Waushara County’s largest free family fun and resource fair, Blue Ribbon Kid’s Day will be held on Saturday, April 6th from 8:30am-12:30pm at Parkside School, 16th Avenue – Wautoma. The event is held each April during Child Abuse Prevention Month, offering information for parents, hands-on activities for kids and loads of family fun. It has been a local tradition since 1992.
Performer and guitar master, Leonardo will take to the Blue Ribbon Kid’s Day stage for two high energy concerts sure to bring families to their feet. Leonardo is a Parents’ Choice Award winning family musician, writing songs that entertain, educate and empower audiences of all ages. He performs nationally at schools, libraries and other events. Rockin’ with Leonardo concerts will take place at 9:30am and 11:00am. The concerts are sponsored by the Wautoma and Wild Rose Kiwanis Clubs.
Bouncy fun sponsored by the Wautoma Rental, Hancock Lions, Farmers State Bank and Waushara Dental includes an Inflatable Obstacle Course and a Jungle Themed Bouncy Center offering great places to burn off extra energy. Children can have their pictures taken with Cinderella, Trolls or Animal Doc & Tiger Characters sponsored by Wautoma Express and The Cupboard.
Animals and nature exhibits allow children to explore. Havens Petting Farm, sponsored by Healthy Communities Healthy Youth, will introduce children to animals one might find on a Wisconsin farm. Nature’s Niche, sponsored by Wautoma Rotary and Milk Specialties, will educate families about rainforest species and habitat with live animals for display and touch! Other nature related exhibits include the Ice Age Trail, 4H Rabbit Association, camping crafts and games and gardening fun.
Family health and safety are always important topics. Families will learn and practice safe escapes from a simulated house fire when they visit the Coloma Fire Department’s Safety House, sponsored by the Wautoma Medical Complex. Families can safeguard their home by joining the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign and have a smoke alarm installed in their home – FREE.
In addition to fire preparations, parents might visit the Project ID exhibit, sponsored by the Waushara County Sheriff’s Departments. Project ID provides parents with important fingerprint identification records of their children. The identification kit can be use should a child become lost or missing. Other exhibits provide information about dealing with stress, vision screening, autism, healthy eating, being active and staying safe. Children are sure to enjoy numerous craft activities and games, train rides aboard Evergreen Campsite’s “Chippy Express” and exploring fire trucks and other emergency vehicles.
There are plenty of hands-on activities to entertain and educate children, allowing parents a chance to learn more about area resources. Children might play bean bag toss, enter contests, color pictures, complete a craft or have their face painted while their parents talk to exhibitors about area services.
Additional exhibits offer healthy snacks, information about childcare, breast feeding, nutrition, parenting, recreation, child development, family activities, and other area resources. Nearly 40 organizations will be represented. Blue Ribbon Kid’s Day is an activity of the Waushara County Department of Human Services. For more information, contact Jan Novak at 920-787-6600 or jan.novak@co.waushara.wi.us