
“We had 436 children who paid, and 483 were parents and kids under two who were admitted free,” said Forum Director Jim Kaiser. “As far as the number of people who came and how they reacted to the events that we had, I think it was very successful. However, we didn’t make any money from the event.
“Everybody was really happy,” he said. “We’ve heard nothing but positive comments. There was something for people to do the whole day … musical entertainment, games and more. It was a full day.”
Highlighting the Fun Day was singer/songwriter Rick Charette, who is known for such songs as “I Love Mud” and “Alligator in the Elevator.” Also singing that day were John Tercyak, and Fireman Fred and his kids’ karaoke.
In addition to music, the Fun Day also featured a climbing wall, bouncing house, a spinning pumpkin amusement ride, the “Convincer,” which simulates a 5 mph crash in a seatbelt, a scavenger hunt in hay, and various displays featuring local organizations such as the Caribou Children’s Museum, the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library, and Boy and Girl Scouts.
Members of the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club staffed children’s games including a ring toss, bowling, baseball bean bag toss, and a football throw.
Kaiser said it’s too soon to tell if the Fun Day will become an annual event.
“We started working on putting this together in February,” he said, “and the resources to fill a building this large – especially with things for just children – are slim. When we got the chance to partner with the Kiwanis Club, it really helped. The people I’ve spoken with from the Kiwanis are happy with how things went, too, so we’ll see what happens. I’m just glad that everybody had a good time.”
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
THESE LITTLE MONKEYS got rid of some energy while jumping around the bouncing house during the recent Fun Day held at The Forum in Presque Isle. The event was sponsored by The Forum and the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
THESE CHILDREN HAVE FUN digging through hay looking for prizes during one of the many activities held at the recent Forum/Kiwanis Fun Day.
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
THREE-YEAR-OLD Brody Smith of Mapleton tries his luck at the ring toss game, which was run by members of the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club.