Kid’s Day at the Fair drew a big crowd even with the rain during the first two hours of the event on Monday at the Marion County Fair Grounds.
632 kids and 472 adults registered for the event that gave them a taste of farm life.
This was the 20th year for the event. Marilyn Thompson began the event while employed at the University of Illinois Extension Center.
“In 2004 I approached the fair board and Bob Bruce, Assistant Secretary of the fair, and asked them if it would be possible to do a kids’ day,” Thompson said. “I had noticed through the years that a lot of kids from the daycares were coming through, but they weren’t having any hands-on interaction. I felt it was really important that we educate our kids and teach families about where their food and clothing comes from. This is a great opportunity to do that out here.”
Thompson says when the crowd for the first Kid’s Day soared over expectations, it became an annual event before the end of the day.
Current Coordinator and Ag in the Classroom Teacher Meggan Heistand agrees with the need.
“My job at the farm bureau is to educate kids about where their food and fibers come from,” Heistand said. “This event is the perfect event to show kids where their food comes from, and they get to see the animals and the livestock barns. The day on the farm is a great activity to show kids some of the things that happen on the farm.”
Activities included petting zoos for the animals, various displays and hands on activities, as well as a hot dog lunch, ice cream and snow cone.
