Outdoor Kansas Kids Day ‘success’

    Over 1400 people braved the cool weather to participate in the Outdoor Kansas Kids day at Meade State Park on Saturday May 3.  Children of all ages participated in sandcastle building, fishing, archery, wing shooting, crafts, treasure hunts and many more activities.
    OK Kids Day can only happen with the hard work of the volunteer committee. 
    "Because we didn’t have an event last year, the OK Kids Committee worked 24 months to bring about this day,” Willie Helms, Meade State Park administrate specialist, said.  "Between our committee and other volunteers, we had nearly 120 people working to make this day happen."
    Area Boy Scout Troops helped with the set up and tear down for the day, and picked up trash all over the area.  In general, the scouts helped wherever needed with a cheerful, can do attitude that was greatly appreciated by all.
    The other necessity for the day to be a success is the participation of area sponsors. 
    "Just feeding this group is a monumental task" said Mark Goldsberry, park manager.  "We fed nearly 1400 people using 445 pound of pork burger, 20 gallons of beans, 100 pounds of tortilla chips and almost 1800 bottles of water and pop."
    Cooking was done on three large grills by volunteers.  In addition to the food, 843 T-shirts were given away and 389 general prizes, not counting fishing derby prizes.
    Although the day started off slow, with below freezing temperatures, families continued to show up throughout the day, and by noon, there was a good crowd.
    Outdoor Kansas Kids Day 2008 was a huge success.  Thanks to all who participated in the event.